The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/111015
football recruiting issue the best at his level. North Allegheny took on Fox Chapel High School, and Kugler lined up against present Pittsburgh freshman Adam Bisnowaty, who now stands 6-6, 275. ���It was the first time he went against somebody that was like him, as far as both height and weight ��� a big, physical lineman,��� Walker recalled. ���The kid had two inches on him and 30 pounds. It was one of those games where, when Pat was on offense, that kid was on defense over the top of him, and vice-versa. It was a playoff game, and it was a flat-out war with those two for four quarters. ���Pat took it as a challenge, an individual battle that he had to win. He was physical, he was intense, and there were some battles he lost, but he won more than he lost at the end of the day. It proved to a lot of people what he was capable of, from a physical standpoint and playing against a top-caliber, blue-chip player.��� Kugler also showed a knack for getting beyond the initial one-on-one matchup, something college coaches always seek out. ���He���s got an unbelievable ability to come off blocks and get downfield and get linebackers, the secondary guys,��� Walker said. ���He���s always looking for somebody to get after downfield during a play.��� Given the combination of physicality and a relentless on-field mean streak, only further development, learning and preparation remain. That���s where Kugler should shine, his coach insisted. ���He���s been around the game so much, and has taken so much from his father,��� Walker said. ���He���s watched different positions and heard different terminologies, so he���s going to get it. ���A second major influence is his offensive line coach here, Mike Buchert. Mike was his offensive line coach for three years, and developed his mentality, his knowledge of the game, and the different things as far as fronts he���ll see, with pass protections. What Mike has been able to do with Pat and his growth has been exceptional. ���Because Pat has had those two guys in his corner, his father and his offensive line coach, I know he is going to progress very, very quickly at Michigan.��� Kugler also proved a disruptive force on the defensive line for North Allegheny���s powerhouse crews the past three seasons. He���s nonetheless destined for the Grand Funk Railroad, performing with offensive line coach Darrell Funk���s red meat eaters. ���He���s going to do great,��� Walker promised. ���The biggest transition will be the consistent size and speed that they���re going against, the maturity of guys who have been there a few years in the system. That���s the biggest part. ���Once he gets the mental part of it down, and understands the physical part, gets a year and gets entrenched with Michigan and everything he���s got to do, gets that maturity under his belt, he���s going to be a guy that makes a large impact.��� ��� John Borton