The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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38 THE WOLVERINE MAY 2018 "I've never played any other position growing up as a kid," Ruiz said. "That was the position I played. So I was like, 'Well, I guess this is what I'm supposed to do.'" Warinner praised his com- munication and defensive recognition. "We go through all of our looks and rules … he knows," Warinner said. "He's been right at such a high level that it's really helped us in spring practice protect the quarterback and be more efficient passing." WIDE RECEIVERS Michigan's pass catching corps was young last year, and it took a big hit when freshman Tarik Black went down with a broken foot in the non-conference portion of the season. This group, though, figures to be one of the team's most improved. There are some veterans in juniors Kekoa Crawford and Eddie McDoom, and a soph- omore class that really seems to be coming into its own. "Offensively, staying with guys that are poised to have a good season, contributed some last year but expect to have a bigger role this year … the receiving corps is re- ally coming on fast," Har- baugh said. "Tarik Black is coming back to speed, [sophomore] Donovan Peo- ples-Jones is an improving ascending player … very good. "[Sophomore] Nico Col- lins … there's a name for you. He's really doing a great job of tough blocking, making tough catches." Others have also impressed. "Oliver Martin is asserting himself on the scene, [junior walk-on] Nate Schoenle is another improving, as- cending player," Harbaugh added. Senior Grant Perry has gotten plenty of reps in his career and could also be a factor, though we hadn't heard much on him in the spring. Peoples-Jones is in line for most improved player honors this spring, according to teammates, and he's had some 'wow' moments. Getting off the line has been a huge emphasis for him, set by new wide receivers coach Jim McElwain. "We've got to get open for our quarterback," Peoples-Jones said. "I've got to be open." They're getting there, Martin said. "Making contested catches is a big area we've improved on," he said. "The new coaches we brought in are really emphasizing releases, getting off jams cleaner. They've broken it down from a technical standpoint re- ally well, so we're able to do the releases they're equip- ping us with pretty easily. "I like [McElwain] a lot. He's very relatable, person- able. He breaks down the offense so it's simple for all the players … and then it's just getting our feet active, swiping hands off, particular releases we have." I t ' s b e e n n o t i c e a b l e . Cornerbacks coach Mike Zordich is among those who have been impressed, not- ing they've all taken a step forward, now having a year under their belt and no lon- ger being rookies. "They're now into their second springs so they are very comfortable," he said. "Everything slowed down for them, as well. They're just reacting, just playing in- stinctive. You can see their improvement, big time. "Donovan is going to be something special. He's run- ning really good routes, very strong at the line of scrim- mage and he makes great catches. Super hands. They are all very talented guys." RUNNING BACKS On numbers alone, this has the potential to be an ex- tremely good group. Senior Karan Higdon and junior Chris Evans combined for 1,679 yards and 17 touch- downs last season, led by Higdon's team-high 994 yards and 11 scores. " T h e y ' r e b o t h s u p e r tough," Michigan running backs coach Jay Harbaugh said in early April. "It's just getting them to play with the tech- nique that we're looking for. "Right now compared to last spring, it's significantly better." He's talking about pass protection, which is where this group needs to improve. The 5-10 Higdon said he gained five pounds, up to 200, from the end of 2017, while the 5-11 Evans is up to 214 from 208. "The more you do, the better," Hig- don said. "Pass protection is defi- nitely one of my things I'm focusing on the most." Sophomore Donovan Peoples-Jones, who caught 22 passes for 277 yards as a rookie last year, was cited as being among the team's most improved players this spring. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN