The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
starting group — we have three. When the big guys are up, the starters, the second group has to be ready, because they're going to get their shot. They have to play 100 percent and make sure they're doing the right things, as far as gap integrity and getting off blocks and running to the blocks. "We want people to think, 'Which one is the first group? They're all playing so well. They're all doing the right things.' We have groups that can rotate, so guys can keep fresh and keep their legs going." Practicing With Hoke The expectations are high for the defensive tackles this season, which shouldn't come as a surprise considering who their position coach is. When former defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery left Ann Arbor for Oklahoma after last season, Hoke took over coaching responsibilities for the defensive tackles. Hoke, who was at Michigan as a defensive line coach from 1995-2002, has kept a keen eye on the progression of the Wolverine front. But now, the tackles are strictly under his purview. With Hoke investing so much in the group, they have developed into a unit capable of the regular rotation that he had envisioned. Pipkins and his fellow tackles haven't shied away from the extra attention the head coach has bestowed upon them. In fact, they love it. "He wants our group to be the best group on the field," Pipkins said. "He doesn't want us to have any lows, any missed assignments. "He always says, 'Can you meet my expectations?' We are just going hard every single day." "It's an amazing experience," Henry said. "You're working so closely with the head coach of the team, and you're building a special bond with him. He wants us to be great, he pushes us hard, and that makes us so much better." As a veteran college football player, Washington's never heard of a head coach who has taken such a vested interest in a position group. "He's right there with us, going through practice, meetings," he said. "It's very interesting to see, and it's very beneficial." "It is a great opportunity," added Pipkins. "He knows what he's doing. So does Coach Mattison and everyone on our defense. To be in his room and to have him in there, it truly is a blessing. We have a lot of help from everyone on the staff. We go in, and he tells us what we need to do to compete. If this guy slacks off, you have to be ready to step in. "Coach Hoke is more than just a coach. He's like a life coach. He coaches football, but he teaches us how to be men. He has taught me a lot along the way, and I'm very blessed to have him in my life." Putting More Pressure On the QB Last season, the Wolverines ranked 77th nationally in sacks, recording just 22 all season. Defensive tackles accounted for just five of those sacks (Black had three, Washington had one and the