2010 Michigan Defense Could Determine Rich Rodriguez's Fate

When Rich Rodriguez was hired to lead the Michigan football program, he was known as an offensive genius. He immediately junked the Wolverines successful pro-set attack for the innovative fast-paced spread, but had one tiny problem.  

You see, Rodriguez didn’t have a quarterback to run it, and the last two seasons have been Michigan’s worst in decades.

The consensus opinion is that the 2010 season will be Rodriguez last unless the team can win 7-8 games, and especially some in the Big Ten conference season.

And while many look at this fall’s offense as much improved over last season, it’s the defense which worries Wolverine onlookers.

For one thing, Brandon Graham, Michigan’s only real pass rusher, has departed for  the Philadelphia Eagles, while cover-corner Donovan Warren is battling for a safety slot with the Jets. It also looks like S/LB Stevie Brown has a good shot at sticking with the Oakland Raiders.  

In addition, recruits Antonio Kinard and Demar Dorcey are missing due to admission problems. And to make matters worse, Justin Turner was released from his scholarship, Boubacar Cissoko never made it through last season, and Troy Woolfolk suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

In fact, Woolfolk had surgery Tuesday and could possibly return for the 2011 season. 

But despite the unexpected losses, there just may be a light at end of the tunnel.

One quick look at the defensive roster and you’ll quickly see something that’s been missing during the last few seasons. That’s right, depth.

Sure there’s a slew of inexperience, but this season there’s also competition, and competition everywhere.

Second-year defensive coordinator Greg Robinson sees another positive.

“We have some young players who were redshirts or redshirt freshmen last year," he said. “There’s the enthusiasm you can sometimes get from those type of guys that you can’t get from experience.”

Robinson, who’s also held the coordinator’s role in the NFL for the Jets, Broncos and Chiefs, served as head coach at Syracuse from 2005-08. Maybe his experience is telling him that if Rodriguez is done after this season, so is he.

The first, and perhaps most important improvement must be in the pass rush.

Despite Graham’s 10.5 sacks, the team totaled a meager 22 last season. In comparison, the 2008 squad totaled 29 sacks, while Lloyd Carr’s last squad had 33 in 2007. 

Several players will get an opportunity to take on the challenge: 

Michigan will feature the 3-3-5 alignment this season, which begins up front with junior nose guard Mike Martin. Expected to be Michigan’s top defensive lineman, Martin has played in 24 consecutive games, starting 12 at nose guard.

Also expected to pressure the quarterback will be redshirt junior end Ryan Van Bergen, who accounted for five sacks and 40 total tackles.

Seniors Greg Banks and Renaldo Sagesse will battle for the starting tackle position, and you’ll most likely see senior Adam Patterson at both nose guard and tackle. At 330 lbs., sophomore William Campbell will eventually work his way into more playing time at nose guard and perhaps tackle.

The new alignment should also help contain the running game in addition to stopping the big play (i.e. Iowa).

The real surprise in the linebacker corps may be the emergence of senior Mark Moundros.

The converted fullback has been locked in a battle with senior Obi Ezeh, but both will see considerable playing time in the middle.

Craig Roh inherits the hybrid DE/LB spot. The sophomore should have a banner year rushing the quarterback. You’ll also see plenty of redshirt freshman Tony LaLotta and true freshman Jibreel Black.

Another familiar face is WLB Jonas Mouton, who’s recorded 147 tackles in his two-year career.

Mouton will play across newcomer Thomas Gordon, who may appear to be lining up in one of those hybrid (LB/S) roles. Floyd Simmons, Kenny Demens, J.B Fitzgerald, Mike Williams and Josh Furman are all aspiring linebackers.

The remaining hybrid (LB/S) position will remain with Jordan Kovacs.

Despite his lack of  pure backfield speed, Kovacs accounted for 75 tackles, second-best on the 2009 squad. Of course, many of those weren’t near the line of scrimmage.

With Woolfolk on the mend, J.T. Floyd inherits the cornerback slot while it looks like James Rogers starts on the other side. Freshman Cullen Christian is expected to see significant playing time with Courtney Avery, Teric Jones and Terrence Talbot providing the competition.

Redshirt freshman Cameron Gordon will man the FS position, with Marvin Robinson and Vladimir Emilien as backups.

So despite the lack of experience, the defense should still be improved. The combination of a new system, youthful enthusiasm, and improved depth should allow both Rodriguez and Robinson to enjoy those late-season Big Ten match ups, and be around next year to tell about them.

**Players in bold are not necessarily starters, but should get ample playing time.