The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/106890
men's football of people had a lot of questions about whether I was mature enough to enter the NFL right now. "If you play football, and you have the mindset to play football, you don't like to hear any criticism. My biggest thing going into this Jan. 1 bowl was to treat it like I was in the NFL, like I was an NFL player, taking more time with my technique and my fundamentals and all the things I needed to do to know I would be successful. "Individually, I played one of my best games of my career. I really proved to myself that I could go to the NFL and be successful and do the things I want to do." He appeared ready to say his goodbyes at that point. Reporters were prepared to send "Lewan Is Gone" stories into cyberspace. Lewan then flipped the script. "But when you go to a place like Michigan, the tradition and all the things it had to offer, what Coach [Brady] Hoke has brought into my life and all the things he's done for me, along with Coach [Darrel] Funk and Coach [Al] Borges … it was a tough decision, when you first look at it in black and white," he said. "But when you really go into detail about it, and really think, take the time to sit down and turn your phone off, think to yourself about all the things that are best for you, there was no doubt in my mind that I have to return to the University of Michigan and Team 134 and help lead this team as a senior." Lewan noted it felt good to be part of a class that got Michigan back into every-year bowl expectation once again, that won the Sugar Bowl, etc. All of that isn't enough, he insisted. "That's not the goal here," he said. "The goal here is the Big Ten championship, always and forever. That's what I'm here to do." He certainly has other jobs on his priority list, ones that could lead to the big goal. Michigan will be rebuilding its offensive line, losing three fifth- 2012 All-Opponent Team Offense Quarterback — Braxton Miller, Ohio State: The sophomore was stellar in his second career clash with rival Michigan. Miller completed 77.8 percent of his passes, accounted for 246 total yards and a score, and didn't turn the ball over in the Buckeyes' tight 26-21 triumph. Also considered: Kain Colter, Northwestern; Taylor Martinez, Nebraska Running Back — T.J. Yeldon, Alabama: Yeldon made quite an early impression under the national spotlight, becoming the first back in Alabama's storied history to rush for more than 100 yards in his collegiate debut. He led a dominant Crimson Tide offense with 111 yards and a score on 11 carries, and added 26 receiving yards in the 41-14 blowout win. Also considered: Venric Mark, Northwestern; Carlos Hyde, Ohio State Running Back — Cody Getz, Air Force: Getz was the workhorse behind Air