The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
have concerns with losing their best player at each level. On the defensive line, there's Craig Roh and Will Campbell, at linebacker with Jake Ryan out to start the season, and in the secondary losing Jordan Kovacs. Those are losses you have to take care of. "Having said that, I do feel the talent is there at each level to be better this year, especially in the defensive line. Frank Clark being added at weakside defensive end is a major boost in terms of athleticism, and he's in for a big year. James Ross, in time, will be able to recoup some of what you lose with Jake Ryan at that level. And of course, getting Blake Countess back is huge for the secondary as well. "In the end, that defense has a chance to be better. Playing an easier schedule also helps." Chengelis: "Their attitude is definitely contagious. These kids are talking about being a fast, fast defense. I really think they've got the athletes in place to start becoming that defense. Do I think this is going to be the be-all and end-all? No. That's why they keep recruiting the guys they're recruiting. "In the next couple of years, we're going to see the defense Greg Mattison wants to orchestrate and what Brady Hoke is trying to create here. I do think this is going to be a pretty good defense. It's going to be very athletic. "Certainly, they're going to miss Jake Ryan, at least until his supposed return in October. They've got some really quality athletes in place and I The Wolverines will benefit greatly if fifthyear senior Fitzgerald Touissant and his fellow running backs can provide the offense with a stable ground attack. Photo by Per Kjeldsen like the youth of this team, offense and defense. These guys are ready to be molded, they seem to be listening to the coaches and what these guys are preaching. It's an exciting time to see what this team is about to become."