The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/432566
BY CHRIS BALAS M ichigan's annual football banquet Dec. 8, the 95th overall, had a different feel this year with a head coach on his way out and a smaller senior class. Still, those in attendance were treated to a heartfelt celebration of both Brady Hoke and his seniors, along with Hoke's first public comments since his dismissal. "We united together as a team and we played, every Saturday," Hoke said. "I'm very proud of that for them and proud of what this coaching staff did. Tonight is to honor our seniors." Hoke received a standing ovation after Michigan interim athletics director Jim Hackett thanked Hoke for his contributions. Here's what he had to say about his seniors, along with their comments: Defensive lineman Brennen Beyer Head coach Brady Hoke on Beyer: "He started all 12 games this year and notched a career-high 35 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 5.5 sacks … he will gradu- ate in spring with a degree in psychology. I'm very proud of this young man." Beyer: "This season was full of trials of all kinds … from the beginning of the sea- son we were faced with constant adversity. Football and life is easy when everything is going your way, but struggles reveal the true BEST OF THE BUST Michigan Seniors Give Their Closing Comments On Both The 2014 Season And Their Careers Defensive lineman Brennen Beyer said, "Football and life is easy when everything is going your way, but struggles reveal the true character of a man … this year more than any other I grew as a teammate, leader and man." PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN