Michigan Football Tidbits: Pure Linebackers — Part 1

Michigan Football Tidbits: Pure Linebackers — Part 1.

In normal defensive schemes teams use three linebacker’s, but in Michigan’s case — you either use:

Four: If you include the “quick defensive end”.

Three: If you only include “spinner” (hybrid linebacker / safety).

or

Two: If you only include pure linebacker’s.

Begin with just the pure linebacker’s

At least during spring, the two linebacker’s that were on the field did not seem to have different roles. Neither actually lined up in the middle, nor were they actually wide. They were somewhat just split and looked to play somewhere between where you would normally see a middle linebacker and outside linebacker.

Linebacker is the position to keep an eye on early in the fall. This group will either need additional work or it could progress rather quickly. Of all the defensive groups, the linebacker’s have some of the overall best athletes when considering size and speed along with athletically.

This will be one of the most athletic groups we have had. And because of lack of numbers, this group got a lot of attention in spring. Coach Hopson at times only had 3three healthy scholarship players. This group also has a nice balance of veteran vs. youth (experience vs. rookies).

This is similar to Ohio State defense, but kind of in reverse. Ohio State is playing a base 4-3, with a hybrid that allows the defense to play like 3-4 in nickel situations. Michigan is playing a base 3-4 alignment that can play like a 4-3 or 4-2-5 more correctly in our opinion at times.

There were even times that Michigan had one inside linebacker, and that player was not true middle linebacker, but still lined up off set.

The players:

Ezeh: We have posted our opinion on Ezeh many times. This is the year he needs to step up especially in his consistency in defending the run. At times he does well and then all of a sudden opposition will get a huge play with Ezeh frequently being in right spot but missing a tackle.

And yes, there has been some talk about his potential at quick defensive end, but because of depth, and his experience along with Fitzgerald not pushing himself into a starter role, Ezeh stays.

Ezeh main strength is blitzing and think we will see coach Robinson use Ezeh in that role quit a bit. Ezeh is now a big kid, has great size. He has adequate speed and seems faster than years past. He once again is saying this will be the year. Lets hope, Michigan needs a all-American effort from Ezeh.

He will be a three year starter and is one of the hardest workers on the team. He needs to be leader a and top performer on the defense. Handled the coverage portion of his duties well this spring. Must be better against the run.

Mouton: As discussed yesterday with Warren, sometimes it helps when a kid cannot play football because of injury. We discussed the effect it had on Warren yesterday and think there was similar effects on Mouton.

When watching film, coach Robinson says that Mouton was by far the most productive linebacker a year ago, but all of the linebacker’s were very inconsistent. Along with tackling, being in proper position, pass defense was a huge problem.

Mouton is by far the best of the linebacker’s in this area. During Mouton first couple years at Michigan, he was considered somewhat lazy and had gained too much weight.

He was not overly happy playing so close to the line of scrimmage at times (preferred safety) and his change of positions had a negative effect on his attitude toward the game.

Last year he seemed to progress, but like Warren, he seems to have a much different attitude toward the game. He is working hard, is healthy now and expect him in the starting line-up on opening day.

Fitzgerald: Came to Michigan with a very high ratings. Athletically he probably deserved those ratings and he has good height and speed. He admitted coming to Michigan that he needed some strength work and he was right.

He struggled for most of his freshman year and got pushed around quite a bit and really did not make a huge impression on coaching staff. This spring there were signs of improvement, Fitzgerald was obviously stronger. His biggest problem was he played way too high and was easily blocked. He got by in high school by just being a better athlete, but at Michigan he needed a ton of fundamental work.

He Played solid on special teams last year, but it is completely different than playing solid at inside linebacker. Remember this is Fitzgerald’s second new position in two years. He played mostly an outside linebacker, stand up defensive end in high school, middle linebacker last season, and now inside linebacker.

Right now, Fitzgerald is not ready for prime time. And will not be a starter at Michigan this year. But his time is coming, his attitude and approach to the game along with the fact he is one of the smartest kids on the team will enable him to make the necessary adjustments and progress.

At one time it was thought he may be a candidate to move to quick defensive end, but he just is not going to get big enough. So he is the back-up to Ezeh this year and look for him to play a lot and push for a starting spot a year from now.

His rise to becoming a starter could be enhanced if he shows an ability to get off blocks better, and defend the pass (which right now is one of his strengths).

Might be the most talented linebacker on the team. Only lack of experience playing inside is holding him back at this time. Still learning the position, but has chance to be outstanding.

Part 2 — discuss Demens, B. Smith, Leach and the Freshmen.

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Written by MaizeMan, CoachBt and ErocWolverine