The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1465168
MAY 2022 THE WOLVERINE 27 Last season, Smith started all 14 games on the defensive line and notched 37 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, four pass breakups and four quarterback hurries. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL — academically a senior but eligibil- ity-wise a redshirt sophomore — Smith is being asked to lead, something that doesn't come naturally to him — not vocally, anyway. He'd be the first to admit it. Guys like Hinton, graduated safety Brad Hawkins and linebacker Josh Ross … those guys were naturals in that department, and they carried the torch. In that respect, the personality of the defense changed, and it was evident early in spring. "We're just different," Smith said. "Every year is different when you have the same guys [but] there are different guys [too]. I'm just getting to know their personalities and getting to know them … to get closer to building that bond relationship. "Every year leadership changes hands. You've got to go out there and get it. Some people like to lead by example. Some peo- ple like to talk. Go get it. I'm not a leader yet, but if I do everything right, I will be." And they'll need him to be. Hutchin- son was one of the best in recent Michi- gan history, and several others followed his lead. Smith said last season that he writes down his goals at Michigan, whether they pertain to on-field results or per- sonal ambitions. He's following the same ritual this year, because if it ain't broke … "Sometimes my goals are related to football, sometimes just related to how to carry myself as a person," he said. "So long as I'm working on who I am, the football will take over." In that respect, he's off to a fantastic start. ❏ Smith "Every year leadership changes hands. You've got to go out there and get it. Some people like to lead by example. Some people like to talk. Go get it. I'm not a leader yet, but if I do every- thing right, I will be."