The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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LB Desmond Morgan, who has started 16 games in his first two seasons as a Wolverine, wound up third on the team in tackles last year with 81. photo by per kjeldsen strength needed to play at this level. He did the best with what he had a year ago, but he's different now physically, after a year in the Michigan strength and conditioning program. "When you have to play as a true freshman coming out of high school, you may not be as physically caught up as you need to be," Smith said. "Joe has to work on being more physical, more stout at the point of attack, where he doesn't get bounced around or get ridden out, and playing with a better pad level. "Through the course of spring ball, he showed improvement in that area. A year in our weight program versus coming out of high school is going to make a big difference for him." Like a number of positions on the Michigan defense, the Mike linebacker could feature a rotation — not because there isn't a stand- out, Smith noted, but because of all the benefits that come with such a situation. "It allows them to play better at the end of the game," he pointed out. "They're not tired. They haven't had to play 70 plays. They might have only played 40, and the other guy 30, or whatever the count might be. "It keeps them fresh; it keeps them hungry. Guys can make it through a whole season. You don't lose them as much. You don't beat them up as bad. "If they're playing that position the way they're supposed to, you're going to get beat up a little bit. You only have so many hits in your life, so you've got to make sure you get them through." Preseason Analysis: Linebackers Sophomore James Ross III (6-1, 223) came out of spring ball with a definite buzz surrounding his play. Like Bolden, Ross jumped into the fray as a true freshman, performing in 13 games, starting two and recording 36 tackles, including 2.5 for loss. Ross appears ready to slide into Morgan's vacated spot at the Will linebacker, and is prepared to use his considerable speed and experience gained to upgrade Michigan's defense. "James is a very instinctive football player," Smith said. "We did an evaluation after the season. James played quite a bit at times, and at other times he didn't play as much. "When you watch the cut-ups from the previous year, he was making plays. He was always the guy showing up where he needed to be and making the play you needed him to make. He has some natural strength about him. Even though he didn't have a full year in the weight room, he brings a lot of pop when he hits something." Meanwhile, from the neck up, Ross appears another level of boss, according to his position coach. "The biggest improvement you see in James is the mental aspect, understanding our defensive package better," Smith said. "He's been in it a year. Secondly, it's the overall understanding of what the offense is telling you — by formations, by personnel. Starter ✪✪✪ Michigan lost its star, Jake Ryan, to a knee injury during spring drills, but the cupboard is not bare here. The Wolverines feature a pair of veterans who can step in at that spot in junior Brennen Beyer and fifth-year senior Cameron Gordon, while the inside linebackers should be very good. Junior Desmond Morgan and sophomore James Ross III will give the Wolverines a boost in hitting and mobility. ✪✪ Depth Position coach Mark Smith doesn't hide the fact that he'd like more numbers, even though he's pleased with the quality of what's on hand. The Wolverines feature a solid backup at every spot, although sophomore Royce Jenkins-Stone has not been on the field as a Will linebacker. U-M will need its two rookies here to come along quickly. X-Factor Ryan could return as early as mid-October. If the All-Big Ten performer can get back for even the final month of the season, recapturing 75 percent of his previous effectiveness, it would represent a huge boost to the Wolverines down the stretch. ✪✪✪ Overall Michigan had a shot at fielding its best linebacking corps in several years when Ryan was healthy. It's a bit more of a question mark now, but the Wolverines are developing the athletes to move ahead, and Ross looks headed for a breakout year. The rating reflects a Ryan-less lineup, but that's no death knell for this group. Note: Star rankings are made on a scale of 1-5 stars. A Will To Win The Wolverine 2013 Football Preview ■ 149