The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/666058
the ground up, and we left the pro‑ gram in good shape." Some might shrug that off as words anyone in his position might say, and most did. After all, Hoke's 2013 team led the nation in most tackles for loss allowed and a mi‑ nus‑15 turnover margin doomed his 2014 squad. Those numbers are unacceptable anywhere, let alone Michigan. At the same time, while onlook‑ ers were agape over the improved athleticism of the team on the field at the April 1 spring game, it was hard not to notice what many of them had in common … They were guys Hoke brought to Ann Arbor. All‑America corner Jourdan Lewis and sleeper Channing Stribling (the MVP of the Florida spring practices) on the other side, potentially the best corner duo in the country. All‑Amer‑ ica candidate, Big Ten Freshman of the Year and do‑everything line‑ backer Jabrill Peppers. Chris Worm‑ ley, Maurice Hurst, Taco Charlton, Bryan Mone and Chase Winovich will be part of a defensive line most expect to be among the Big Ten's best — all were brought in by Hoke, as were starting safeties Dymonte Thomas and Delano Hill, All‑Big Ten receiver candidates Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh, All‑American tight end Jake Butt, four‑fifths of the start‑ ing offensive line, at least one of the starting linebackers … In fact, Hoke could still be here had he inherited the talent current head coach Jim Harbaugh did. But make no mistake — there's a big difference between could and should, and Harbaugh is one of the best at getting the most out of his talent, something Hoke and his staff couldn't do in his last two seasons. Interim athletics director Jim Hackett made the right call in releasing Hoke and pursuing Harbaugh, and the na‑ tion is well aware. "Michigan already is in the hunt for Big Ten titles," Sporting News' Bill Bender wrote. "It's similar to another model at a college football powerhouse. Nick Saban went 7‑6 in his first year at Alabama in 2007 before a 12‑2 record in year two. From there, Saban created a national championship superstore. "Harbaugh has the same resources to work with at Michigan. He took three years to compile a winning record at Stanford. He is ahead of schedule with the Wolverines." He's in front because of his player development, his work ethic, his recruiting efforts and every other trait that makes him one of the best coaches in the country at any level. When Harbaugh's leading this batch to new heights this fall, though, think twice before dispar‑ aging Hoke and his contribution. He won't be baking these cookies, but the dough he left in the fridge turned out to be pretty darn good. ❏ Chris Balas has been with The Wolverine since 1997, working part time for five years before joining the staff full time in 2002. Contact him at cbalas@thewolverine.com and follow him on Twitter at Balas_Wolverine.