The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL Hot 11: Ranking The Wolverines Through The 2014 Season Each week during the season, TheWolverine.com ranks the top 11 performers from the previous game. Over the course of the season, we've tabulated the results from those features to bring you the 2014 Hot 11. 1. LB Jake Ryan — Ryan led Michigan with 112 tackles, and compiled 14 stops for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and five quarterback hurries. The Butkus Award finalist also grabbed one interception and registered three passes broken up. Ryan ranks second in the Big Ten in tackles and is fourth in tackles for loss. Ryan was voted to the All-Big Ten first team by the conference's coaches and media. 2. LB Joe Bolden — Bolden held his own all season while totaling 102 tackles, second on the team only to Ryan, and also matched Ryan's sack total with two. With four tackles for loss, Bolden didn't make as many big plays as Ryan, but he looks poised to take another big step forward next year and become the leader of the defense. 3. DE Brennen Beyer — Beyer was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick by both the coaches and the media. He finished his senior season with 35 stops, 7.5 tackles for loss, a team-high 5.5 sacks and two quarterback hurries while starting 11 of 12 games at defensive end. His sack total is tied for 15th in the Big Ten. Beyer also is a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy, which is awarded to the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement. 4. CB Jourdan Lewis — Despite being left off of the all-conference team mentions, Lewis was the steadiest defensive back in his position group. He led all corners on the team with 39 tackles and was also the only member of the secondary to make an interception. Lewis picked of two passes this season while breaking up six others to lead the team in both categories. 5. WR Amara Darboh — His numbers might not be as lofty as Devin Funch- ess' but his production continued to improve all season, whereas Funchess' declined. Darboh finished the year with 36 receptions for 476 yards and two scores. His solid hands and toughness allowed him to make a lot of chain- moving catches down the stretch. 6. CB Blake Countess — Countess was selected honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media. He registered 24 tackles, including 16 solo stops, and broke up three passes while starting 10 games. He has 114 tackles, 3.5 stops for loss, six interceptions, seven passes broken up and one forced fumble in his career. His 169 interception return yards are tied for sixth on Michigan's all-time career list.