The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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A Look Ahead Several players have auditioned at every position through the first quarter of the season, and there's still a lot of room for improvement. Here's a look at what we might expect to see over the next several weeks. More Ross At LB: Former Michigan linebacker Clint Copenhaver, a starter on the 1997 team, was disappointed with the play of the linebackers in space in the opener at Utah. While the effort was better against Oregon State, both junior Ben Gedeon and senior James Ross saw more action against UNLV. Copenhaver believes Ross could see even more time as the season pro- gresses. "Ross, especially … I think they might have to play him more," he said. "They need athletes out there to play in space and to cover." Ross might be the most athletic they have. It's even possible we'll see more of redshirt freshman Jabrill Peppers in a nickel/hybrid role against the better passing teams on the schedule. Defensive Ends Must Emerge: Redshirt junior defensive lineman Chris Wormley has been the early standout for a group that has been very good through three games. He's also been the best pass rusher, which is a problem in that nobody on the edge has stepped up in that role. Senior end Mario Ojemudia has been around the quarterback at times, but he's overrun more plays that he's made and needs to be better; ditto junior end Taco Charlton, who made one of the bigger plays of the year in forcing a first-quarter fumble in Michigan territory against Oregon State when the Wolverines were already down one score. More was also expected from redshirt sophomore Maurice Hurst in the pass rush area, but redshirt junior Ryan Glasgow has been very good in the middle. "We still have to get better on our technique," defensive line coach Greg Mattison said. "They hear that from me every day, and they're going to hear it until we grade out like we should. We've got to improve that." Secondary Shuffle: Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin started tinkering with different guys at various positions in fall camp, and it's paid off. Redshirt junior Jeremy Clark has emerged at cornerback and Peppers has been a force. "It helps guys learn the defense," Durkin said. "It helps with versatility. You're really not thinking you'll make it through a season and not have guys injured … you're going to have to move guys a little. Now's the time to find out who has the ability to do it both mentally and physically." Expect fifth-year senior graduate transfer Wayne Lyons to see more action, too, secondary coach Greg Jackson said. He started off at corner, but is now playing more safety, and he saw more action in games two and three.