The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/653976
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL posing quarterbacks had little suc- cess against Michigan's secondary last season, and there's no reason to expect a drop in performance in 2016. The Wolverines finished first nationally in pass efficiency defense in 2015 and return four starters this season, including Lewis — one of the nation's top cover corners. Lewis blanketed opposing receivers last year and finished the season with 52 tackles, two interceptions and 20 pass breakups. "Peppers is listed here as a defen- sive back/linebacker, but the sopho- more will be used in a variety of roles for coach Jim Harbaugh. In 12 games last year, Peppers recorded 45 tackles (5.5 for a loss) and 10 pass breakups on defense, averaged 11.4 yards on punt returns and added 72 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Peppers could see an increased role on offense this season, and his versatility on de- fense will be valuable as a linebacker/ safety hybrid under new coordinator Don Brown." Lassan also ranked Michigan se- nior tight end Jake Butt No. 14 and fifth-year senior defensive tackle/ end Chris Wormley No. 16. However, he excluded All-Big Ten first-team wide receiver Jehu Chesson, who was listed under "10 to Watch on Offense," along with Wolverine fifth-year se- nior offensive tackle Erik Magnuson and fifth-year senior wideout Amara Darboh. Defensively, no one from the Maize and Blue was included among the 10 to watch. MIKE MCCRAY HEALTHY AND HARD AT WORK AMONG LINEBACKERS Mike McCray knows an opportu- nity when he sees one. The redshirt junior linebacker is healthy, motivated and armed with a wide-open chance this spring. The son of a former Ohio State cap- tain bearing the same name, McCray chose his own path out of Trotwood, Ohio, in 2013. He redshirted as a true freshman, then made an eye-catching AthlonSports.com tabbed senior cornerback Jourdan Lewis as the third-best player in the Big Ten heading into spring practice. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN