The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/495628
INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS ties, second chances; I'm trying to make the most of it. Every day I went out for spring ball this year, I just reflected and knew it's a blessing to be out there, to play Michigan football first and foremost. "It's a blessing to have another opportunity to play. I'm trying to take in as much as I can right now from Coach [D.J.] Durkin and his new staff." The Wolverine: Starting over with that new staff — what's the adjustment been like, especially being on the field so much this spring for four hours a day at times? Morgan: "We've just been trying to soak up all the new schemes. The big- gest thing is trying to learn it … on the field time has helped us a tremendous amount. I think [head coach Jim Harbaugh] knew that was going to happen. That's why he kind of structured it the way he did. 'We tried to learn as much as we could this spring, and guys have made a lot of progress with it." The Wolverine: The format of the spring game, with 60,000 people out there, live hitting — how much excitement did that add? Morgan: "We were talking about that with Coach [Harbaugh]. It was fun. It was something that brought the intensity up a little bit. They split us up even though we worked as units the whole spring, and that added the element of a game-like feel, especially with stuff on the line — winners get steak, losers get pasta. "It was fun to have that game-type atmosphere, especially with all the people there. It was phenomenal." The Wolverine: You had an interception, and the defense had three total. How critical will it be to get the turnovers while the offense jells? Morgan: "It's a point of emphasis every day. Coach Durkin since he got here had been emphasizing turnovers, producing "ballhawks" — guys that get to the ball, get the ball out and are constantly around the ball. "That has been an emphasis. That showed a bit in the spring game." The Wolverine: [Former Michigan All-American lineman] Dan Dierdorf said he believes [redshirt freshman] defensive back Jabrill Peppers can be an All-Big Ten player this year. What have you seen from him in practice? Morgan: "He's a fiery guy. I equate him and [senior wide receiver] Dennis Norfleet a little bit in terms of fire they bring to practice. They are both high- energy guys, love playing the game, love being on the field. Every time they come out on the field you feel them there. "I don't want to put expectations on him because I think it's unfair to put expectations on a young kid like that, but with that much ability and the work ethic he has, the dedication to the game, the sky is the limit. I have high hopes for him." — Chris Balas