The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/402034
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL [Ryan] and those guys came in … there are only a few of those guys left. A few of them graduated last year. "Brady had to try to win and re- structure a program, inside and out, scholarship-wise," Ray said. "Why do you think the last two classes had 13 linemen in them? Because you didn't have any. If you're bringing in 13 linemen, now you're taking away from some other positions. "Finally, they've got four quar- terbacks on the roster. In 2008, you didn't have that. Brady has to win and rebuild the program for stability, so it can stay that way. "He had to go back in, win, fix whatever happened with how Rich [Rodriguez] recruited, change some of those philosophies with certain players coming in, a different style of lineman, taller receivers, not spread slot guys, bubble-catching guys, big- ger backs." In 2015, the results should begin to show at a higher level, if not a cham- pionship one, Ray opined. "Next year 's team is going to re- mind you of 2011, if they can go out SKENE: DON'T CONFUSE ISSUES Former Michigan offensive lineman Doug Skene thinks some fan unhappiness over ticket prices and other frustrations with Michigan's athletic administration have spilled over into increased anger with the Wolverines' football program itself. Skene acknowledges the fairly placed criticisms of some of Michigan's on-field struggles, but believes the Wolverines are catching heat for more than just those. "There has been a lot of frustration from fans and students, and you cannot mix the frustration at the athletic director for high ticket prices, and $5 hot dogs, and the expense of going to the Michigan game and lay that at the feet of Brady Hoke," Skene said. "It's not his fault. "I think some people are blending the two together. The performance of the football team on the field somehow is tied to their frustrations of how expen- sive it is to go to games, and that the home schedule is not that great this year, and all these other things that are beyond the head coach's control." BRADY HOKE TALKS EMERGING LEADERSHIP Michigan head coach Brady Hoke didn't conduct his usual Monday press conference on Michigan's bye week. But he spoke for a report that went onto Michigan's website, MGoBlue.com, on some leaders coming to the fore among his football players. He began by praising fifth-year senior quarterback Devin Gardner, who bounced back from a benching in the Big Ten opener to lead Michigan to a near win at Rutgers and a defeat of Penn State in the night game at Michi- FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK