The Wolverine

April 2017

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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APRIL 2017 THE WOLVERINE 35 prep prayer in the country coming out of high school, Gary observed all that players such as Wormley and Charlton did while mixing in enough to record 27 tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack of his own. He also posted seven quarterback hurries, tied for third on the team. At the strongside defensive end, 6-3 and 245-pound junior Chase Winovich proved very productive in a rotational role last season. He managed 35 stops, 9.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and a forced fumble. Winovich's high-motor intensity should keep the Wolverines revved up along the front line, but the ques- tion marks come in when Mattison wants to rotate, like he did last season. Michigan will certainly have backups available, but they'll need to get settled in a hurry, like Gary did. Performers such as sophomores Michael Dwumfour and Carlo Kemp, along with redshirt sophomore Shelton Johnson and redshirt freshman Ron Johnson, will get a chance to prove their point in spring practice. Beyond them, a number of incoming freshmen can find their way into the mix come fall camp and into the season. Certainly, Rivals.com five-star de- fensive tackle Aubrey Solomon has the best chance to wind up as this year's Gary, in terms of getting into the mix. He appears physically ready to take on the challenges of college football, although he'll certainly ramp up his weight training and get stronger as he goes along. He's not the only one who could build Michigan's depth and contribute quickly, Jansen noted, but Solomon is someone who clearly demonstrates the advances made by those prepping for the challenge of college football. "When you look at Aubrey Solo- mon, he's built to come in and play right away at 6-3, 305," Jansen said. "It amazes me when these kids come out of high school now with what kind of shape they're in. It's so much different than it used to be. Their training, their nutrition and all that stuff is so fine- tuned even as juniors and seniors in high school. "They're coming in and they're physically ready. Now, it's a matter of, can they understand the concepts of defense? Can they play a technique? Can they handle the pressure of being in The Big House and playing in a sys- tem and not just being the big fish out there? Those are all the things they've got to do. "When you look at [Phillip] Paea, at 6-4, 280, he can contribute right away. Deron Irving-Bey [6-5, 271] is another local kid who could have a big impact early." Michigan loaded up on defensive linemen in the 2017 recruiting class, so there is no lack of options when it comes to newcomers who could com- pete. In addition to those mentioned, several others could put themselves in position to get in the game. James Hudson, a 6-5, 294-pound defensive tackle out of Toledo, Ohio, has matured greatly in the past year and, again, carries the type of frame that will allow him to do battle early. Toledo Central Catholic coach Greg Dempsey noted he wouldn't be at all surprised if Hudson worked his way into Michigan's two-deep at some point in the year. Donovan Jeter, a versatile lineman out of Beaver Falls, Pa., stands 6-3 and goes 260 pounds. His 10 sacks among 15 tackles for loss a year ago helped lead his team to the Class 3A state title, and Jeter recorded 12 sacks in his ju- nior season as well. Charlton's departure created a mam- moth hole for those wanting to be- come Michigan's next big quarterback chaser off the edge, and the Wolverines landed a pair of performers who could eventually get that done. They are hop- ing for sooner, rather than later. Luiji Vilain goes 6-4 and 238 pounds, and left Canada to prove himself, football-wise, at Episcopal (Va.) High School. He became a top-10 prep de- fensive end in the U.S., and someone who demonstrated an explosive first step and relentless ability to pursue in the Under Armour All-American Game. Upon his signing, Mattison noted: "Luiji went to the Under Armour all- star game and was ranked as one of the top players there. He has tremen- dous speed, great size and can really show his burst off the football. He is what you look for when you're recruit- ing a pass rusher and outside player." He'll get a challenge from classmate Kwity Paye (6-4, 234) out of Rhode Island. Paye sees the opportunity for Wolverines willing to work themselves into a position to perform early. "I'll get to work," Paye vowed. "I'll start working out, eating right, gain a couple more pounds, so I can be ready. I want to learn that playbook, so when I come there, I can already be in the mix of things." Paye also sounded the hopeful- ness of all Michigan freshmen when it comes to a situation featuring plenty of attrition. "When Coach Mattison came here, he didn't give me any indication he wanted me to redshirt or sit out," Paye recalled. "When Coach Mattison and Coach Brown talked to me, they al- ways talked like I was going to come in and get some playing time. They expect me to come out and play. "Although we have a lot of D-line- men coming in, there are not going to be a lot of D-linemen playing at my particular position, that pass rush guy. There will be a lot of strongside defen- sive ends and D-tackles. "Just Luiji Vilain and I will be in that spot, so I feel I have a good chance to play some next year." Corey Malone-Hatcher (6-3, 245) comes in at defensive end from St. Jo- seph, Mich., on the west side of the state. He joins those with the expecta- tion and hopefulness that Michigan will be able to continue its defensive surge under Brown, Mattison and the other defensive staffers. None of them downplay the talent that headed out the door following the Orange Bowl. But they're far more focused on what's coming in and what they'll do going forward. ❏ Fifth-year senior Maurice Hurst checked in at No. 22 on Pro Football Focus' countdown of the 25 best returning players in all of col- lege football; he was the third-highest selec- tion from the Big Ten. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN

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