The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1051817
DECEMBER 2018 THE WOLVERINE 29 They're doing it at a high level on Don Brown's defense. Bush might be the fastest linebacker ever to pull on a winged helmet, a captain who led the team in tackles (61) through 10 games. Gil broke through as a regular this sea- son and has consistently contributed while starting each game. Metellus operates as the field gen- eral of the secondary, making the calls back there. That puts Flanagan alums in charge of Michigan's defensive switches, on a crew that's overwhelm- ing opponents. "I've got Devin Bush in the middle," Metellus pointed out. "He's got the front seven, the D-linemen and the linebackers. I've got the secondary, and I feel like over the last couple of years, my confidence has grown. We're mak- ing the right calls, not being shy about making certain calls, not being shy to fix something I see is wrong. "Every game I play, I'm getting more confident that I've got a lot of power back there to help the defense be in the right position." Partridge points to Michigan's 42-21 win over Maryland as a clear indica- tion of the junior safety's advancement in on-field leadership. "The Maryland game was really a great example, with all their shifts and motions and unbalanced sets and tackle oversets," Partridge said. "He took charge back there and was able Metellus has racked up 104 return yards and a touchdown on his three interceptions. His three picks through 10 games were tied for the team lead. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN