Michigan Football: 2014 Roster — Going Into Spring — Linebackers

Posted at 2:00pm — 2/24/2014

Michigan Football: 2014 Roster — Going Into Spring — Linebackers

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.

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 OWell looking at the depth chart we have a lot of bodies for those three positions and some very good depth with playing experiences. As most know by now that Jake Ryan is moving to the “Mike” linebacker position to get him in the middle of the field where he can be more active and for other teams to not try and scheme around like we saw against Ohio State where they ran to the opposite side of Ryan. With that move that also leaves James Ross III to switch positions as well and will be moved to “Sam” linebacker taking over Ryan’s position going into spring.

A quick breakdown of some of the linebackers on the roster.

Jake Ryan – Michigan’s best linebacker two years running. He is especially effective blitzing. Also does nice job maintaining proper leverage. Learning “Mike” this spring so we will see how he handles it along with adapting to the position.

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Desmond Morgan (48) during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew ODesmond Morgan – Linebacker with the highest football IQ. Responsible for making all the checks and calls. Plays hard, but has problem taking on blocks.

James Ross III – Played “Will” linebacker last year and is learning “Sam” this spring. Excellent movement skills and makes plays in space. Needs to have a positive off-season. Seems to lose focus at times including some of his comments about the bowl game in which he said he wasn’t that interested in it.

Joe Bolden – Did not look out of place. Solid at point of attack and tackling. Needs to continue to get stronger and get better taking on blockers.

Nov 30, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller (5) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Ben Gedeon (42) in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsBen Gedeon – Played well for a true freshmen. Could help at either “Will or Mike” linebacker positions. Needs to improve his strength and fill at the line of scrimmage better.

Michael McCray – Can play either “Mike or Sam” linebacker. Combines good size with solid movement skills. Needs to be more consistent and improve his ability to take on and shedding blockers.

Allen Gant – Moved to “Sam” from safety last year. He adds needed quickness and athletic ability to the position, but needs to get bigger, stronger, and learn the position.

Royce Jenkin-Stone Very athletic outside linebacker and excellent special teams player. Needs to get stronger and shed blockers.

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2014 Linebacks Spring Roster

^^^ Already on campus.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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