The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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trying to be that guy; he just is that type of player, and that's what makes him great." The Middle Man A native of Rhode Island, DeBlois grew up in the shadow of Boston and idolized New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, not only for his production but also the way he carried himself in the huddle. "A team is going to respond to how its leadership is acting," DeBlois said. "If a leader is panicked in crunch time, the team will be the same way. At the same time, when a lot of things are going wrong, and you show a calmness and a confidence, and then you go out there and play hard, I think that's huge. That's something I picked up from watching Tom Brady all those years cheering for the Patriots." DeBlois has never been a flashy player. In 120 career contests, the forward has 20 goals and 29 assists, but he has been a solid two-way skater, excelling in the defensive zone while adding to an offensive punch that reached its zenith in 2012-13, when he scored 11 goals. DeBlois emulates Brady in the way he plays. Every shift is deliber- TheWolverine.com Radio On Demand: Talking Hockey Click this icon to play or stop the podcast! ate, with a sound mind dictating his movements during the 30-45 seconds he is on the ice. He is like that off the ice, too, his teammates say. "He's a guy that is vocal when he needs to be, but he's really a great listener," Bennett said. "He doesn't burst into a room and make his presence felt with some loud announcement. He takes everything in, and then once he thinks on it and makes the best decision, he speaks his mind. And guys respect that because you know if you talk to Derek about something he will give your opinion some real thought." DeBlois would deem his leadership style as a go-between — between fellow teammates, teammates and the captains, and sometimes the team and the coaches, though Bennett usually has the latter covered. "I like to think I get along with everyone on the team and I can be the middle man," he said. "That's how I am with my family. I'm not the loudest guy. I like to sit back and watch things happen, and then when my opinion is needed, I've collected all the points of view. "I think it's important to have relationships with everyone on the team so that everyone thinks they have a voice." Copp notes that if the Wolverines were polled, every single one of them might say DeBlois is their best friend on the team. That is a testament to how committed he is to building those friendships. "Everyone likes Derek and when you believe he's on your side, sometimes you listen more because he's