Michigan Football: Wolverines Who Played Best Down the Stretch

Jake Butt, Ben Gedeon and Mason Cole, along with Matt Godin, Drake Johnson and Joe Bolden, were all a part of something that was difficult—or nearly impossible for some—to see this season in Michigan: progress.

Yes, progress.

And it's all returning next year. 

Now, before bursting into maniacal laughter and clicking to something else—because there sure as hell wasn’t anything remotely close to noticeable improvement in 2014, right?!—take the time to look past the 5-7 (3-5 Big Ten) record and the losses to Michigan State, Ohio State and Maryland, and forget about, if even just for a second, the dark cloud hanging above coach Brady Hoke.

That said, it’s OK to remember the cascade of mental lapses in execution and miscues in preparation that contributed to the downfall and widespread failure.

However, there were the occasional noteworthy moments. Some guys showed a strong desire each week.

What about Gedeon’s bigger play-saving hit along the sidelines on Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel? Evidently, the 6'3", 240-pound sophomore didn’t close shop for the year; he kept it revving all day like the Wolverines were in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Actually, he’s been going strong since this past season’s Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl as a special teamer and linebacker. He’s one of a few who deserve credit for developing.

What about Butt’s 7-7 equalizing touchdown in the first quarter? He even added a “shhh” gesture at the end—he was physically and emotionally ready for “The Game” and the sea of scarlet and gray at The Shoe.

Evidently, like Gedeon and a few others, Butt didn’t succumb to the notion that his team had zero chance of topping Urban Meyer’s bunch—not for one second. He didn’t have an earth-shattering day—four catches (including a 12-yard TD) for 35 yards—but he certainly gave Wolverines fans a little something to briefly smile about.

Discussing Michigan's 2014 implosion is necessary, and there will be plenty of time for that during the offseason. However, following its 42-28 loss to Ohio State, highlighting areas in which Team 135 showed signs of improvement seems like an appropriate change of pace—at least for the time being.

Offensive Strides That Weren’t Offensive

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Michigan needed someone to deliver Saturday, and that someone just happened to be Johnson, an Ann Arbor-bred kid from Pioneer High who came on strong late in the year.

Prior to suffering an apparent knee injury midway through the third quarter, the 6’1”, 211-pound redshirt sophomore had 15 carries for 74 yards and a pair of touchdowns versus the Buckeyes.

Before that, he rushed for 94 during his team’s 23-16 senior-day loss to Maryland.

And before that, he piled 16 carries for a career-high 122 yards during a 34-10 homecoming trouncing of Indiana—again, it wasn't a season’s worth of documentation, but it was something to reference.

Combined with Derrick Green, who was lost for the year Oct. 4 after suffering a broken clavicle versus Rutgers, Johnson represents a ground game with a glimmer of hope.

Were his 60 carries for 361 yards and four scores too little, too late? Maybe. But they're slightly better than nothing at all. 

Earlier this season, Butt said that his goal was to become one of Michigan’s great tight ends. That’s pretty standard stuff, right? Who sets out to be average? He didn’t shine as brightly as many had hoped for in 2014, but the 6’6”, 250-pound sophomore was effective when he got the ball.

It’s worth noting that drops, mistakes in route running and falling short of full health could have caused a lack of action and production, too. Butt wasn’t perfect by any stretch, finishing the year with a game-high of four catches twice and 21 grabs for 221 yards and two touchdowns; but again, he was able to demonstrate poise and leadership during a crucial contest.

Guys with pride play how Butt played Saturday, that’s all there is to it. Fortunately for Michigan, he’ll be back next year—several more months removed from an ACL tear suffered during this past season’s winter workouts and on pace to accomplish his dream of doing something memorable with the Wolverines. 

As long as he stays away from flying chest-bump touchdown celebrations, he’ll be good. During the season, he jokingly said that he'd shy away from them just to be safe and avoid re-injuring his ACL. 

Considering that he started at left tackle as a true freshman, Mason Cole gives reason to be cautiously optimistic in regards to the O-line, which, in general terms, was terrible across the board. But Devin Gardner’s sack total dropped from 34, the third-most in FBS in 2013, to 26, good for No. 27 overall this time around.

Cole helped ease the burden of protecting a mobile target. 

At 6’5” and 292 pounds, he has the frame to anchor the front line for three more years. Despite freshman struggles, he’s on the right path, evidenced by his ability to survive and strive during a tumultuous first year with the big boys.

Don’t Get Defensive about These Steps

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First and foremost, Bolden is an emotional leader. In hindsight, his stake-driving at Michigan State was certainly boisterous and completely over the top, but it was probably a welcome boost for a team looking for motivation.

The Wolverines lost 35-11, but the 6’3”, 231-pound junior racked up a career-high 12 tackles. If that’s not getting up for a game, what is?

During the following Monday’s press conference, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison praised the linebacker’s heart by saying that he’d love to have a “room full of Joe Boldens.”

Now a 6’6”, 285-pound redshirt sophomore, Godin, one of Michigan’s unsung workaholics, continues to forge ahead with a chip on his shoulder and fearless attitude. He didn’t have a reel’s worth of highlights, but he contributed with 1.5 tackles for a loss versus the Terrapins, and he got his first collegiate interception during a 10-9 road win over Northwestern.

Because of depth, pockets of development and players such as Godin, Mattison had the No. 9-ranked total defense in 2014 (pre-bowl/playoff). 

But it still needs some work, especially on the back end. 

The secondary and pass coverage was the Achilles' heel, which is a shock because the Wolverines had all-conference-caliber DBs such as Blake Countess, Raymon Taylor and Jourdan Lewis patrolling the beat.

Somehow, though, Countess took steps backward after being named to the Jim Thorpe Award watch list. Taylor had his moments, but he wasn’t always on top of things.

Lewis, though, and maybe unexpectedly, was the star of the group. The 5’10”, 175-pound sophomore appeared front and center versus Utah—making what was probably the team’s stop of the year—and against Michigan State—a game in which he had four tackles, one for loss.

He also had a touchdown-saving pass breakup Saturday against Ohio State.

Michigan lacked universal improvement in 2014, and it won’t compete for Big Ten titles and playoff bids until everyone is maturing, progressing and getting better—not just a select few.

But it's time to deliver a nod of respect, even a slight tilting of the head or brow, to those who kept it moving while the rest of the Wolverines were stuck in neutral. 

Follow Bleacher Report’s Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer. 

Agree with the selections? Were there any others who made significant strides in 2014? Let me know in the comments section.