The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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Junior Devin Gardner finished the year 75-of-126 passing for 1,219 yards, with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions, after swiching back from wideout to quarterback. photo by lon horwedel never been seen before — and perhaps never will be seen again. Defensive MVP Redshirt Sophomore Outside Linebacker Jake Ryan When Ryan was at the top of his game, he was nearly unstoppable this season. After a breakout campaign as a redshirt freshman in 2011, Ryan was unleashed on opposing offenses by defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, who utilized Ryan's increased understanding of the schemes and packages to set him up all over the field. Ryan finished the year with a teamleading 88 tackles — but he was even more dangerous in opponents' backfields. Ryan racked up a team-best 16.0 tackles for loss, while just one other member of the team finished with more than six (sophomore defensive end Frank Clark, 9.0). Ryan ranked 27th nationally and third in the Big Ten in tackles for loss in 2012. Ryan also led the Wolverines with 4.5 sacks on the season. Michigan head coach Brady Hoke selected Ryan to wear the No. 47 Bennie Oosterbaan Michigan Legends jersey for the rest of his career. Best Touchdown Devin Gardner To Drew Dileo At Minnesota When the Wolverines traveled to Minneapolis to take on the Golden Gophers, they were desperate for any sort of offensive spark. By the end of