The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/716367
SEPTEMBER 2016 THE WOLVERINE 33 No. 21 — Grant Newsome, OT Newsome pulled off a rarity in 2015, breaking through to see time on the offensive line as a true freshman. He got into four games last fall, including making his debut as a starter at left tackle versus Minnesota. Now, with Mason Cole moved to the center spot, Newsome appears slated for full-time duty at left tackle. Harbaugh noted last fall when Newsome broke into the lineup that the rookie just had something special about him, in terms of his mental makeup and approach on the field. Newsome has a golden opportunity and held up well over the course of spring football. Any concerns about what he might face across the line are assuaged by the fact that he has already seen some of the toughest defenders he's likely to encounter. "We get to practice, as an offensive line, against one of the best defensive lines — if not the best defensive line — in the country every day," Newsome said during spring foot- ball. "Football-wise, it was a great experience to get that learning experience on the field. At the same time, it wasn't as big of an adjustment as I thought it would probably be, just because of how great our defensive line is, and that was positive." Asked about the toughest he faced, Newsome responded: "Who aren't some of the toughest guys to block out there? They're just so talented. We're so deep. We're going to have two or three lines defensively who are just absolute studs." Michigan offensive coordinator and line coach Tim Drevno is hoping it takes one to know one, in that area. — John Borton Photo by Brandon Brown