The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/213966
say, 'Turn it loose.'" That is symptomatic of all the young players. They're still processing so much information that it can take time for them to earn the trust of the coaches, and even when they do, and receive the chance to see meaningful snaps, one play could be hit and one play miss. Charlton, for instance, showed glimpses of his potential in spring Ben Gedeon. The 6-3, 236-pounder has excelled on special teams. He saw the field defensively against Indiana and is pushing to crack a three-man rotation at inside linebacker that also includes junior Desmond Morgan, Ross and Bolden. "Ben, I think he's going to be a great player here," Smith said. "Whether that happens or doesn't happen is still up to him and me. It's U-M linebackers coach Mark Smith "I feel like all these young kids have bright futures. They have to continue to develop and understand what they do well and what they don't do well right now. As long as they continue to develop, they will help us win games and help us win a championship here." practices and in fall camp, but he could not crack the two-deep for the first eight games. Little by little, the game slowed down for him, and he made his presence felt in week nine against Nebraska. "He's a talented young man," head coach Brady Hoke said. "He has a wingspan that is incredible. "What has he done to play — he knows what to do better. He knows how to play with technique better and how to react from the different schemes that you face. He knows how to play pass-rush games better. He's a guy that is learning every day and getting ready to push further. He can help us, no doubt." There are players waiting in the wings, too, that haven't seen the field this year or have played in tiny spurts, including rookie linebacker my job to develop him, and it's his job to be developed." With Michigan out of the championship race and playing just to land a decent bowl game, it is a good reminder that not every year will be like this one. The young players getting their feet wet now should eventually provide U-M the veteran experience to be the productive offense and smothering defense Hoke envisions. "I feel like all these young kids have bright futures," Smith said. "They have to continue to develop and understand what they do well and what they don't do well right now. "As long as they continue to develop, they will help us win games and help us win a championship here." ❏