The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/130469
from our readers quired by the Big Ten to reimburse the school for all amounts received from the school. Judge John Milligan Canton, Ohio Players can purchase insurance against injury, Judge Milligan, and some — like Taylor Lewan — choose to stick around. But others see an opportunity to reach the highest level of their hoped-for profession and jump at it. As for repayment, a Big Ten championship and run to the NCAA title game over a two-year span isn't bad reimbursement. Tired Of The Hit Dear The Wolverine: Are you as sick and tired of watching Jadaveon Clowney's hit on Vincent Smith being broadcast ad nauseum by ESPN? If so, please read on. I watched Clowney play several times this past year and he is an amazing talent. He is likely the best defensive player in the land. But prior to "the hit," as they are calling it, Clowney was having a very pedestrian game against Michigan. All-American Taylor Lewan, with some timely help, was keeping the wolf at bay for most of the game. Then, due to an obvious blocking mix-up, the big man roared in unscathed, whereupon he flattened a man a foot shorter and a hundred pounds lighter than himself. Now where is the glory or greatness in that? Yes, it was an important play late in a bowl game but what really revs the jets of our highly sophisticated public is the scene of ball and helmet flying at the same time the ball carrier is planted in the ground. I do believe there was a truly remarkable aspect to this play: the hit absorbed by Smith. As soon as he received the ball, Smith was slammed to the ground by a man twice his size. Mere mortals might have been rendered unconscious or at least extremely groggy. But if you look at the film, you'll see Smith's right arm immediately extend in a futile effort to recover the fumble. He had just taken a huge hit, yet his mind was still in the game. Most assuredly, Clowney will rule at a future pro draft. But those teams should take a careful look at Smith. Maybe one of the them needs a third-down slot back who can block and has no fear of going over the middle. Harvey Dasho Walnut Creek, Calif. Shed no tears for Smith, Harvey. With the determination he demonstrated in four years at Michigan, it's not likely much will stand in the way of his success, wherever he goes. Be Heard! Send your letters to: Wolverine Letters • P.O. Box 1304 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 Or e-mail: jborton@thewolverine.com Letters may be edited for clarity or length.