The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/480355
Winovich seeing the field defensively were minimal, yet offensively, there is a greater need with U-M returning only four true tight ends, one H-back and two dedicated fullbacks. Winovich did carry the ball in high school, playing running back and quarter- back, rushing for 1,031 yards and 17 touchdowns (8.7 yards per attempt), while also excelling at linebacker, showing above-average athleticism wherever he lined up on the field. At 6-3, 230 pounds, he has good size, especially for an H-back role, and was lauded behind the scenes last season for his toughness and willingness to stick his face into an opponent's chest. This much is clear from the his early tenure — Harbaugh wants to use the fullback/H-back and his tight ends prominently in the offense, and he's seeking to add competition to those positions. Dymonte Thomas: The 6-2, 191-pound junior seems to be stuck at third, fourth or fifth on the safety depth chart, yet has the frame to carry more weight, and he is at his best when he's closer to the line of scrimmage. Michigan's previous staff said Thomas' challenge wasn't that he didn't play at a high level but that he played, at times, out of control, using his incredible speed and athleticism to crunch opposing ball carriers. However, quite often he over- ran plays or flailed wildly when opponents shed his tackles with a simple deke. Thomas, in that way, compares to former All-American safety Ernest Shazor (2001-04), who was an all-or-nothing player. With two seasons remaining, he might benefit from moving to a nickel/spread offense linebacker position (if he can add 15-20 pounds). — Michael Spath Dymonte Thomas, a 6-2, 191-pound junior, is a candidate to make a switch from safety to linebacker because has the frame to carry more weight and is at his best closer to the line of scrimmage. PHOTO BY PER KJELLDESN