and seven quarterback sacks.
With some modifications, and a
philosophy change, the U-M coaches
believe their linebackers can compete
at a championship level.
CHANGING THE DEFENSE'S
FOUNDATION
Michigan has operated the past
three seasons in what is called a 4-3
'under' defense in which the defen-
sive line shifts to the weakside, away
from the tight end, while walking the
strongside linebacker up on the line
of scrimmage. This defense creates a
playmaking opportunity for its Sam
linebacker, and Ryan made good on
that, recording 27 tackles for loss and
7.5 sacks in 2011-12.
However, it also serves to best dis-
Ryan, who totaled 30 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss in 2013, has moved from the Sam
(strongside) to the Mike (middle) linebacker position.
PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL
