The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
Building Blocks Of Success H The Remaining Members Of The 2011 Class Can Be Difference-Makers In U-M's Goal To Earn Rose Bowl Bid By Michael Spath ired in January 2011, Brady Hoke began his first recruiting class with a proverbial hand tied behind his back, trying to keep the majority of Rich Rodriguez's commitments while filling out the rest of the class with players that could help rebuild the program in Hoke's image. The class review: 2011 Maize and Blue would retain 10 of Rodriguez's pledges and land 11 more over the final two weeks before National Signing Day, including four-star prospects Raymon Taylor, Chris Bryant and Chris Barnett. Of the 21 signed, four of Rodriguez's recruits have already left, while two of Hoke's signees dropped out of school (and linebacker Antonio Poole had to bow out due to injury). Those that have stayed put have already contributed, with seven emerging as starters for the Wolver- ines and another three vying for starting roles this fall. In the years since the 2011 cohort signed, Hoke has landed more accomplished classes, but his first class may just end up providing the backbone for a Big Ten championshipwinning team in 2013. Top Four Contributors So Far 1. Desmond Morgan — Morgan carried the stigma of three-star recruit, and for many, that meant the smalltown standout should prepare himself for a life of special teams. The 6-1, 227-pounder had other ideas, though, and thanks to an incredible football intellect, a relentless work ethic, surprising athleticism and those intangibles coaches always look for, Morgan has been an instant impact player since day one, starting 18 of the 23 games he has appeared in over two seasons. He has 144 tackles to his name, including 9.5