Cornerback Blake Countess tied for sixth in the nation with six interceptions during the 2013
season.
photo by per kjeldsen
"There are some times where you see him just a lot tighter on a guy,"
Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison noted. "That comes from
having confidence. That comes from just really feeling comfortable out
there. I mean, for Blake to come back from a whole year off and to do what
he's doing, I'm pleased with that."
Countess didn't lose any confidence during the long ordeal. At one point
in the season, he answered affirmatively when asked if he thinks he's the
best athlete on Michigan's roster.
"Definitely," Countess assured.
Beyond that confidence, Countess acknowledged, is a lot of hard work
and appreciation for his teammates.
"I'm making the plays when they're coming my way," he said. "It has a
lot to do with film study, a lot to do with our secondary and a lot to do with
our D-line getting pressure on them."
The pressure will be on for Michigan to feature an upgraded secondary
and overall defense next season. However it shapes up, the rising redshirt
junior will be a central part of the action.
