The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/678402
INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Role model: "My head football coach, Don Bartel, was a pretty huge inspiration to me. He's a really nice guy and he pushed me in football to be my best. Right up there with him is my high school coach who introduced me to the hammer, George Mathews. He's a great man and I wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am without him." Why he chose track over other sports: "It's the kind of thing that just exploded for me. I've been pretty decent at sports for most of my life, but I started throwing the hammer at the end of my junior year of high school and soon after I was getting letters from colleges. I also like how there's no perfect size for a hammer thrower. There are champions at 5-10 and at 6-4, so it's really all about technique and practice, and I like that." What he hopes to do after track at Michigan: "I'm currently a history major, and I'd like to come back and get my teaching master's. I'd honestly like to try and give kids the same opportunities that I got. Hammer is not an event in regular track and field, so you have to coach it outside of school and I'd like to do that. I'd also like to coach football and teach kids about the throwing events." His overall U-M experience: "It's been absolutely tremendous. The atmosphere and the spirit of this school are incredible to be a part of." — Brandon Brown RUDOCK MARKS MICHIGAN'S FIRST QB DRAFTEE SINCE 2008 It may not have been expected before the NFL Draft started, but grad-senior Jake Rudock became Michigan's 15th quarterback selected in the event April 30. He was tabbed in the sixth round, 191st overall, by the Detroit Lions. He is the Wolverines' first drafted signal-caller since Chad Henne was a second- round choice of the Miami Dolphins in 2008. Here's a look at the first 14 Michigan quarterbacks drafted into the NFL at that position — U-M quarterbacks Denard Robinson (running back, 2013) and Dennis Franklin (wide receiver, 1975) were not selected as signal-callers — and how their professional careers went: Year Name Round selected (overall choice) Team 2008 Chad Henne 2nd (57) Miami Dolphins Entering his ninth year in the league, currently with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Started at least four games in six seasons and 13 or more in three, but he did not make an appear- ance during the 2015 campaign. He has totaled 12,931 passing yards, 58 touchdowns and 63 interceptions in his career. 2004 John Navarre 7th (202) Arizona Cardinals Played three years for Arizona, appearing in a pair of games with one start. 2003 Drew Henson 6th (192) Houston Texans Gave up baseball for football in 2004 and was acquired by the Dallas Cowboys. The seven appearances and one start in his first year with the club represented the majority