The Wolverine

September 2016

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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80 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2016   MICHIGAN IN THE PROS in his first NFL action, a 30‑17 win at Pittsburgh Aug. 13 in week one of preseason action. He added a 17‑yard scramble and ran the team well. "He's shown the same ability here [that he did at Michigan]. Nothing seems to rattle him," Lions head coach Jim Caldwell told The Detroit Free Press. "He's got a great temperament, but he's also a great competitor." Rudock played mostly against Pittsburgh's third‑string defense, but he was pleased with the way he performed. "Definitely some good things out there," Rudock said, "and obviously there's always room for improve‑ ment, things to improve upon … a little bit more accuracy on some of the passes. My decision‑making was pretty solid. But obviously there are things to work on and to keep learning. "I felt good; I felt confident. I think that's a big testament to our coaches putting so many hours into me, and allowing me to prepare and get bet‑ ter. And obviously our offensive line, too, did a great job giving me a good, clean pocket. Those guys did a great job for us." That included rookie center Gra‑ ham Glasgow, Rudock's former Michigan teammate and a third‑ round pick. He's also impressed in the early going. "I just want to get better, trust the process and help this group and the team as much as I can," Glasgow said. He's competing with incumbent starter Travis Swanson, who got first‑ team reps against the Steelers, and second‑teamer Gabe Ikard. "He's learning," Caldwell said. "He's a young guy that has physical tools, but there's a lot that has to do with that position. That is not an easy spot to play because you're really directing the traffic. You're making several calls, but you also have to be very, very good at your techniques and fundamentals. "… He's coming every single day and getting a little bit better and bet‑ ter, and I think a little bit more com‑ fortable. But it's a challenge for him." Added Glasgow: "It's been a re‑ ally good experience working with the guys that I've been able to work with. I'm just very lucky that I have veterans that are willing to help me." The NBA CARIS LEVERT GETTING CLOSER TO RETURN The Brooklyn Nets surprised many when they took a chance on former Michigan wing Caris LeVert in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft, taking him No. 20 overall. LeVert's injuries (two foot surgeries in two years) weren't enough to scare them off — in fact, the Nets had him at No. 11 overall on their board. "Obviously, the injuries were the biggest concern, but I have a pretty complete game," LeVert told The Brooklyn Daily Aug. 2. "I'm working on getting stronger right now. I'm working on some of the more de‑ tailed parts of my game, but I think it's a complete game." LeVert missed summer league ball but started running again July 20. "This isn't the first time that I've broken my foot," he said. "Unfortu‑ nately I've been through it before, but every step of the way is a blessing. I'm just looking forward to the next step. "We've been moving on a week‑by‑ week basis. We'll probably start with some running on the court and some cutting, as well. I've been shooting LaMarr Woodley • NFL The former Wolverine, now a free agent, said he's still on the market and ready to play another NFL season. He missed most of last year in Arizona due to injury. "I'm staying in shape," Woodley told SiriusXM radio. "The thing is, I put myself in a situation where I've been hurt these past two years. So I don't really control my situation. I can't make a team call me. "All I can do is prepare myself and keep myself ready. And also, I'm going to make sure my mind is working." Mitch McGary • NBA The Oklahoma City Thunder forward and former Wolverine has been suspended for five games without pay for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, the league announced in July. His suspension will begin at the start of the 2016-17 season, as- suming he's eligible and physically able to play. He played in 20 games and averaged 1.3 points per contest last year. Kevin Porter • NHL The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed Porter to a one-year contract this summer, a two-way contract that has an average annual value of $575,000. Porter, 30, spent his first season with the Pittsburgh organization in 2015-16, helping the team earn a Stanley Cup championship by serving as a member of the club's fifth-ranked penalty killing unit. He dressed for 41 regular-season contests with Pittsburgh, notch- ing three assists before his season came to an end March 3 when he suffered a broken ankle. HEADLINERS Former Michigan athletes in the news this month LeVert was limited to 15 appearances for the Wolverines during the 2015‑16 sea‑ son, but he averaged 16.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN

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