The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/230001
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL Kansas State video to study, and some seniors to send out with a smile. "That's definitely something we need to improve on," Ryan said, regarding Michigan's run defense. "It's getting to the ball. That game's over, but it's getting to Carlos Hyde, stopping the run. That's one of our main goals right now that we're working on in these practices. "This one's for our seniors. This is their last game we're all playing together. We're doing this for them. It gets emotional, because it is their last game with us. It's their last time putting on the winged helmet. I think everyone is just like, go out there, give it your all, play every play like it's your last." ❑ Sitting Down With Senior Wide Receiver Drew Dileo The Wolverine: What goes through your mind when you look back at these last four years? Dileo: "It's pretty special, to sum it up. Coming from southern Louisiana all the way to Ann Arbor, it was a pretty big change for me. I have been through a lot, coming in under Rich Rodriguez and then Coach Hoke's staff coming in. I think it has been a successful four years. Our records haven't been great, but there have been a lot of special moments, and it has been fun." The Wolverine: What are some of those moments that stand out for you in these last four years? Dileo: "Overall, just being on a team like this, with guys for three, four years. You have moments that are fun. I have been lockermates with Jeremy Gallon for the last three years. Everyone says he is the funniest guy on the team, and he is constantly making me laugh. There is a lot of inside jokes that are just funny between the two of us. There are a lot of different guys and coaches that you have a special bond with. When you look at it overall, it's really special." The Wolverine: How close are some of those friendships you have made? Dileo: "Other than Carvin Johnson, who was another kid who came up here from Louisiana before he transferred, I didn't know a soul. Four years later, I have best friends like Taylor Lewan, Jake Ryan and Desmond Morgan. I live with four baseball players, and I'm close with them, too. Making those friendships, knowing you have a group of guys who you'll be close with your entire life is really special. It means a lot to me." The Wolverine: You mentioned coming up here from Louisiana. Was it a little overwhelming at first? How long did it take you to get into the flow here? Dileo: "I wouldn't even necessarily say I am completely into the flow now. Southern Louisiana, to put it politely, is a conservative area. Ann Arbor is just about completely opposite from that. Just interacting with so many different