The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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No. 10 — S Tyree Kinnel Kinnel looks like the closest Michigan comes to a surefire sec- ondary starter heading into the fall. The junior has been on the field in 21 games over the course of his career, seeing the field at safety in all 13 contests during 2016. He drew high praise recently from Doug Karsch, the field reporter for Michigan radio broadcasts. Karsch recalled seeing someone coming up aggressively out of the next-level defend- ers and thinking for certain it was Jabrill Peppers, because of the speed and efficient movement involved. It was, in fact, Kinnel, who has demonstrated great pursuit and hitting ability. He's shown something else as well. Michigan's coaches in the defensive backfield appreciate the way he's taken charge, bark- ing out calls and getting the secondary set. That's going to be of major importance this fall particularly, following the loss of all four 2016 starters from the last line of defense. Michigan's defensive line and linebackers are shaping up to constitute a formidable front, while observers anxiously await the growth necessary among the defensive backs. Kinnel will play a key role, not only in performing well himself, but help- ing those around him succeed. "Honestly, I feel more comfortable than I've ever been at the college level," Kinnel said. "Freshman year, you try to get all the nerves out. Sophomore year, you're trying to find yourself a spot on the team and trying to find the best role you can. Those two years helped me a lot, especially playing as a fresh- man. Now my junior year, I feel like everything has opened up for me. I can play a little bit faster, I can play a little more comfortable. "I'm excited for this year, I believe this is a big year for me, and I'm ready to get out there and play in Coach [Don] Brown's system another year." — John Borton Photo by Lon Horwedel SEPTEMBER 2017 THE WOLVERINE 27