Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Special Teams — Start Working

GBMWolverine Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:23 +0000

Posted at 8:00am — 5/21/2013

Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Special Teams — Start Working

Always there is talk about who will play as freshmen. And that is fine because what else is there to do in May?

The easiest way for redshirt and true freshmen to find the field, as freshmen, may be to make the special team assignment.

Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines kicker Brendan Gibbons (34) kicks a point after touchdown out of the hold of wide receiver Drew Dileo (9) as head coach Brady Hoke watches during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Many times defensive backs, linebackers, and quick centers have an upper edge as there is a need for a combination of size and speed on return and coverage teams.

Some players absolutely love and highly desire to hit the field early, even at the expense of throwing away a red-shirt year. Some young players are highly talented and waiting in the wings, but still most capable of handling special teams.

The kickers are experienced and Dileo is a very solid holder, saving Michigan’s bacon a few times the last couple of years. So, the real work needs to be emphasized on return and coverage teams, an area that still remains average for the Wolverines.

September 8, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke talks to kicker Matt Wile (45) and punter Will Hagerup (43) before the game against the Air Force Falcons at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

It is a long way to August, and no one knows the conversations coaches and players will have regarding special teams. There is a likelihood that many of the crop of 2012 will continue to play special team, or crack through to see the field.

Ross Douglas may be a good candidate this fall. He is very smart, learns quickly, and has pretty good speed. It would not be a surprise to see Ben Gedeon get some time. He simply loves to hit people and is a smart player that plays within the system instead of trying to invent a new method of coverage. Mike McCray is in the same boat. Both may then see some time at linebacker if the redshirt is burned.

It would be no surprise if Jourdan Lewis contributes to Michigan’s special teams. He simply has the skill set to get down the field on the outside on coverage teams. Khalid Hill is as big as a linebacker and he possesses decent speed. He may be the type that would love to see the field in any manner possible.

Fall will shake this all out, but frankly, as stated above, Michigan’s coverage teams need to jump to a higher level. That is accomplished through having elite athletes and a true focus on working hard as a unit. Players must value special teams time. Going 90% will not get it done in a big game.

Special teams, don’t leave home without them.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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Michigan Football: Will the Expected Occur? — Crystal Balling Michigan’s Offense Plan For 2013

GBMWolverine Staff — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:00:28 +0000

Posted at 7:00am — 5/19/2013

Michigan Football: Will the Expected Occur? — Crystal Balling Michigan’s Offense Plan For 2013

There are plenty of 2013 changes for the Michigan offense that have either been explicitly stated or widely postulated in off-season discussions. No crystal ball is clear enough to give a spotlight prediction of the offensive production. The reason is there are too many offensive variables to mesh into accuracy baring anything except perhaps pure

With best intentions, and a clear understanding of the difficulty of the task, the effort.

Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (12) gets set to run a play during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Few offenses have as many unknown variables as Michigan. With the exception of two very high level tackles, the rest is conjecture. However, not all is gloom and gloom. Michigan is starting to gain some experience and is clearly gaining in athletic talent compared to the immediate past.

The quarterback spot may get the most scrutiny. Here is what to consider before making your own conclusion. Devin Gardner is a high level athlete. He has size and plenty of talent. Devin also appears to have had a renaissance of intensity, dedication, and focus. This alone does not guarantee success, but it sure helps.

Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (12) warms up before the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Devin throws a nice out pattern, one that if on target to a well-ran route will be difficult to stop. Devin is a threat running the ball on third and short and around the goal line. This helps the inside running game that has been lacking punch in close quarters for years. Bunch up inside and an opponent may be asking for an audible or a quick call from the sideline to fake in and go wide.

Devin is not the ultimate pro pocket quarterback, but frankly he is not bad either. If he has time and good reads, an opponent can get picked apart. Against two really good defenses, South Carolina and Ohio State, Devin struggled some, but one year of solid work should boost his production. Notre Dame’s defense will be a really good early test.

What Devin will most likely do this year is have a solid year. He will make some big plays and give away a few turnovers. The hope is that Devin can function as a touchdown machine, like Denard, but refrain from becoming a turnover machine.

Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Fitzgerald Toussaint (28) on the sideline during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The running back position, like the quarterback position, has promise but is unproven. The variable for offensive success that lies somewhere between Orion and Sirius is the final contribution of the freshmen running backs. There are three, not two, freshmen running backs, but common sense says Shallman ends up somewhere other than tailback. The veterans are also somewhat of a mystery, but all indications are that Toussaint is ready, physically and mentally. If Michigan can rely on the backfield to control the game, and protect the defense, and pound the opponent, good things will happen.

The wideout position still has some mystery. There is no reason to believe Gallon will not have his best year. Drew Dileo will contribute, but the extent is unknown. The real wild card is the hard working Amara Darboh, and to a lesser extent, another youngster, Jehu Chesson. This unit will need to gain a high level of coordination in a few short months, a tough task.

Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesman Taylor Lewan (77) during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The interior of the offensive line has talent and plenty of candidates. This summer is critical for the interior guys to squeeze the maximum improvement and offensive recognition in a few short months. Coaches Lewan and Schofield will take this obligation most seriously, that is not a variable to be argued.

Coaches hate question marks, and the Michigan offense has plenty of said commodity. But, hard work, good talent, and a clear understanding of expectations can help.