The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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THE WOLVERINE 2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 119 DEFENSIVE BACKS backups will have played a game other than on special teams, and two of the other three who saw significant action in the spring are walk-ons. The one who isn't, sophomore Tyree Kinnel (5-11, 201), played in eight games on special teams a year ago. He struggled in coverage at times during the first week of spring ball at IMG Academy, but he rebounded nicely. "Out of spring, he would be the third guy coming in [at either free or strong safety]," Smith said. "He's a young guy, still learning the game, but we saw a lot of improvement from him … of all the guys back there during spring, he probably improved the most." He started to become more consistent throughout spring practice, though that's an area on which he still needs to work. "That's the big thing with him. He's still learning the game and still has a ways to go, but I was happy with the way he progressed," Smith said. "His coverage skills … he has a good feel for the zone and he's got to continue to work on his man coverage skills, but he's got very good ball skills and I think he has a lot of upside." Fifth-year senior walk-on AJ Pearson (6-0, 197) is a guy who "is always going to be where he's supposed to be," Smith said. He can play both positions as well. "He's a smart guy, can kind of fill in where we need him," the coach said. "You don't have to worry about him being out of position. He's mainly a free safety but able to play both, and he did improve on his man coverage skills. "When he started off, his technique wasn't great. But I tell him something and he learns it, and he definitely improved on that. He's in the weight room working, improving his speed and quickness. Those are the main things he has to work on." Redshirt freshman Jordan Glasgow (6-1, 195), brother of recently graduated center Graham Glasgow and fifth-year senior nose tackle Ryan Glasgow, will help mainly on special teams, but Smith called him a "hard worker who does everything you ask." He's a frequent visitor to the coach's office to ask questions, and he's also working QUICK FACTS Position Coach: Michael Zordich, cornerbacks (second season); Brian Smith, safeties (first season). Returning Starters: CB Jourdan Lewis (20 career starts), CB Jeremy Clark (13), CB Channing Stribling (5), S Delano Hill (13) and S Dymonte Thomas (8). Departing Starters: S Jarrod Wilson (31). Projected New Starters: Stribling. Top Reserves: CB Brandon Watson and S Tyree Kinnel. Wait Until 2017: CB Keith Washington. Newcomers: CB David Long, CB Lavert Hill, S Khaleke Hudson and S Josh Metellus. Moved In: None. Moved Out: Jabrill Peppers (to LB). Rookie Impact: Long and Hudson. Most Improved Player: Clark. Best Pro Prospect: Lewis. FYI: Athlon Sports ranked Michigan's secondary as the Big Ten's best group and fourth nationally … The Wolverines allowed just eight passing scores in 13 games last fall, which ranked third nationally and was opponents' lowest single-season output since 1997 (five) … Lewis was Michigan's first All-American defensive back since Leon Hall in 2006 … His 20 passes broken up were second in the Big Ten only to Indiana's Rashard Fant's 22, and his 52 tackles are the most for a U-M returning defender … Athlon said Lewis "might be the best cover corner in the country." … CBS Sports' draft analyst Dane Brugler wrote in early June: "Lewis has the ability to blanket and remove receivers from the game. … Although Lewis might not crack the first round [of the NFL Draft], primarily due to his size limitations, he could wind up a steal later on Day 2 for a team willing to look past his shorter stature, trusting his intriguing ability to suffocate passing windows." … Clark initially pledged to Michigan as a greyshirt, expecting to join U-M as a scholarship player in the winter semester of his first year, but he earned a full scholarship and reported in fall 2012 … Lavert Hill was named "Air Defender of the Year" as the nation's top defensive back at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January … Hudson was The Pittsburgh Post- Gazette 2015 High School Football Player of the Year. PRESEASON ANALYSIS: SECONDARY Starter ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ There's a proven All-American at one corner in Jourdan Lewis, two of the up and comers at their positions in Channing Stribling and Jeremy Clark on the other side are expected to split time, and a pair of senior safeties in Delano Hill and Dymonte Thomas with great potential. Depth ✪ ✪ ✪½ Three quality corners for two spots is a good start, but either Brandon Watson, Keith Washington, David Long or Lavert Hill will have to emerge to provide the depth there. There isn't a lot of depth at safety, either, so it's imperative that the starters stay healthy and some of the freshmen learn quickly. X-Factor As noted above, it's depth at the safety position. A key injury or two could be trouble at such a critical position, and it's a lot to ask a true freshman to excel back there in his first year. Overall ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ This group has a lot of talent and the starters have played a lot of football at Michigan. There's a ridiculous amount of athleticism here, as well, giving new defensive coordinator Don Brown options when it comes to blitzing, coverage schemes, etc. Note: Rankings are made on a scale of 1-5 stars. In 2015, senior safety Delano Hill played in all 13 games with eight starts and contributed 46 tackles. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN