The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/666058
"Dude" in any given practice perfor- mance and other top players getting the "Not Dudes, But Guys" tag. "Ben Gedeon has had an extremely positive spring, so I'm excited about his progress and where he's at," Brown said. McCray, meanwhile, is a guy that just wants to play. He sat out last year after injuring a shoulder in spring ball then aggravating the problem during the fall. The 6-4, 240-pounder appeared in 11 games during the 2014 season, posting a pair of tack- les, including one behind the line of scrimmage, and blocking a punt. He went on the shelf in 2015, and some wondered if he'd ever be able to return. He did so right out of the gate in spring practice, and in im- pressive fashion as well. "It felt real good, just being back out there," McCray said. "I've been out for a while, so I'm really excited. I've always felt comfortable, but the injury put me back a little bit. Now, it gives me even more confidence to go out and prove myself." Brown summed it up, noting: "I'm really happy with McCray. Probably for the first time in his career, he's healthy, and I'm liking what I'm see- ing." McCray appreciates feeling well enough to play football again. He ac- knowledged that his injury-enforced time away from the field proved dif- ficult at times. Now, he can look back with some perspective and thankfulness for a tantalizing opportunity. "It was frustrating, but then again I have family and friends that kept me focused," McCray said. "Now I feel mentally stronger and it's going to help me in the long run. God has a plan for me. Last year I had the in- jury, the setback, but I feel fine now." McCray has also been through three different position coaches in three years, and he's building off both his experience and the new in- put. "Coach Partridge and Coach Brown are two great coaches," Mc- Cray said. "They bring knowledge to the game and I'm learning a lot so far. I look forward to learning even more. "[Brown] is really hands on, they both work together with all of us. You've got three different linebackers — you've got the Mike, Will and the Sam — so they both work together." Overall, McCray insists he's ready for a new — and highly successful — beginning. "It's a little bit different because those guys have been here since I've been here," McCray said of the 2015 seniors. "All three were great line- backers. Now, we just have to build that comfort level with the guys who are here. "I feel like it's a new start. It's a new defensive coordinator, and I feel a lot more healthy than I have in a while. I have a lot more confidence in myself." Michigan features two players, one an early enrollee freshman, who are battling for time in backup roles at inside linebacker. Redshirt freshman Reuben Jones and true frosh Devin Bush are the most talked about com- petitors there after early enrollee