Michigan Football: Wolverine Spring Notes — Offensive Line

Posted at 7:00am — 4/12/2014

Michigan Football: Spring Notes — Offensive Line

As far as the offensive line a couple of comments.

Did the offensive line play up to expectations? Probably not. However, when I watch the tape of the spring game I saw some positive signs. For example, I thought Kalis was actually pretty good.

Apr 5, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesman Kyle Kalis (67) walks on the filed during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY SportsKalis who a year ago at this time was a huge problem for the program, constantly pouting, and was basically un-coachable. This year, he has shown signs of maturity and may have been our best overall offensive linemen throughout camp. Kalis still has a long way to go especially in his footwork, when protecting the passer, but his attitude and approach is now at a place where I think he will put in a great summer and be very a effective this fall.

Braden, a year ago the biggest knock on him was he was just too nice, not tough enough in practice. Many explained his lack of playing time with the need for him to move to offensive tackle and that was a small part of his situation, but the biggest issue was he just did not compete hard enough in practice. This spring, and during communications with Braden in the off-season, Braden was challenged to pick up the intensity if he expected to see consistent playing time. Braden responded well this spring and despite suffering a hand injury which restricted his ability to “punch” the defensive line during pass protection he battled. He also needs to continue to progress and Glasgow has shown ability to play right tackle if needed, but Braden now seems to be on the right track.

Nov 30, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) is lifted into the air by offensive linesman Ben Braden (71) after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsDawson, I see where some posters went after Dawson, but remember Dawson was asked to play left tackle in spring because at the time (before spring practice started) we did not have anyone to play left tackle. Mags was hurt, as was LTT and nobody at the time really knew that Cole would be that good. In addition, coaches wanted to see Dawson in action. however, it was evident early on in spring that Dawson was not going to be our left tackle. Cole basically passed him up and when LTT got healthy enough to practice, Dawson move inside where he basically shared time at offensive guard with Kalis and Bosch. But, for anyone to say Dawson in overrated based on his performance at left tackle I think is wrong. Dawson I think could play right tackle or offensive guard, but not left tackle.

Cole, Kugler, Fox all talented kids who just needs another year to develop and get healthy. Kugler is probably the closest although I know Cole started in spring game, but unless Mags simply cannot make it back early enough I think coaches would prefer Cole red-shirt. May not be possible due to injuries and depth chart, but would be the best thing for the program.

Note:
I just don’t see where people think our offensive line does not have enough size. Size is not the issue with this group.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — MaizeMan

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