The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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12. Jeremy Gallon, R-Jr., WR lineup during 2011, making 31 catches for 453 yards, including a huge one to set up the game win- ner against Notre Dame. He finished just three catches off the team lead, and averaged 10.1 yards on 19 punt returns. He'll be asked to do both those jobs Preseason 2011: NR Postseason 2011: No. 13 Gallon became a fixture in the again, as well as continue as a feisty blocker on the outside. Gallon insists he relishes his role as someone who can pave the way for others, and he gained a lot of confidence through doing so in 2011. "He's pretty much more of the 14. Jibreel Black, Jr., DT defensive line accomplishes plenty, potentially. It gives Michigan more depth inside, and also transforms Black from a moderately fast defen- sive end into a quicker tackle. He's been adding weight and strength throughout the offseason to step up to the challenge. Last year, Black played in all 13 Preseason 2011: No. 24 Postseason 2011: NR Black's move to the interior of the tackles in 2011, and led Michigan with eight passes broken up. Floyd's two interceptions tied Courtney Avery for the team lead, and the veteran will have plenty of opportunities to boost that total this year. As one of two fifth-year senior starters, Floyd gives Michigan some- one who won't be a stranger to any game situation. "He needs to be a player we know same with a little more seasoning," Borges said. "He's a tough guy, plays much bigger than his size. You just don't see a lot of guys his height who can go up and get jump balls like he does. He's a very good blocker. "Every phase of his game should Michigan games and recorded nine tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. He's one to watch closely in fall camp, with U-M's coaching staff insistent upon shoring up the midsection of its defense. "He's not near as big as his brother, get a little bit better, simply because of his overall understanding of what we're trying to do. But he's a reliable kid, has a quarterback's faith in his ability to go get the ball. They know they'll get his best effort every time he goes up." 13. Kenny Demens, 5th-Sr., LB to hide how hard they're pushing U-M's veteran middle linebacker prior to his final season. They want more out of him — better tackling, improved pass coverage and great leadership. Demens already earned the Roger Preseason 2011: No. 4 Postseason 2011: No. 10 Hoke and Mattison didn't try who plays at Indiana," Hoke said. "I don't know that his body can be that. But he did a nice job working hard to put some weight on. How he is able to keep it during camp is important." 15. Blake Countess, So., CB role as a freshman, getting the call in Michigan's final six games. He fin- ished eighth on the team in tackles with 44, broke up six passes and also forced a fumble. Countess battled through some Preseason 2011: NR Postseason 2011: No. 23 Countess stepped into a starting we can count on in every facet, in every game, every play," defensive backs coach Curt Mallory said. "He can't have three or four good plays, and two bad. He can't have a good half and a lousy quarter. He needs to be consistent." 17. Thomas Gordon, R-Jr., S spectacular, performance in 2011, finishing third on the team with 67 tackles, while notching an intercep- tion, forcing two fumbles and recov- ering a team-leading four. Michigan's Preseason 2011: No. 23 Postseason 2011: No. 17 Gordon delivered a solid, at times confidence-testing contests at the end of the regular season, and will be looking to take the next step up in his sophomore year. He'll be helped by the fact that Michigan returns vet- erans all across the secondary. "Blake had a good spring," Hoke Zatkoff Award as Michigan's best linebacker in 2011, leading the Wol- verines with 94 tackles while post- ing three sacks among five tackles for loss. He also broke up a pair of passes and forced a fumble. This year, Michigan's coaches insist he needs to be a consistent force, pe- riod. "He's done a good job," Hoke said. "These guys who are getting ready to play their last year, they finally realize … you tell them for three or four years that it doesn't last forever. There is always a differ- ence in their approach, in a positive way. Kenny is one of those guys." said. "He went to work every day and he did a nice job with it. He knows there is no entitlement, and that he's got to perform. He's got to perform at the highest level every day, so he can improve, better him- self and better Michigan." 16. J.T. Floyd, 5th-Sr. CB have been a standout Sugar Bowl performance, propelling him into an offseason leading up to his final go-around with the Wolverines. He finished sixth on the team with 48 2011 Preseason: No. 15 2011 Postseason: No. 12 Floyd's season highlight may Redshirt junior safety Thomas Gordon ranked third on Michigan in tackles in 2011, posting 67 stops along with an interception and four fumble recoveries. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN SEPTEMBER 2012 THE WOLVERINE 23