The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/279958
Senior-Year Shifts: Wolverines On The Move In Their Final Season This spring, in preparation for the 2014 season, fifth-year senior Jake Ryan has moved from strongside linebacker to middle linebacker, and such a move so late in one's career is rare. Over the past 20 years, here is a look at Wolverines that jumped positions in their final campaign in an effort of sacrifice for the better- ment of the team. B.J. Askew, 2002: A running back that always dreamed of being the No. 1 ball carrier, Askew started seven games at tailback in 2001, rushing for a team-high 901 yards and 10 scores. However, coaches felt the ground game could be more dynamic with Askew at fullback and Chris Perry at tailback in 2002, so Askew moved. Named Team MVP, the 6-3, 228-pounder rushed for 568 yards and six scores, and had 36 receptions for 280 yards and a touchdown in his new role. David Baas, 2004: By the time he started his senior year, Baas was already a two-time all-conference performer (first team in 2002 and second team in 2003), with 27 starts at left guard on his résumé. That is where he started the 2004 sea- son, but with Mark Bihl struggling at center, Baas slid over one spot to his right for the final eight games. Proving a great player is a great player, the Sarasota, Fla., native garnered first-team All-America honors and was named the Dave Rimington Award winner as the nation's top center. Carson Butler, 2008: The Detroiter remains one of the most talented tight ends physically to have ever worn the winged helmet, and Butler made good on that promise in 2006-07, catching 39 balls for 412 yards and three touchdowns. However, he was constantly in trouble off the field, and early in his senior year, he ran afoul of coach Rich Rodriguez. Seeking a second chance, Butler moved to defensive end in week three. But he never emerged, racking up only five stops. Stevie Brown, 2009: The former four-star recruit was anointed U-M's savior at safety, and he started the 2007 season opener intent on fulfilling that potential. However, Brown was scapegoated for the Wolverines' loss to Appalachian State and toiled throughout the rest of the year. He received new life under Rodriguez in 2008, and in 2009 he moved from safety to outside linebacker. Brown was a huge success, leading Michigan in tackles with 80. James Rogers, 2010: A jack-of-all-trades in high school, Rogers spent his rookie season at cornerback but then jumped sides of the ball to offense, and wide receiver, for the 2008-09 seasons, hopeful his speed and athleticism would translate into production. It didn't — he had three catches in two years. Rogers moved back to cornerback in 2010 and was one of only two defenders to start all 13 games (Ryan Van Bergen), leading U-M in interceptions with three. Craig Roh, 2012: The predecessor to current Michigan senior Brennen Beyer, who has played three positions in four years, Roh was a rush linebacker in 2009,