The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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from a mental standpoint, and the way his mechanics and understand- ing of the offense have improved — all those things have been really posi- tive," Hoke said. 2. Taylor Lewan, R-Jr., OT solid as the anchor of the left side of Michigan's offensive line. He played through a dislocated wrist suffered early in the Michigan State contest, toughed out a significantly sprained ankle in the Sugar Bowl, and kept paving the way for the Wolverines and Robinson. Lewan is finally becoming an elder 2011 Preseason: No. 5 2011 Postseason: No. 5 Lewan simply remained rock statesman for this program, and his light-hearted nature turns all busi- ness when it comes to completing for a championship. He will be called upon to join the seniors in not only producing on the field, but also lead- ing the charge away from it. Having been through the most physical bat- tles imaginable, he should be more than prepared from the opening snap of the 2012 season — and he'll need to be. "Guys progress at different levels," Hoke said. "He has done a nice job of understanding that being an of- fensive lineman at Michigan is pretty special, with the history of the guys who have played that position — es- pecially left tackle. It's something he really embraces. It's a maturity we all go through, and he's done a good job with that." 3. Jordan Kovacs, 5th-Sr., S left the walk-on gets to play novelty tag behind long ago, and quickly proved last year why defensive coor- dinator Greg Mattison insisted he'd take half a dozen more of him. Ko- vacs' key interception against Notre Dame, his leadership in the secondary and his blitzing ability made him a key weapon for the Wolverines. Kovacs wound up second on the 2011 Preseason: NR 2011 Postseason: No. 7 Talk about moving on up. Kovacs Michigan roster last season with 75 tackles, including four sacks among eight tackles for loss. When big stops needed to be made in the middle of a resurgent defense, he usually found himself right in the thick of the scrum. motivated, a self-starter," Hoke said. "He has a passion for the game. All of that, and his instincts playing the game … "I can remember with Lloyd [Carr], "He's one of those guys who is self- 6. Fitzgerald Toussaint, R-Jr., TB the one thing he always wanted was, at the end of the day, what did you see on tape? Kovacs has those things." 4. Will Campbell, Sr., DT out-run the production for Campbell thus far. He knows that, and he's de- termined to do something about it as a senior. He'll need to, since Hoke has iden- 2011 Preseason: No. 19 2011 Postseason: NR The expectations have consistently lated to drinking and driving repre- sents a potentially huge blow to Mich- igan's immediate offensive fortunes. He rose up in his third year in Ann Arbor to burst from the pack of U-M running backs and make the starting tailback position his own. He pounded out 1,041 yards on the 2011 Preseason: NR 2011 Postseason: No. 6 Toussaint's recent suspension re- tified the middle of Michigan's de- fense as an area that needs to step up in a big way during the weeks to come. Campbell has gotten much stronger and learned better tech- nique, Hoke assured, and has also become a better leader in terms of getting after it in workouts. The proof, as always, comes on the field. "I see Will a lot," Hoke said. "He looks good, and he's done a really good job. I'm pleased with his prog- ress. There is the leadership end of it that he's really done a nice job with." 5. Michael Schofield, R-Jr., OT riser among the Wolverines, a player not listed in the top 25 prior to the 2011 season but now an integral part of Michigan's offensive scheme. His move out from left guard to right tackle shores up the outside of Michi- gan's blocking front in the absence of the graduated Mark Huyge. Schofield is one of the strongest Wolverines on the roster. He started 10 games for Michigan in 2011, be- coming a fixture on the interior line when Ricky Barnum went down with an injury. This year, Schofield is looking to become half of one of the top tackle tandems in the Big Ten. "He's got some really good game experience from a year ago, albeit at guard," Hoke said. "His athleticism and maturity has increased. He's one of those guys who looks stronger. Every guy is a little different, but he's someone who is serious about it." 2011 Preseason: NR 2011 Postseason: No. 21 Schofield represents another fast ground, becoming Michigan's first 1,000-yard rusher since Mike Hart in 2007. Toussaint took some of the heat off Robinson in the rushing game, and was expected to post another huge year. He may still do that, but the red- shirt junior has some work to do be- fore scrambling his way back into the lineup. "As teammates we love them, but there are consequences for their be- havior," Hoke said of both Toussaint and similarly disciplined defensive end Frank Clark. "They are paying the price and will continue to pay the price for a little bit. "I think both of them realize they have an outstanding opportunity to play at the University of Michigan, to get a great Michigan degree. They un- derstand there is a standard of perfor- mance from a community, academic and football side they've got to do a great job with and understand." 7. Ricky Barnum, 5th-Sr., C ful effort up front, and he's prepared himself for the task his entire Michi- gan career. He knows replacing a Rimington Award winner in David Molk won't be easy, but Barnum says he's determined to both stay healthy and enjoy the best year of his career. Last season, he started games in the 2011 Preseason: No. 22 2011 Postseason: NR Barnum holds the key to a success- non-conference season, but injuries took him out of the lineup. Offensive line coach Darrell Funk insisted Bar- num quickly allayed any fears about his ability to step into the center spot this spring, but the true test begins the night of Sept. 1. "Ricky Barnum did a nice job in the spring at center," Hoke said. "Again, there is a guy who has played some snaps. His work ethic and leadership is good. Ricky is a guy who has got really SEPTEMBER 2012 THE WOLVERINE 21