Michigan Football: The 7 Best Defensive Players

After a quick look at Michigan's 2010 defensive stats, you might assume there's very little talent in the building. The Wolverines allowed 35.23 points per game, which translates to 108th of 120 BCS teams. In addition, Michigan gave up 450.46 yards per game, or 110th of 120 teams.

Unfortunately, Michigan must take what the Rich Rodriguez regime left them. Fans often mention that the Michigan defense absorbed more ridicule off the field, that punishment on it.

There's no question head coach Brady Hoke and defensive coordinator Greg Mattison have plenty of work to do before Western Michigan arrives September 3.

Fortunately there a few ballplayers the coaches can work with. Let's take a look at the top seven.   

Mike Martin, NT, 6'2", 299, SR

An All-Big 10 performer in 2010, Martin is most likely Michigan's strongest defender. Martin parlayed an outstanding prep wrestling career into what most likely will be an NFL starting job.

The senior nose tackle from Novi Catholic Central has already collected 108 tackles and 6.5 sacks at Michigan. Martin will play alongside tackle Will Campbell, Craig Roh. and Ryan Van Bergen.  

Kenny Demens, LB, 6'1" 250, RS JR

As a redshirt sophomore in 2010, Kenny Demens finally won the middle linebacker job for the Iowa game. He was a pleasant surprise, finishing the season with 82 tackles, third on the team behind Jonas Mouton and Jordan Kovacs.

Demens was solid again this spring, locking up the starting "MIKE" position for 2011.

Marell Evans and J.B. Fitzgerald will press Demens for playing time.  

Troy Woolfolk, LB, 6'0",195, RS SR

Troy Woolfolk's ankle and leg injuries been scrutinized more than than any in a long time, except for Denard Robinson's nagging problems.

Woolfolk was expected to be Michigan's much-needed, lock-down cornerback in 2010.  Instead, the son of former Michigan running back Butch Woolfolk, suffered a season-ending ankle and fibula injury last August. The defense was forced to start J.T Floyd along with converted wide receiver James Rogers.

Floyd missed the last five games also with an ankle injury, allowing true freshman Courtney Avery to gain some valuable playing time. Add early-enrollee Greg Brown and the cornerback position actually looks fairly healthy going into 2011.

Cameron Gordon, LB, 6'3", 207, RS so

The knock on playing Cameron Gordon at the SAM linebacker is his lack of size. But at 6'3", there's plenty of room to bulk up to maybe 225 or so.

Despite his size, Gordon started all 13 games last season, seven at free safety and six at a hybrid-linebacker spot. From Inkster, Michigan, Gordon  accumulated 77 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season.  

Regardless of whether Gordon or Ryan wins the starting SAM position, both will see extensive playing time.

Jake Ryan, LB, 6'3, 224, RS FR

Michigan fans saw Jake Ryan make his big splash during the spring game, but the coaching staff knew all along he was going to be special. A product of Cleveland football power St. Ignatius, Ryan is making the battle for the SAM linebacker spot a real dog fight.

"The one thing we’ve really been pleased with Jake is he shows tremendous energy and speed off the edge," said defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, "Which is something we need definitely in our package."

Cameron Gordon appears to have won the job, but it will hard to keep the redshirt freshman off the field.

In the recent spring game, Ryan intercepted a Devin Gardner pass and was credited with a sack. 

J.T. Floyd, CB, 6'0", 183, RS JR

J.T. Floyd filled in for Troy Woolfolk last season until his own ankle injury ended his season with four weeks remaining. 

Ligament damage neccessitated surgery, forcing the redshirt junior to miss spring practice. Fortunately, All indications point to Floyd being ready when camp begins in August.

Floyd played across from senior James Rogers last season, coming up with an impressive 66 tackles in eight games.

 

Jordan Kovacs, S, 6'0", 195, RS JR

During the last two seasons, Jordan Kovacs was second on the team tackle list, but probably has the most critics.

Coming in as a walk-on certainly didn't do him any favors, but appearing to be the slowest on the field hurts even more.

But the truth is in the pudding and Kovacs, along with Mike Martin, is the best fundamentally sound player on the team. To say he has a nose for the ball is an understatement.

Kovacs was credited with 75 tackles in 2009 (Stevie Brown, 80) and 116 in 2010 (Jonas Mouton 117).

The redshirt junior has inherited the strong safety starter's role, but expected to see a four-way battle between Josh Furman, Marvin Robinson, Carvin Johnson and Kovacs for playing time.

The next seven:

Josh Furman

Ryan Van Bergen

Marvin Robinson

Mike Jones

Courtney Avery

Carvin Johnson

Thomas Gordon