The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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M Former U-M Tight End Kevin Koger Is Serving As A Graduate Assistant One of the Wolverines' youngest position groups received a huge boost this offseason, when a former Michigan standout was hired onto the staff as a graduate assistant. Kevin Koger, who played tight end in Ann Arbor from 2008-11, stayed in southeastern Michigan after graduation, coaching at Saline High School. When the Wolverines had a graduate assistant job open this spring, head coach Brady Hoke knew it was a no-brainer to reach out to Koger. "We had an opening, and we love Kevin," Michigan tight ends and special teams coach Dan Ferrigno said. "We talked him into it." In the spring, Koger primarily worked with the tight end group, helping Ferrigno split his duties between the tight ends and specialists. And this year, his help was greatly appreciated. Although sophomores Devin Funchess and A.J. Williams both saw extensive playing time last season — and Funchess had a breakout year, catching 15 passes for 234 yards and five scores, earning Freshman All-America honors from the Football Writers Association Of America — the unit is still extremely young. Redshirt junior Jordan Paskorz is the lone upperclassman tight end, and he moved to the position from defense last season. Having another experienced coach to work with the tight ends has been huge this offseason. "I have improved extremely," Funchess said. "In him. Now, you have two coaches who really know what they're talking about, and you can pick their brains any time. You take that knowledge and bring it onto the field." Funchess has been focusing on his blocking technique this offseason, whereas Williams, who did not tally a catch in 2012, has been working on his route running and pass catching. Koger has been able to help both. "It's great to have him around," Ferrigno said. "I coached Kevin, so we speak the same language. It's good to have him around, because he already relates to the position and to the technique the way it was coached to him. "It's a big help to me, because he's another set of eyes. You get channeled into a way of thinking when you're the only guy looking at it. When Kevin and I watch film together, he'll pick up something that I didn't catch, or I'll see something he didn't. We talk about it, and it works, because he and I have a really good relationship." In four years with the Wolverines, Koger caught 59 passes for 756 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2011, his senior year and Hoke's first season at Michigan, he set career highs in catches (23), yards (244) and touchdowns (four), and was voted team captain by the coaches and team. "It's another voice, and he interacts with the players very well," Ferrigno said. "He's going to be a fine coach. He's a hard-working guy. It's very good for us." In four years with Michigan, Koger made 59 catches for 756 yards and nine touchdowns, with career highs in catches (23) and yards (244) coming in his senior campaign. Photo by lon horwedel the spring, Kevin came back, and we used his footwork drills, and that made me more explosive off the line. "He's great to have around. He has a lot of experience, and he's bringing that back to the rest of the tight ends. We can learn so much from Exclusive designs 50% less than bank prices ■ Hi-tech security features ■ 100% Satisfaction Guarantee ■ ■ SAVE TIME—CALL TOLL-FREE TODAY! 1-800-923-2435 Michigan Debit Wallet #9B39DW Protect yourself with Michigan Logo Check #9B39 (1 Design) Michigan Address Label #9BBMI Michigan Leather Checkbook Cover #L9BMI ® Help protect your checks in the event of unauthorized use up to $25,000 with the EZShield Check Fraud Protection Program® and help restore your identity with EZShield Identity Restoration®. 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