The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/178977
Beyer, Gordon Production In Four Games Compared To Ryan YearLinebacker Tackles TFL 2013 Brennen Beyer 19 6.5 and Cam Gordon 2012 Jake Ryan 25 2.0 Sacks 4.0 0.0 player, and he does what he's coached to do every time. When he doesn't, he will tell you before you need to tell him. That's what we want in a Michigan defensive player, and that's what he's done week in and week out." Adding Ryan Back Into The Mix Gordon is one of U-M's three defensive captains this season, and he posted a strong start to the 2013 campaign, recording two sacks on blitzes among 2.5 tackles for loss in Michigan's win over Central Michigan. photo by lon horwedel the linebacker position. "He's a very intelligent football player," Mattison said. "A very toughminded, physically tough football In four games this season, compared to Ryan's play in 2012, Gordon and Beyer have actually outproduced their teammate, notching more tackles for loss (6.5 to 2.0) and more sacks (4.0 to 0). However, Ryan will play when he returns in October or early November. "What makes Jake Ryan so good is he's great in space, he can run and he's a great pass rusher," Manning said. "You look at Cam and Brennen, they have their strengths and their areas that we're coaching them up. They're definitely improving, but with Jake you have that complete player. He's a natural linebacker. He can play in the box, and then he gets after the quarterback." With Beyer excelling in pass-rush situations, and his defensive line brethren struggling, and with Gordon stepping up, perhaps Beyer could move to rush end when Ryan returns. Mattison said he has not toyed with the idea of position switches, but it is possible. "We haven't looked at that yet; Bren-