The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/201975
But with most freshmen — with the exception of the rare few phenoms, like Charles Woodson in 1995 or Anthony Carter in 1979 — it's a slow process to see the field. The Wolverines run every player on the roster through special teams drills during two-a-day practices in fall camp. When camp breaks and game preparation is about to begin, the coaching staff meets to discuss which freshmen could potentially impact the season. "We sit down and say, 'This kid is going to help us on offense or defense,' but their role might not be as big as they want right now," Ferrigno said. "They can help us on special teams. "We have a core of about seven or eight freshmen that play on special teams, play a lot and play pretty damn well for young kids. We have been very pleased with them." Not only do the freshman special teams contributors help alleviate some pressure off of guys like junior middle linebacker Desmond Morgan, who can now take a breather instead of playing on punt coverage, but it gets young guys invaluable game experience — sometimes as many as 30 plays in a single game. Linebacker Ben Gedeon, defensive back Delano Hill, wide receiver De'Mario Jones, cornerback Jourdan Lewis, cornerback Channing Stribling, running back De'Veon Smith and Thomas have all played in at least six of Michigan's first seven games on special teams. "They know that's how they're going to get to play," Ferrigno ex- plained. "They enjoy it, and they take great pride in it. We pound it into their heads that it's as important as what they do on offense or defense. Whether they like it or not, we don't care, but these kids have really bought in. It's true: when you win that third of the game, it gives you a chance to win the game." Thomas blocked a punt against Central Michigan, which was scooped up by fifth-year senior wide receiver Joe Reynolds for the Wolverines' first touchdown of the year. "We were all excited for him and for Michigan," Ferrigno said. "It was a big deal, and he has made some really big plays on kickoff and punt coverage. It gives them some confidence to make plays like that." The special teams work gives players a chance to shine and possibly get more work on offense or defense. Gedeon checked into the Indiana game after playing every game on special teams. Stribling has excelled on punt coverage and has earned more and more playing time, including earning his first career start against the Hoosiers. "They love the fact that there are seven freshmen running down on the kickoff team at Michigan," Ferrigno said. "That's a big deal. Some of the other teams have six, seven of them on, too. They are proud of that, as a class. "We just want them to be good Michigan football players, and we want them to play when they're ready to play. Some of them feel the need to play soon, but you can't play until you're ready." ❏