The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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[ D E F E N S I V E B A C K S ] 114 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2021 FOOTBALL PREVIEW big things from him and a lot of guys that didn't play last year. Training camp … it's going to be awesome to watch these guys compete." All of them started from scratch with a new defense in the spring, including the up- perclassmen. The defense will be multiple, just as it was under former defensive co- ordinator Don Brown, but new D.C. Mike Macdonald will include more zone cover- age, most likely, and not ask as much of his corners or safeties in man coverage. 'The biggest thing is you've got more stuff on your plate, but ultimately I think it's putting kids in great positions to be suc- cessful," Bellamy noted. For the young guys like Moten, there was plenty to learn in year two even with- out the change. He's picked it up quickly and will be one to watch this fall, likely to see game action. "The biggest thing for R.J. is his level of physicality," Bellamy said of the 6-0, 213-pounder. "He's a very physical football player, a super smart kid that's in the right spot most of the time. He's put himself in a good spot, is super coachable, passionate about the game. "When a kid gives you those traits, it's going to be hard not to put that kid on the field." There are several waiting in the wings in case they get complacent, and many just outside the two-deep had great springs, too. Redshirt sophomore Sammy Faustin has been in the program for a while now but is starting over with a new defense just like everyone, getting more comfortable in the system. The 6-2, 200-pounder played in only one game last year due to injury. "He made some great strides this spring," Bellamy said. "There's positional flexibil- ity in this defense where kids can go out there and can do some good things. We'll move them around, and everyone is going to have an opportunity to have a home on our defense." Redshirt freshman Quentin Johnson (5- 11, 200) played in two games last year on special teams, but he also saw more oppor- tunity this fall. He had a "fantastic spring," Bellamy praised, and took advantage of the extra work. "Everyone got a clean slate," the coach continued. "A lot of guys came in and com- peted, and that's what 'Q' did. He did some great things this spring, and he's another one that's going to contribute to a tough fall camp, one that's very competitive." Redshirt sophomore German Green (6- 2, 181) is an example of a player getting more comfortable the more he's learning the scheme, and was playing faster by the end of spring ball. Freshman Jordan Mo- rant (6-0, 207), though younger, also took advantage of more playing time this spring. "He did a phenomenal job this spring. He's just looking to carry that over to the season," Bellamy said of Morant. "Jordan was a guy who redshirted last year, got an opportunity to get a lot of action this spring … a lot of action. "I'm looking forward to Jordan taking that next step, because he has all the physi- cal attributes you're looking for. He's got size, speed, is an ex- plosive kid and a super smart kid. Now it's just time to go, and I think he'll be ready." Two others, redshirt freshmen Jalen Perry (6-0, 185) and Caden Kolesar (5-10, 196) — the latter a third-gener- ation Michigan legacy and former preferred walk-on — will also have an opportunity to contribute more. Perry moves over from cornerback, where he played in two games last year, and has been receptive to the move. He played safety in high school, so it wasn't completely for- eign to him. "He's just catch- ing up on learning schemes, because ob- viously, corner and safety are two totally different positions," Bellamy said. "Toward the latter part of spring he caught on and you could see him playing faster, making plays. He's going to get in the playbook [this summer] so when he comes back, he's ready to roll. "And Kolesar, I love Kolesar. What a man may lack in size and ability, you can make up for that with your instincts and passion for the game, ability to do different things. Caden is a rock star. His approach to the game is fun to watch; he always sits in front and takes notes, goes out and is always around the ball. He's also an ace on special teams." Clinkscale didn't get a chance to work with the cornerbacks in the spring and wasn't around to talk about them, but Bel- lamy saw plenty. He was also familiar with many of them, having seen them up close while coaching high school ball. That bond made it easier for some of them to put last year's tough season behind them. One in particular, redshirt sophomore Vincent Gray, struggled when asked to be the No. 1 corner. The 6-2, 190-pounder seemed to be more comfortable this spring around some friendly faces. "He saw me and a guy like [running backs coach] Mike Hart — guys that re- cruited him in high school — and although he hasn't seen Coach Clink since he's been hired, that's another guy that recruited him in high school," Bellamy noted. "The fa- miliar faces, that helps a kid's confidence tremendously. "But Vince had a really good spring. I think this defense suits him better than the Fifth-year senior safety Brad Hawkins is the veteran of U-M's de- fense, having started 16 games and appeared in 42 career con- tests. Nobody else on the roster has more in either category. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN