The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/362774
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL Big Ten Foes Opine On Michigan's Defense The Wolverine magazine approached opposing con- ference players on both sides of the ball at the Big Ten Media Days July 28-29 to ask their opinions of the Maize and Blue. On the condition of anonymity, they shared their thoughts on Michigan's defense. On the overall defense: "Our coach is a big fan of their defensive coordinator and thinks when their tal- ent is up to snuff and they have the depth and expe- rience, that he's going to turn them into something special. They weren't there a year ago — way too many give up one sack in a half against Ohio State, and somehow that's a victory?" he asked, rhetorically. "I find that to be offensive as a former offensive lineman. "In my senior year, we gave up four sacks the entire season, so if we're go- ing to talk about standards, let's talk about standards that are high." A year ago, Gardner carried the ball 165 times, including 35 sacks — sophomore quarterback Shane Morris was also sacked once — and was probably hit at least 200 times (though U-M does not track quarter- back knockdowns). Michigan State, perhaps, bullied Gardner the most, recording seven sacks among the 18 tackles the Spartans put on the Maize and Blue signal-caller. Gardner 's success this season is linked to the success of the offensive line, and he knows it. It's why he went out of his way to form a strong rapport with those teammates, invit- ing them over to his campus house for a BBQ this summer. He understands with new starters in place at left and right tackle fol- lowing the departures of NFL Draft picks Taylor Lewan (left) and Mi- chael Schofield (right), this season could again be difficult up front, and he is doing everything he can to im- prove the line. "I'm not a big-time yeller," he said. "I'm more of an encourager. I'm a fiery guy but I'm a guy that will give One opponent noted that defensive end Frank Clark is good, but "doesn't have that go-to move yet." PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN