The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/402034
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL gan Stadium. Hoke noted how he's seen Gardner grow. "You are looking at a guy who hasn't played quarterback but two years [22 starts over three seasons at the posi- tion]," Hoke said. "So, you look at how he's grown in the system with differ- ent coaches, different schemes, termi- nologies, all of those things. And so he's adapted. It hasn't always been easy. He's made some mistakes along the way, but at the same time he's persevered and fought through the adversity." Meanwhile, Hoke noted, others have stepped forward to lead the way, even in what has been a difficult season to this point. "We're fortunate that this team — and every team is different — has had the ability to lead and has had the ability to be there for each other," Hoke said. "And it's been from different classes — the [sophomore tight end] Jake Butts, the [redshirt sophomore defensive tackle] Chris Wormleys and [redshirt junior cornerback] Blake Countess, and [senior cornerback] Ray Taylor in his way. And [redshirt junior center] Jack Miller has really come to the surface as a leader." JERRY KILL: LITTLE BROWN JUG 'HELPS EVERYTHING' Michigan head coach Brady Hoke has always spoken with respect and ap- preciation for Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill. The two of them go back to coaching days in the Mid-American Conference. Hoke isn't gracious, though, to the point he wants to see the Little Brown Jug in Minnesota. There's no choice in the matter for now, though, following the Golden Gophers' 30-14 victory at Michigan Stadium in the Big Ten opener. Minnesota fans were obviously ecstatic over the return of the jug, which has only resided in their state three times since 1967, prior to this most recent vic- tory. The coveted crockery became much in demand, making its way all around the state in the days that followed Minnesota's win. "I said that was the state's jug, so I think it's got appointments," Kill said. "I know I have been told earlier in the week I couldn't get an appointment, so I think the president overrules the head football coach." Even though he is just a sophomore, tight end Jake Butt has emerged as a team leader. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL