The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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The Start Of Something R Rich Rodriguez's First Group Eventually Paid Off Under Brady Hoke of the 24 signees committed after Ro- driguez was hired in December 2007 — but it was still expected to serve as the foundation of his early tenure at U-M. Initially, it did impact quickly, with a Michigan program-record six starting as true freshmen among nine overall that saw the field. However, the 2008 class' first three ich Rodriguez's first recruit- ing class at Michigan, the 2008 haul, wasn't entirely his own — in fact only 10 BY MICHAEL SPATH seasons were unremarkable, awful even, with the Maize and Blue going 3-9, 5-7 and 7-6 — the 15-22 record leading to Rodriguez's ouster as the Wolverines' coach. When Brady Hoke arrived in 2011, he could have discarded the rem- nants of that class, cast them aside and started anew, but he sought to bring out their very best for a final surge in their senior season. His commitment to the 2008 class (and the 2007 class before it) helped win over the Maize and Blue, and they responded with a sensational cam- paign, achieving an 11-2 record, in- cluding a Sugar Bowl victory. Only seven players remain from the 24 that signed in 2008, and their goal is to build off last year's success to help Michigan earn its first Big Ten title since 2004. The 2008 class started something a year ago, and they now stand poised to finish with a resounding thunder. Kevin Koger — The 6-4, 258-pounder started three games among nine ap- pearances in 2008, becoming only the second tight end in program history to start as a true freshman. Koger caught 36 balls in three sea- sons in Rodriguez's spread offense, CONTRIBUTORS SO FAR THE TOP FOUR Defensive tackle Mike Martin racked up 172 career tackles, including 25 behind the line of scrimmage, while anchoring U-M's front seven the past four seasons. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN the final three games of the 2009 sea- son and hasn't missed a start since, appearing at right guard every time. He was a terrific fit in the spread offense thanks to his unique com- bination of speed, athleticism and strength, but adjusted slowly to the more physical aspects of Al Borges' pro-style hybrid offense in 2011. Still, Omameh came on in the final month of his redshirt junior campaign and is on the brink of a breakout final season. Roy Roundtree — The Trotwood, Ohio, native still has something to prove as a No. 1 wide receiver after serving as a complementary piece a year ago, but he's already enjoyed an impressive career. Roundtree has 123 receptions for 1,724 yards and 12 touchdowns, and could become just the seventh receiver in school his- tory with 150 career catches, the 12th with 2,000 yards and the 12th with 15 touchdowns. senior has appeared in only nine ca- reer contests, but if all goes accord- AN IMPACT THIS SEASON Ricky Barnum — The 6-3, 296-pound READY TO MAKE tor as a freshman, Martin started at defensive tackle in each of his final three seasons, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2010 and 2011. The 6-2, 304-pounder was a tireless worker, playing the role com- missioned him despite the lack of a supporting cast in 2010 and while facing constant double-teaming in his junior and senior campaigns. He finished with 172 career stops, in- cluding 25 tackles for loss, and was instrumental in the defensive turn- around for the Wolverines last fall. Patrick Omameh — Omameh started and capped his career with 23 grabs under Hoke. A Michigan captain in 2011, Koger closed his career with 59 receptions for 756 yards and nine touchdowns, ranking eighth all time among U-M tight ends in catches and fourth in touchdowns. Mike Martin — An early contribu- ing to plan, he will start a baker's dozen this fall as Michigan's starting center. Barnum had the job, vacant with the departure of All-American David Molk, heading into the spring, cemented himself in that role dur- ing March and April practices, and begins fall camp the best (and maybe only) choice to man the offensive line's captaincy. 2008 Class Overview Players In Class — 24 Rivals.com Ranking — 10th Players Still At Michigan — 7 Name Comment: Oft-injured lineman has started three career games but is poised to start at center for the Wol- verines in his final season. Ricky Barnum OL 6-3 296 4 Comment: Begins third season as Michigan's starting Mike linebacker, having racked up 184 stops and 6.5 tackles for loss during his career. Kenny Demens LB 6-1 242 4 Comment: Lacks the high-end talent to be a No. 1 cornerback, but has been a consistent defender over 22 starts entering third year as a starter. J.T. Floyd CB 6-0 183 3 Comment: Has struggled to carve out a niche and was beaten out in the spring for the vacant left guard posi- tion by walk-on Joey Burzynski. Elliott Mealer OL 6-5 308 4 Comment: Will likely serve as U-M's top option at tight end, though he probably won't catch many balls to add to his two career receptions. Brandon Moore TE 6-5 268 4 Comment: Ranks second among ac- tive Wolverines with 29 consecutive starts, and will anchor offensive line from right guard position. Patrick Omameh OG 6-4 305 2 Comment: Looks to cap his career in grand fashion as he scales the record books in receptions (14th), receiving yards (14th) and touchdowns (15th). Roy Roundtree WR 6-0 180 4 SEPTEMBER 2012 THE WOLVERINE 45 Pos. Ht. Wt. Stars CLASS REVIEW: 2008