The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/859588
50 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2017 activities are currently being avoided, mainly due to the way the Wolverines concluded the 2016 campaign. "I'm avoiding all fun stuff," the coach explained. "We lost three of our last four games last year — two by one point, one by three points in over- time. We didn't like that feeling, and it has motivated us to pour more time into the football team and into our jobs and give more effort, pour more of our heart and soul into it. Avoid fun stuff. "We did win a whole lot of ball games. We won like nine straight games. There's nothing better than a high-five after a ball game. That, com- pared to the feeling when you lose a game … it's much better." The fact that Michigan did lose three of its last four games — combined with the number of key players it graduated — has many people questioning the team heading into 2017. Some feel they are headed for a step back, while oth- ers believe the team won't miss a beat, mainly due to how talented the young players on the roster are. Harbaugh spoke about some of the youth that has been impressing so far. "We have some guys that could re- ally emerge," he said. "You could see some true freshmen out there — [de- fensive end] Luiji Vilain, [defensive end] Kwity Paye, [linebacker] Drew Singleton. If they're good, if they're ready, if they take coaching well … that falls on us as coaches and falls on them as players. "There are really young guys there that have the talent and the license to be really good players. We want to see it now in camp. The ones that excite you the most — me anyway — are the ones going from that freshman year to the sophomore year. They're doing everything for the second time. Every- thing they're doing, they've already done. "The [cornerback] David Longs, the [cornerback] Lavert Hills, [viper] Khaleke Hudson — I'm very excited about them. That's the time you can make a big jump. So I'm hoping they made a big jump, and that they're go- ing to continue to make a big jump. "[Redshirt junior cornerback] Bran- don Watson has really asserted himself over the spring and summer. He's now a guy that is leading … but learning how to be a leader. He's doing a great job of being an example." Although Michigan's stable of running backs isn't as young as the aforementioned secondary, Harbaugh touched on that unit as well. "[Junior] Karan Higdon has had a heck of an offseason — he looks like he's in phenomenal shape," the coach noted. "[Fifth-year senior] Ty Isaac has worked his way into it, looked a little heavy so we asked him to trim down. Fat is the enemy of speed, and that shows up a lot for running backs. He's put a lot of effort into it, is a very tal- ented guy as well. "We'll see what the two freshmen [Kurt Taylor and O'maury Samuels] can do and [redshirt freshman] Ka- reem Walker … who else from that next line steps up? [For Walker] it's a process. He hasn't unseated the three guys there at the top right now. His opportunity comes July 31, day in, day out to do that. "He has shown to be a very physical guy between the tackles, maybe our best guy doing that. The process of being a good pass protector is next for him … he's not as good as the other three." Only time will tell if the youngsters Harbaugh mentioned live up to their expected billing, but the Wolverines will need several of them to do just that if they want to have a high level of success as a team in 2017. MEDIA MEMBERS DISH ON THE WOLVERINES Members of the media weren't afraid to share their opinions on how they think this year's version of the Wolverines will fare on the field in 2017. Here's a look at what a few of them had to say: Lansing sports talk radio co-host Tom Crawford: "I think the talent level is going up with Jim Harbaugh now at Michigan, even more so than during the Brady Hoke era. They're getting guys who are ready to play immedi- ately. [Freshman wide receiver] Dono- van Peoples-Jones is someone I saw play in high school, and from what I've heard he's ready to play right away; [freshman wide receiver] Tarik Black is another one. Plus, they're going to have to play. "Everyone talks about how they only have five starters back, but when you have [sophomore defensive end] Rashan Gary leading that defensive line, and [fifth-year senior defensive tackle] Mo Hurst on it, too, you're in pretty good shape. There's 14 guys that have played quality minutes of those 22 starters, so that's what I'm focused on — along with the freshmen who should be able to step in immediately. "I don't see Michigan taking a step back at all in 2017— in fact, I see a step up. I might have the maize-and-blue- colored love goggles on, but it's be- cause of the talent this team has. It's also because of Jim Harbaugh and Don Brown, who I think is an incredible de- fensive coordinator. He takes chances, and you have to take chances to win football games and Big Ten champi- onships. They haven't won one since 2004, after all. "I see this team going 11-1. Wiscon- sin on Nov. 18 is going to be a tough one, but the key game for Michigan is the opener against Florida. If they can win that game, then they should have enough momentum to come home and beat Cincinnati and Air Force — who Don Brown is already preparing for, so I'm not worried about the Falcons. "I'm not worried at all about Michi- gan State either — it's at home, plus Michigan will want payback for two years ago. The Wisconsin game is at a vulnerable time, with it coming right before the Ohio State game. I'm very confident they'll beat Ohio State at home, though." FOX college football analyst Dave Wannstedt: "Jim Harbaugh's dad was a coach, so he's been around coaching his whole life. He understands what wins games and what loses games — some coaches don't get that part of it. "I think they'll be good this year. I like the quarterback they have coming back [redshirt junior Wilton Speight], so that gives you a chance every year. With so many players graduating, it's time for new and younger players to Sophomore end Rashan Gary isn't a return- ing starter, but he's a reason so many have confidence the U-M defense can reload. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN