Michigan Football: 2013/2014 — Defense — Part II

Posted at 4:00pm — 1/9/2014

Michigan Football: 2013/2014 — Defense — Part II

Linebackers:

First the good, I think UM has two very good young guys in Gedeon and Bolden.

Ryan coming back gives the linebackers good leadership and play-making. Morgan is Morgan, smart, bit undersized, and not a great athlete, but will give everything he has. Always thought he was a fullback, but oh well.

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jake Ryan (47) prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OUM needs to get more athletic at linebacker. As I watched the BCS game you could see the athletic difference at linebacker. And the athletic plays they made in space. Ross has the skill to help, but his lack of consistency and focus are troubling.

Young Guns Gant and Stone have the skills, just have not put it together yet and need big off seasons. And McCray looked better during bowl prep. If UM linebackers are to improve, the young guns have to push the vets, or overtake them.

Corners:

Like most of my Blue Brothers I got a sick feeling in my stomach watching corner play in the Bowl game.

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Channing Stribling (8) during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OTo play 7 to 8 yards off and still get beat over the top is un-excusable.

Still think Countess is a plus corner and like Lewis a bunch. Also think others such as Stribling and Douglas have shot at being solid corners.

I do not get Taylor, has the skill and experience. After three years have to question if he will ever put it together.

What UM lacks is a swagger guy. Again if you watched the BCS game you saw FSU and Auburn corners in receivers face and not giving them an inch. Did they get beat sure, just like Woodson did. But if you force offenses to earn their yards it gives you a shot.

Safeties:

This is #1 area that needs to be fixed.

UM cannot keep giving up so many plays of 20+ yards and play with good teams. Just will not happen.

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jarrod Wilson (22) during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OFurman and T-Gordon are classic tweeners. Not big enough to play linebacker, and lacking athletic ability to be safeties. I give Gordon big props, he gave everything he had, and made some plays. He just is not a true safety.

UMs future has to be with Wilson, Thomas, and other youngsters. I really liked the athletic ability of Hill and Dawson. Hill in particular showed some impressive skills. Clark can hit, but coverage is still a struggle. I guess he is same position as T-Gordon, a tweener.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — CoachBT

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