The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL a healthy plus at the Will (weakside). Of course, everyone has heard about the newest move for redshirt sophomore Jabrill Peppers, who made headlines with time at the Sam (outside) linebacker in Florida. Par- tridge, Peppers' high school coach, isn't surprised at anything the third- year Wolverine can do. Watch out for him close to the line of scrimmage, Partridge cautioned. "He can get to the quarterback in under a second off the ball," he said. "He's got quickness. He's going to put some O-linemen in some tough situations, coming off the edge. He can also drop and get to the flat real quick. "He can cover a guy from the line of scrimmage, be it a tight end or a back out of the backfield. He can do some real dynamic things there." Partridge is working closely with new defensive coordinator Don Brown in fashioning the linebackers. That's a win-win, the former Para- mus Catholic boss pointed out. "Coach Brown has been with me, with the 'backers," he said. "He's a seasoned, veteran coach that knows how to get guys ready to go. It's been pretty smooth. We're working hard." Partridge spent last season heading up Michigan's recruiting staff — por- ing over film, setting up visits, speak- ing to high school coaches, grinding away to help lay the foundation for a strong class. He noted he gave everything he had in that effort. But when there was a chance to have a job doing hands-on coaching again, he jumped at it. That opportunity opened up when