The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/558143
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL getting the ball all the way down the field — that's what he doesn't do well. But with strength and con- ditioning, who knows? He might get better at that." Either way, Long added, Rudock is a good addition taking advantage of an opportunity. "I liked what he did at Iowa," he said. "I think there were times he didn't always fit their system, but I did like his demeanor and the way he stayed above it all. He had great competition with another kid there, and you like to see that. He won the job with great competition. Obvi- ously, Michigan is getting a good player." ❏ Camp Buzz: The Scoop On Michigan Football Practice Michigan practices were not open to the media over the first 10 days of camp, but through sources connected to the program, The Wolverine still gleaned plenty. This is what we were hearing as we went to print in mid-August. • Graduate transfer Jake Rudock remains the favorite to the win the starting quarterback job, but junior Shane Morris is making a push. Rudock does all the little things the coaches like, and continues to exhibit the smart decision- making that allows the coaches to feel comfortable he will keep the offense moving forward while limiting turnovers. Morris, however, is more focused and determined than he's ever been; he is a serious contender to take the job. He's competing harder, which pleases the coaches, and the mental side of the game is beginning to slow down for him. • Junior De'Veon Smith leads the running back pack, moving the pile and showing good vision and strength. He is not a home-run ball carrier capable of going the distance, but he has been putting the offense in good position with success on early downs. Redshirt sophomore Ty Isaac, after a slow start, has been coming on, and the coaches will probably use him in creative ways, like motioning him out to the slot or using him in an H-back role in the same backfield as Smith or junior Der- rick Green. When Isaac is competing with full effort, there is no ball carrier with his combination of size, speed and elusiveness. • Redshirt junior tailback Drake Johnson will be a factor when he returns to full strength, but it will likely be a few weeks into the season before he's 100 per- cent after suffering an ACL tear during the Ohio State game in November 2014. • Even with the loss of sophomore nose tackle Bryan Mone, the front seven is deep and talented, and has been getting after the offense in practices. This group should create considerable chaos for opposing quarterbacks. • The safeties have been very good, with redshirt freshman Jabrill Peppers leading the way because of his versatility to do many things in the second-