The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS any ball carrier before he reaches the next level. And he even gives Lewis the oppor- tunity to lock in on his one man, under- standing Peppers has his eyes every- where else. With a vocal, exuberant personality that inspires teammates, Peppers has become the heart of the defense, doing a little bit of everything — playing line- backer, cornerback, safety and nickel back — so that the other 10 players can just do their job and do it well. Peppers has been outstanding this fall and raises the level of play from his teammates. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison's group has been as good as any on the team this season. He talks about his line's performance so far this year and more. The Wolverine: It seems to have been pass rush by committee this year without one standout. What's the secret to success with a group like that? Mattison: "All the guys up front have tried very hard to use their technique; to do what fits them. A lot of people when they talk about pass rush see all the fancy type things the NFL uses, all these different types of moves. Some people aren't built for that. "What these guys have embraced is moving the pocket, doing what's best for them and the defense. Sometimes people think to be a good pass rusher you have to be selfish, where you don't really care about rush lanes, kind of just say, 'I've got to get to the quarterback, because getting a sack is everything.' "The big thing is you've got to stay in your rush lanes and try to get to the quarterback or put stress on him another way. I think our kids have all tried to embrace that philoso - phy." The Wolverine: [Redshirt junior] Ryan Glasgow has emerged as a pass rusher this year at a position not known for it. What's been the key for him? Mattison: "One thing he's done a very good job of — and [assistant coach] Will Carr has done a great job working with those kids — is exploding with the hands. He's done a nice job of that. Once you've got a guy leaning or going backwards, the first thing an offensive lineman is trying to do is brace forward. What you want to do is use his momen- tum to your advantage." MATTISON Sitting Down With U-M Defensive Line Coach Greg Mattison