The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/402034
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL 5. CB Jourdan Lewis — Lewis has become the most reliable cover corner on the team. He's virtually always in the right spot in coverage and still has the only interceptions by someone in the secondary, with two. His ability to help in the run game is often overlooked, but he's third on the team in tackles with 27 behind only Ryan and Bolden. 6. DE Frank Clark — Despite seeming to disappear at times, Clark is actually second on the team in tackles for loss with 8.5 and also leads all defensive line- men with 27 tackles. His ability to get to the quarterback hasn't been there like most thought it would be, but he does have 2.5 sacks and a quarterback hurry. 7. WR Dennis Norfleet — Norfleet has only 11 receptions on the year, but he's been sure-handed in the return game, is a demon covering punts and is definitely the emotional leader of the team. He's always fired up and does his best to spread that energy to his teammates whether it's on a first-down catch or when downing a big punt. 8. WR Amara Darboh — The only regular contributor in the receiving corps to play in every game this year, Darboh is second on the team in receptions with 15. He's scored just once but that's not on him as much as it is on the en- tire offense. He's proven to be sure-handed and made some really nice catches against Penn State to move the sticks. 9. K Matt Wile — Wile was one of the keys to victory against Penn State, go- ing 3 of 3 on his field goal attempts (45, 42, and 37 yards). Wile is now 8 of 12 on the season and seems to be finding confidence as the season progresses. 10. DE Brennen Beyer — Beyer has started six of seven games this season and remains a solid player on the end of the defensive line. Beyer has never been the flashiest, most athletic guy on the field, but his motor has enabled him to tally four sacks on the season, which leads the team. 11. RB De'Veon Smith — His game against Penn State wasn't anything to write home about, but in a backup role prior to the most recent contest, Smith had been very solid. He's averaging 5.2 yards per carry and leads the team with four rushing touchdowns. With Derrick Green out for the remainder of the season, Smith's role will increase and his production has a chance to spike in a starting role. Dropped off: • DT Willie Henry was slotted at No. 2, but was removed from this edition of the Hot 11 after missing the Penn State game with an arm injury. • RB Derrick Green was slotted at No. 4, but has been removed after injuring his collarbone, which will cause him to miss the rest of the season. • WR Jehu Chesson was slotted at No. 11, but was removed from this edition of the Hot 11 after missing the Penn State game with an apparent lower-body injury.