The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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coaches, though, have urged him on to a higher level of performance for 2012. They want to see him intelligently take more chances on the field, mak- ing even more big plays when they present themselves. Even though safety represents Michigan's last line of defense, they don't want Gordon playing it too safe. "All I can go by is what [strength and conditioning coach] Aaron Well- man says he did in the offseason, and two practices," Mattison noted at the start of fall camp. "Based on that, I'm very optimistic about Thomas." 18. Desmond Morgan, So., LB man linebacker, starting seven games among 12 appearances. He faced a steep learning curve, but hung in and became one of Michigan's more pro- ductive performers. Morgan recorded 10 tackles in each Preseason 2011: NR Postseason 2011: NR Morgan stepped in as a true fresh- of the final two games of the season, against Ohio State and Virginia Tech. In all, he posted 63 tackles with a sack among four tackles for loss. He also recovered a fumble, in a strong effort from a first-year linebacker. "It's nice to have a guy like Des- fall could also get him on the field more and rocket him up this list, de- pending upon how he fares at the other end of some passes. "He's a smart guy to begin with," Hoke said. "He's a very intelligent kid. That's a big part of it. There's a maturity that he's gone through. Him looking at how he can help this team, how he can be a teammate, is important to him. That gives you a little more you can do." 20. Brennen Beyer, So., DE ines, yet one of the most ready to break into major contributions, Beyer has a strong chance to start at rush end this season. He's been impres- sive both in the spring and in offsea- son workouts, and a solid fall camp could boost him into the lineup. Beyer played linebacker as a fresh- Preseason 2011: NR Postseason 2011: NR One of the least-known Wolver- In 2011, his junior campaign, Vincent Smith carried the ball 50 times for 298 yards and two touchdowns, while also grabbing 11 22. Vincent Smith, Sr., RB man, appearing in 11 games and re- cording 11 tackles. He notched four stops against Iowa, and made the offseason move to the front lines, where he'll be counted on to make an impact. "He was productive," Hoke said of mond Morgan back who's played a lot of snaps," Hoke said. "I don't look at him as being a young guy. That helps." 19. Devin Gardner, Jr., QB Robinson may not garner a lot of preseason hype, but if anything hap- pens to the starter Gardner becomes invaluable. He showed he could step up and deliver last season, throwing a touchdown pass on the road at Il- linois, as well as entering a host of times in the "Deuce" package featur- ing both top QBs. Gardner wound up completing Preseason 2011: No. 25 Postseason 2011: NR The backup quarterback behind 11 of 23 passes (47.8 percent) for 176 yards with one touchdown and one interception on the season. He showed an increased focus in the spring, according to Borges, and will again provide both a weapon and insurance for the Wolverines on of- fense. His practice time at receiver in the 24 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2012 Beyer's spring effort. "We challenged him to get a little stronger, get a little bigger. He did a nice job with that. The productivity he showed in the spring is just scratching the surface of what he can be." 21. Brendan Gibbons, R-Jr., PK 2010 to revive his career in a big way during Hoke's first campaign at the helm. The fourth-year placekicker was last seen knocking through the game-winning field goal in the Sugar Bowl, then explaining mind-relax- ation techniques. Michigan fans should be much Preseason 2011: NR Postseason 2011: No. 14 Gibbons came off the scrap heap in ines on the roster, Smith remained very valuable even through Tous- saint's emergence as a top ground gainer. Smith is still Michigan's best pass protector, and is able to make some tough yards with the ball in his hands. He carried the ball 50 times for 298 Preseason 2011: NR Postseason 2011: No. 15 One of the most rugged Wolver- yards and scored a pair of touch- downs in 2011. He also caught 11 passes for 149 yards and two scores, and will be counted on both for lead- ership and a well-rounded array of contributions. "Smitty is one of those guys who receptions for 149 yards and two scores. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL can do about anything for you," Hoke noted. "He does a tremen- dous job. Vince is a workhorse. He is, pound for pound, as tough as any guy on our football team. He's a tre- mendous competitor." 23. Stephen Hopkins, Jr., FB more relaxed to see him kick this year, after he drilled 13 of 17 field goal attempts last season. Gibbons performed steadily in the spring, and should enter the fall with no lack of confidence. "Gibbons came out last year and had a good year," Hoke noted. "He made some great improvement. Now we'll see, through the competition of fall camp, where he's at." fullback last year, and he's set to again offer up blocking prowess and a threat to run out of Michigan's backfield. He played in 11 games as a sophomore, rushing for 43 yards on 11 carries. Hopkins drew two starts at full- back during Michigan's drive to an Preseason 2011: NR Postseason 2011: NR Hopkins pitched in to play some