The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1511544
DECEMBER 2023 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 23 pass breakups, a pair of interceptions and 2 quarterback hurries. This year, he entered the visit to Maryland ranked second on the squad with 38 stops, a sack, 5 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and a pass breakup. He's an essential element of the de- fense, one his coaches see as a key to everything Michigan is trying to ac- complish. Linebackers coach Chris Par- tridge understands what he's working with and hails his players as a crucial component of that defense. "The linebackers have really taken on a tremendous role in this, because they can run so fast, and their eyes are so good. They're taking all the double teams off the D-line," Par- tridge explained. "That's what you're seeing in a big way. And you can't single-block these guys up front. They're monsters. They're awesome, and they play with such great technique. It is going hand- in-hand." Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter understands Barrett's role in that happening. He also knows the vet- eran's history at Michigan — coming in on the offensive side, switching to defense, playing the Viper role in Don Brown's defenses, and eventually find- ing his way into the middle of the mix at linebacker. Minter hails the sixth-year Wolver- ine as an indispensable part of what the Wolverines are getting done. "Mike means everything to us," Minter said. "You're talking about a guy with an unbelievable amount of experi- ence in our program, being a sixth-year guy, taking advantage of that extra year. His leadership, his playmaking abil- ity. I think what's really set him apart this year is just the im- provements that he's made. "There were some spe- cific things to work on, and Coach Partridge has done a really good job with him. I'm really happy for Mike, proud of Mike and really expect him to have a good last month of the year." Barrett entered the visit to Mar yland ranked second on the team with 38 stops, a sack, 5 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and a pass breakup. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL