The Wolverine

February 2012

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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capped by a 10-stop effort in the Sugar Bowl. Morgan needs to progress in his development, but he has the experi- ence and work ethic to do so, and likely won't face strong challengers from the veterans returning for 2012. Brandin Hawthorne, 6-0, 214, Senior Mike Linebacker KENNY DEMENS 6-1, 248, Fifth-Year Senior The anchor of Michigan's defense, De- mens had some strong performances in 2011 — three double-digit tackle ef- forts — and some he'd like to have back, starting with a Sugar Bowl outing in which he missed far too many tackles. Demens has superb instincts for the posi- tion, but he has yet to put together a consis- tently productive season. That will be his challenge in 2012. The once-promising Cam Gordon could be a key reserve if he moves over from a crowded strongside linebacker post. Cam Gordon, 6-3, 222, Redshirt Junior Sam Linebacker JAKE RYAN 6-3, 230, Redshirt Sophomore Ryan finished one tackle for loss shy of a Michigan bowl record when he ac- counted for four stops behind the line of scrimmage in the victory over Virginia Tech. In his first sea- son, Ryan notched at least one tackle for loss in 10 of 13 con- tests, but he needs to become an even big- ger difference-maker — he never had more than one in a single game until the bowl matchup — in his role as an impact player. Brennen Beyer emerged as Ryan's primary backup this past season and will vie for that role again. Brennen Beyer, 6-3, 225, Sophomore Cornerback J.T. FLOYD 6-0, 185, Fifth-Year Senior Despite a few bumps along the way, Floyd blossomed into Michigan's top cover corner in 2011. He started 11 games, recording 48 tackles, eight pass breakups and two interceptions. The Wol- verines will look to Floyd next year for Strong Safety JORDAN KOVACS 6-0, 197, Fifth-Year Senior The former walk-on seemed to make believers of his last remaining critics with an all-conference-caliber campaign in which he led all Big Ten defensive backs in tackles for loss (eight) and sacks (four) while ranking second among the Wolverines with 75 stops. The coaches have the utmost con- fidence in Kovacs to serve as the captain of the defense, and last line of the defense, while utilizing him closer to the line of scrimmage con- sistently. Barring injury, Kovacs is the sur- est bet of any defender to hold on to his job in 2012. Marvin Robinson, 6-2, 200, Junior Free Safety THOMAS GORDON 5-11, 208, Redshirt Junior After earning the starting post in fall camp, Gordon enjoyed a solid Septem- leadership and to per- form at a consistently high level, winning individual matchups while making plays. Raymon Taylor is a ris- ing star at the position who could earn the starting post if anyone falters. Raymon Taylor, 5-10, 169, Sophomore Cornerback BLAKE COUNTESS 5-10, 176, Sophomore The Big Ten All-Freshman Team selec- tion exceeded expectations during the 2011 campaign, making six starts and finishing with six pass breakups. Countess struggled some in the Sugar Bowl, and will use that effort for mo- tivation this offseason. His natural playmak- ing instincts, athleti- cism and speed, plus experience gained this year, make him the favorite to start, but U-M is loaded at the cornerback spot, and Countess will receive plenty of strong competition next fall. Courtney Avery, 5-11, 173, Junior ber, but lagged some and soon found himself in competi- tion with the now- departed Troy Wool- folk for the free safety job. Gordon made plays, factoring into six fumbles, and had 67 tackles overall, but was erratic, and will have to play with more consistency in 2012 to hold off a barrage of challengers that include Josh Furman and a trio of incoming freshmen, including Jarrod Wilson. Josh Furman, 6-2, 208, Redshirt Sopho- more Special Teams Placekicker BRENDAN GIBBONS 6-1, 227, Redshirt Junior If Gibbons can perform like he did in 2011, he should hold this job for the fi- nal two years of his career. Gibbons con- nected on 13 of 17 attempts (76.5 per- cent), including all three of his tries in the Sugar Bowl. He doesn't have a huge leg, but did convert 2 of 4 from 40 yards or more, including a career-long 43-yarder against Ohio State. Matt Wile has poten- tial, but could redshirt in 2012 if both Gibbons and punter Will Hagerup fulfill their promise. Matt Wile, 6-2, 208, Sophomore Punter WILL HAGERUP 6-4, 210, Junior Hagerup has a long road ahead this offseason to return to the punter he was in 2010, when he aver- aged 43.6 yards per punt. Suspended for the first four games of 2011, Hagerup never found his rhythm upon returning to the lineup, averaging just 36.0 yards on 29 tries before being replaced in the Sugar Bowl by Wile. If Hagerup cannot recapture his talent, Wile could supplant him after averaging 41.6 yards on 17 punts in five contests this past season. Matt Wile, 6-2, 208, Sophomore FEBRUARY 2012 THE WOLVERINE 39

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