The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
ing that line and being Michigan Men, the way we know we should." The Wolverines' calm summer can be attributed to two areas of focus. First, the veteran leaders on the team have taken ownership of the squad — and they have stressed the importance of staying on the straight and narrow to the younger players on the roster. "When you have young guys, they just want to have fun in college and things like that," Gardner said. "We have really instilled in them that they have an opportunity to help us win a Big Ten championship. I feel like that is what's different from a lot of years. When young guys don't feel like they're needed, they just want to have fun and do whatever they want to do, When they feel like they're needed and they have an opportunity, they will focus a little more. "If you're focused and determined to do well when you're not playing football, then it's much easier to get into that mindset when you are playing football." Fifth-year senior offensive tackle Taylor Lewan — who, by his own admission, was a handful as a young player — has taken charge, as well. Lewan says he's "a college athlete who lives like an NFL player," staying on a strict diet, working out obsessively, staying driven and, of course, not getting into trouble. And he has made it his mission to get younger players on the same page. "You're 17 years old and going to college for the first time — away from your parents — with the opportunity to do so many different things that are crazy and different and fun," Lewan said. "But you're here to play college football and get an education, also. Alcohol is still going to be around for you in a few years — but college football is not, so you have to be smart." Secondly, the coaching staff is identifying recruits who not only fit the mold athletically — but also academically and socially. "It starts with the character of the guys you're inviting to your campus and onto your team," head coach Brady Hoke said. "Then it's the consistent, clear message that you're going to send to your team. … As a coach, the message you and your assistants send about expectations is important. "We have people come in and speak to them, and we try to educate them about social media and everyone else. It's part of a phase that some kids have, but we are held responsible. You have to do a good job with them." U-M Has Struggled In Non-Conference Road Games Since the 2003 season — when Michigan lost a regular-season game at Oregon, 31‑27 — the Wolverines have played 28 non-conference games at home (with a stellar 23‑5 record), five on the road (all at Notre Dame, with a 2‑3 record) and one neutral-site game (losing 41‑14 to Alabama in Dallas last year). Over the last 10 years, Michigan has not been particularly successful on the road versus non-conference