Bolden "a stud" for his spring per-
formance. Meanwhile, Hoke likes the
rising star out of his home state of
Ohio as well.
"He did a nice job of being a quar-
terback out there," Hoke said. "We
all were very excited about how he
instinctively played, how he grew
stronger, which is one thing Joe
needed to get. He's had some weight
gains. We're excited about him, but
again, we've got great competition. ❑
2014 MICHIGAN TOP 25
Rk. Player Position
1. Devin Gardner QB
Michigan hasn't featured a starting fifth-year senior quarterback since John
Navarre in 2003. Gardner needs plenty of help to replicate the Big Ten cham-
pionship Navarre produced, but the present Wolverine signal-caller features
an explosive array of talents and experience from some hard-earned lessons.
2. Jake Ryan LB
Ryan's move to middle linebacker puts the fifth-year senior at the very heart
of a Michigan defense that needs to make a huge leap forward. Ryan's success
at adapting to his new role and making a major impact will tell much about the
Linebacker Joe Bolden is coming off a sophomore campaign in which he recorded 54 tack-
les, including his first career sack.
PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL
