The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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said. "I snapped on the [MSU game], and he continues to be an improving player. He's playing all out. At the end of that ballgame, he was a critical factor in those stops. "He's doing it with talent and hus- tle. He's playing very well. He's im- proving on technique and fundamen- tals, and he's very aggressive. I really can't say enough good things about the way he's playing right now." Harbaugh isn't the only former Michigan standout to take notice. No less of a defensive authority than all-time U-M tackles leader Ron Simpkins expressed considerable ex- citement when asked to weigh in on Henry. According to Simpkins, the impact goes beyond numbers. It's about re- lentless effort, the type that marks great Michigan defenses, in which the 1970s star participated. That type of effort combined with talent, Simpkins stressed, makes all the difference. "His motor just never stops," Simpkins said. "He's someone that just consistently disrupts offenses. Those are the kind of guys that really make a difference on the defensive line. "Last year, for example, when we tried to get pressure on the quar- terback, we had to bring an extra man. This year, Willie Henry is one of those guys that is so quick and strong off the ball that he's giving offensive linemen fits, and he's the guy on our defensive line that right now you have to account for before every snap. "He gives great effort every time he's out there, and he gets stronger as the game goes along. You can see him and feel him in the fourth quar-