The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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working on, this is what we'll be talk- ing schematically,'" he said. "That's the goal — by the end of spring to have a lot of things answered." Here is a look at some of the ques- tions. WHO WILL RUSH THE PASSER? A year ago, Michigan's defensive linemen contributed 24 sacks, or 82.8 percent of the Wolverines' 29 total quarterback takedowns. The Maize and Blue line actually outpaced those on the top sack-producing teams in the country, with linemen from No. 1 Utah accounting for 80.9 percent of the Utes' 55 sacks. Washington posted 52 sacks but only 26 from its defensive linemen, while only 33.7 percent of Utah State's 49 QB sacks came from its front four. U-M's top two pass rushers, how- ever, have left Ann Arbor — line- backer Jake Ryan (9.5 career sacks) is preparing for the NFL after gradua- tion and Frank Clark (11.0 career take- downs) is also preparing for the NFL following an early dismissal from the program in November for a domestic- violence arrest. In their absence, the Maize and Blue return a roster with only 19.5 total career sacks, though senior Mario Oje- mudia and junior Taco Charlton are both coming off encouraging 3.5-sack campaigns in more extensive runs at defensive end during the 2014 season. (Note: Class years indicated are for fall 2015.) "It comes down to how hard these kids are willing to work in the off- season because I don't think we can say any one guy has that go-to move that elite pass rushers have," said for- mer defensive end Dan Rumishek, who had 10.5 sacks in his final two seasons (2001-02). "You look at the guys like Brandon Graham [29.5 sacks from 2006-09] and LaMarr Woodley [24 sacks from 2003-06], and they had something that made them unique, and that's what Charlton and Ojemu- dia are still trying to figure out." Senior defensive tackle Chris Wormley has shown an ability to rush the passer from both inside and out- side, accumulating 5.5 career sacks, and there are an abundance of interior linemen competing for playing time capable of giving U-M some quick Durkin "I came in and watched some games to see where some of our needs were from recruiting, but in terms of individuals I want all these guys to know, 'Maybe you're a guy that hasn't played much, but you have the opportunity to do that. Maybe you're a guy that has played a lot, but you have to go earn it.' I think the whole room understands they have equal oppor- tunity to go win some snaps on the field."