The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1511544
24 THE WOLVERINE ❱ DECEMBER 2023 Asked specifically about the gains Bar- rett achieved, Minter observed: "Line- backer is a full-view position. There are certain positions where you only see half the game. Inside linebacker is like playing running back. You have to see the whole picture. "The more you do that, the better you get. You can train your eyes to see pull- ers and see different run schemes. That's been a huge area that he's improved in. Also, just the ability to make plays. "He's a really good blitzer, and we've tried to take advantage of that. He's also im- proved his coverage skills as well." Again, Barrett credits his growth to the struggle, both on the field and off. "It was hard, just thinking about all the stuff I've been through," he explained. "How far I've come, how much I've worked. My transformation from when I first got here — mentally, physically, my leadership. "I try to talk to the younger guys who are in my position, guys going through those same kind of hard times. I stay in their ear, give them encouragement, tell them things that will help them to transi- tion, to grow and become that Michigan Man." Barrett broke down his greatest strides, personally. "As a player, I just got more comfort- able in my position," he said. "I can move around better and learned the defense more. Coming in, I started playing of- fense. Making that transition to defense, being more physical on the field, being a vocal leader, speaking up more. "As a person, I've grown a lot mentally, with all the things I've been through. I feel like I've grown to the point where I can't be broken. I feel like I can thrive in any environment, with all the experience and knowledge I've gained through being here." FLAG DAY IN OHIO Barrett and his teammates certainly thrived last November, on a sunny, 50-degree day in Columbus, Ohio. The Wolverines found themselves down at halftime to the revenge-minded Buck- eyes, 20-17. Ohio State, humbled in Mich- igan Stadium the year before, sought to beat back the invaders and show Michi- gan's breakthrough win to be a fluke, a one-off, an aberration. It wasn't. Michigan's defense stonewalled the Buckeyes over the final 30 minutes. A 27- yard field goal, mid- way through the fourth quarter, represented all of the scoring output for a team that averaged more than 44 points per game. Barrett battled at the center of that stingy defense, leading the way with 11 tackles and exulting over the 45-23 result. To this day, success in the Buckeye battles marks his most satisfying accomplish- ment in a Michigan uniform. "When I first came here, that's all you'd hear about. 'You will never beat Ohio when you're here. You'll still be Ohio's lit- ❱ Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, on Barrett "You're talking about a guy with an unbelievable amount of experience in our program, being a sixth-year guy, taking advantage of that extra year. His leadership, his playmaking ability. I think what's really set him apart this year is just the improvements that he's made." In 2022, Barrett's 72 tackles ranked second on the team, and the third-team All-Big Ten linebacker added 3.5 pass breakups, a pair of interceptions and 2 quarterback hurries. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL