The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/480355
Given the early spring developments, the door appears wide open for per- formers such as juniors David Dawson (6-4, 309), Pat Kugler (6-5, 297), Logan Tuley-Tillman (6-7, 309) and Chris Fox (6-6, 303), not to mention senior Blake Bars (6-5, 281), sophomore Juwann Bushell-Beatty (6-6, 319) and others. Drevno is looking for a few good men, and a few specific qualities that can make or break those selected to pave the way for the Wolverines in the fall. "No. 1 is just how they take the information from the classroom and take it on the field," he said. "How they understand their assignments, having a want to, a physicality, being a teammate, a great teammate. I'm still looking at their weights and evaluating them now. We'll get those weights were we need to be, be able to move in a very good fashion up front." Drevno acknowledged there is a getting to know process involved here, both for coaches and players. He embraces that, and looks to foster a strong bond with those in his charge. He'll push them all the way, but he'll also be with them every step in the training process, and trying to fashion a unit that provides a major source of success. "You demand physicality from them," Drevno said. "You love them up, get them to trust you, invite them over to your house for a barbecue, tell them you love them, get them to play for you. It's pretty cool when it happens. You get that group inside there to be- lieve in one another and the brother- hood, about the want to and how we lead this football team." When Drevno insists the offensive line should lead, he means it. Obvi- ously, quarterbacks enjoy a big leader- ship role on any offense, but it's hard to lead when running for your life. The new offensive line boss is ready to ensure that doesn't happen. "They'll come off the football, know where to go, have a want to, a brother- hood, take control in the room and lead us," Drevno said. "These kids are great kids. They want to be taught, coached … you can't ask for anything better. Nobody is resistant to what we're doing. "There's something special in there. It's something special. Are we there yet? No. I just got here Jan 5, and I'm trying to feel out my bearings. But there's something special in there. I'm excited about it." — John Borton Mason Cole will be entering his soph- more season at left tackle with 12 starts already under his belt. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS