Michigan Football: 2014 Roster — Going Into Spring — Defensive Line
Posted at 4:00pm — 2/24/2014
Michigan Football: 2014 Roster — Going Into Spring — Defensive Line
Going into spring football we are going to do our version of the roster breakdown and what we believe going into spring football might look like.
Michigan Football Spring practices start February 25th.
Here is a quick breakdown of some of the defensive line.
Sep 7, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Frank Clark (57) hits Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tommy Rees (11) in the backfield after throwing a pass during the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY SportsFrank Clark – provides needed experience on the Defensive Line. Provides some edge rush. We think he would be a better fit at 3-tech.
Willie Henry – Showed well at a tough position for a young linemen. Good combination of size, quickness, and toughness. Might need to help at 1 and 3 techs.
Ondre Pipkins – The rosters one true 1-tech. Losing him last season was a major set back. He has shown the skill to command a double team. Getting him back and healthy will make a huge difference this fall, but he will be very limited this spring so probably won’t hear much about him in our reports.
Nov 2, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Willie Henry (69) and defensive lineman Chris Wormley (43) and defensive tackle Quinton Washington (76) stand on field between plays during the 1st quarter of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports – If Poggi and Charlton are not the best overall athletes, Wormley just might be. Showed ability to disrupt from the defensive tackle at times last season. Must be more consistent and physical to be a major factor.
Matthew Godin – Worked at defensive end and 3-tech last season. Provides needed size and toughness to the defensive Line. If he can add some size and strength has chance to be a factor next season.
Maurice Hurst – One of the names Coach Mattison mentioned during Bowl Prep. Good combination of size and athletic ability. If he can provide some meaningful snaps at both defensive tackle spots it will be a big help.
Henry Poggi – One of the top athletes among the defensive Linemen. Has the skill to provide the defense the inside penetration needed. Needs a productive off season to add needed size and strength.
January 1, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Mario Ojemudia (53) against the South Carolina Gamecocks works out prior of the 2013 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsMario Ojemudia – One of the big keys to the defense. He is one of the only true fast twitch athletes in the group. His ability to provide pass rush from the quick side is key.
Taco Charlton – Another top athlete playing on the defensive line. He has the length and explosive skill to be a solid edge rusher. Needs to add size to become better run defender.
Brennan Beyer – Made switch from “Sam” linebacker to strong side defensive end. Gave Michigna meaningful snaps and was a solid player. Lacks ideal size for the position.
Tom Strobel – Has the combination of length and athletic ability to be a very good 5-tech to tight end side. I know we sound like a broken record, but he also needs a big off-season in the weight room. Remember guys we are dealing with 1st and 2nd year players and needing continued growth is not unusual.
Keith Heitzman – Helped out at strong side defensive end last season. Provides some needed toughness. Solid against the run, does not provide much pass rush. Rumor is swirling around the team that Heitzman is likely going to try tight end this spring since Jake Butt injury. We actually liked him better as a tight end coming out of high school then a defensive linemen when looking at his film and doing his profile.
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2014 Defensive Line Spring Roster
Name | Number | Height | Weight | Eligibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
Frank Clark | 57 | 6'2 | 273 | Senior |
Ondre Pipkins +++ | 56 | 6'3 | 315 | Red-shirt Sophomore |
Mario Ojemudia | 53 | 6'3 | 250 | Junior |
Chris Wormley | 43 | 6'4 | 289 | Red-shirt Sophomore |
Willie Henry | 69 | 6'2 | 306 | Red-shirt Sophomore |
Taco Charlton | 33 | 6'6 | 270 | Sophomore |
Ryan Glasgow | 96 | 6'4 | 300 | Red-shirt Sophomore |
Matthew Godin | 99 | 6'6 | 280 | Red-shirt Sophomore |
Maurice Hurst Jr. | 73 | 6'2 | 270 | Red-shirt Freshman |
Tom Strobel | 50 | 6'6 | 265 | Red-shirt Sophomore |
Henry Poggi | 7 | 6'4 | 260 | Red-shirt Freshman |
Keith Heitzman ~~~ | 92 | 6'3 | 280 | Red-shirt Junior |
Bryan Mone ^^^ | 6'4 | 315 | Freshman | |
Garrett Miller *** | 93 | 6'4 | 245 | Red-shirt Freshman |
Alex Mitropoulos-Rundus *** | 91 | 6'2 | 250 | Red-shirt Junior |
+++ Coming off of injury.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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