The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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ference this fall. "You have goals. You have aspira- tions, but my goals and aspirations aren't concrete," he said. "I want other people around me to be suc- cessful. My father has always said to me, 'How important are you if you don't impact other people's lives?' And so football is another tool to do that. "I'm very privileged to be on a platform to impact people on a rather large scale, and with that comes re- sponsibility. In terms of something solidifying what I aspire to do, I re- ally never thought the year I'm hav- ing was possible but thank God it is." CHESSON'S BLOCKING EARNS RAVE REVIEWS In the first quarter of the 2013 Michigan-Notre Dame game, Ches- son found himself the deep threat on a play designed to go to Jeremy Gallon (2010-13) on a crossing route. Gallon had a 20-yard gain on the catch when he turned up field, spun out of a tackle and broke for the end zone. Only one defender could have likely stopped Gallon, though two more were close behind. Chesson cleaned up all three with a powerful shoulder block that lifted the initial would-be tackler off his feet and sent him crashing into his two trailing teammates. Gallon would sprint to the end zone for a 61-yard score, but after the play, all anyone could talk about was the block that wiped out three Fight- ing Irish players. In 10 games this season, Ches- son had 40 offensive touches for 601 yards, averaging 15.0 yards per touch, and he has earned consistently high marks blocking for others. "He has to be one of the premier blockers in the country as a wide receiver — A++ for Jehu Chesson," coach Jim Harbaugh said. "He just has a want-to for block- ing," offensive coordinator Tim Drevno added. "Coach Fisch does a great job preaching it to him. We talk in the room about all 11 guys block- ing, so that means the QB can carry on a fake. It's important to him. "I think he's excited when he walks in on Sunday to watch film by himself and he sees himself flying around blocking people. "Also, guys in the room get excited, too, and we get excited as a coaching staff and make sure we point out the good things he's doing and get them excited about what we're doing." When Chesson describes his con- tributions catching and running the ball, he's pleased, but when he discusses blocking, he breaks into a smile, raises his voice and talks with enthusiasm. "I'm really proud. All that is, is ef- ✦ Head Coach Jim Harbaugh "He has to be one of the premier blockers in the country as a wide receiver — A++ for Jehu Chesson."