Michigan Football: The 14 Most Important People for the Wolverines in 2011
An escape from the smothering NCAA, a new coaching staff and a restored Michigan family has brought about a newfound optimism in Ann Arbor.
Thanks to the diligence of ex-coach Rich Rodriguez, athletic director Dave Brandon and university president Sue Coleman, Michigan football survived the wrath of the NCAA.
Head coach Brady Hoke begins anew, blessed with nearly unanimous fan support, a positive outpouring from former players, a respected staff and the beginnings of an excellent initial recruiting class.
The optimism can also be explained by the troubles in Columbus. It's time for the archrival Ohio State Buckeyes to face the NCAA charges. But this time, the Buckeyes will hardly get a slap on the wrist. They've not only been accused of trading memorabilia for tattoos, they're also being investigated for questionable automobile transactions.
To make matters worse, head coach Jim Tressel was forced to resign over what is now known as "Tattoo Gate." The former coach has also been cited for covering up the whole mess.
So for several reasons, Michigan now has a great opportunity to turn its struggling program around. Here's a look at the characters who could make it happen.
Dave Brandon, Athletic Director
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Since being named athletic director in January, 2010, Brandon has overseen the completion of the Michigan Stadium expansion, the NCAA investigation and the hiring of new football coach Brady Hoke. By all accounts, Brandon has performed admirably.
Brandon’s job is far from complete. His next challenge is twofold. First, he must keep the NCAA away by running a very tight ship, especially when it comes to football. Second, he must join with Coach Hoke, the boosters, alumni and former players to eliminate the political divisions that occurred during the transition between an outgoing Lloyd Carr and an incoming Rich Rodriguez.
By all indications, Brandon is up to the task.
Brady Hoke, Head Football Coach
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While new Michigan coach Brady Hoke has yet to win a game, he’s already hired a respected coaching staff, won back the hearts of several former players and let the Buckeyes know he means business.
Bringing in Greg Mattison from the Baltimore Ravens was quite a coup. Mattison and the NFL Ravens have been known for excellent defense. And as a bonus, Mattison is also known as a fine recruiter.
The night before Michigan’s spring game, Hoke welcomed back more than 200 former players to a new chapter of Michigan football. They were reminded of the Michigan traditions, and how they can pass them on to the current and future players.
There‘s no doubt several of the former players have already helped out the recruiting game. Hoke has already received 14 verbal commitments for the 2012 class. Six of them, including Kaleb Ringer and Joe Bolden, are from Ohio.
Al Borges, Offensive Coordinator
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Borges' main job is to guide Michigan’s offense through the transition from a read option to a pro set. Specifically, he’s to reinvent Denard Robinson from a primarily running quarterback to a signal-caller who utilizes his backs more, while running less and passing more.
Borges’ resume suggests he can do the job. He's been the offensive coordinator at Boise State, Oregon, UCLA and Auburn. The last two seasons, Borges held the same position under Hoke at San Diego State.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Greg Mattison, Defensive Coordinator
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Mattison takes over a defense that was one of the worst in the NCAA last season. Per official NCAA statistics, Michigan allowed 35.23 points per game, which placed them 108th out of 120 FBS teams. Total defense wasn’t any better. The Wolverines allowed 450.46 yards per game, or 110th of 120 FBS teams.
Mattison has some hope for 2011. Mike Martin returns with Ryan Van Bergen to anchor the defensive line, Kenny Demens should shine at linebacker and two excellent cover corners return, provided they're both over nasty ankle injuries.
Working Will Campbell and Marell Evans back into the mix would be a real help, while preparing a few freshmen to play immediately would also be a plus.
Denard Robinson, QB, Junior
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No doubt the most important piece of the puzzle. Denard thrilled the college football world in 2010, running and passing for a combined 4,272 total yards, which made him a Heisman Trophy candidate,
In hopes of keeping Robinson healthy, and keeping the ball away from Michigan's defense, Hoke is switching from a read-option attack to a "downhill" balanced scheme.
That should lessen Robinson's rushing attempts while increasing both the running backs' carries and Robinson's passing attempts.
Providing Robinson can adjust to the new strategy, he should remain fresher, and the Michigan defense should see more rest.
Devin Gardner, QB, Sophomore
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The pressure will still be on Denard Robinson to make plays with his feet, which will allow Devin Gardner to see plenty of action.
Last season, Gardner only appeared in four games, as Tate Forcier was Robinson's backup.
Hopefully, Gardner can get some game-time reps early, just in case the inevitable happens.
David Molk, C, Redshirt Senior
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As the center, David Molk calls the signals for the offensive line. Since Denard Robinson will be spending more time in the pocket this fall, Molk's success is even more critical.
The group showed some improvement last season as Molk started all 13 games. In 2009, Molk missed the better part of eight games due to a knee injury. While Molk was sidelined. the offensive line struggled.
Stephen Hopkins, TB/FB, Sophomore
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Michigan plans on running the ball between the tackles more this season. Hopkins, at 6'0", 227 lbs., is built for the job. If he wins either the tailback or fullback slots, he'll most likely play some at both positions, Hopkins will be pounding the middle on those 3rd-and-short situations.
A third-down inside-running attack was hardly part of the offense in 2010. Making first downs will delight everyone on defense, especially Coordinator Mattison.
Will Campbell, DT, Junior
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Campbell, a 5-star recruit from nearby Detroit Cass Tech, hasn’t found his niche yet for the Wolverines. The coaching staff is hoping Campbell can be a pleasant surprise by solidifying the defensive tackle position,
At 6’5”, 333 lbs., he could keep Mike Martin from being double-teamed. In addition, the coaches would like to move Martin outside at times, with Campbell moving to the nose. Quinton Washington or Richard Ash would move to tackle.
Troy Woolfolk, CB, Redshirt Senior
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Perhaps the biggest blow to last year's defense came before the season began. Troy Woolfolk, who Michigan was counting on to become its feature cornerback, injured his foot to the point he was forced to miss the entire season.
In fact, Woolfolk also missed this year’s spring practice, but is expected to start the season.
Woolfolk is the son of former Michigan running back Butch Woolfolk, who played for Michigan from 1978-81. He's fifth on the Michigan all-time rushing list with 3,861 yards.
J.T. Floyd, CB, Redshirt Junior
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Like Woolfolk, cornerback J.T Floyd missed this year's spring practice. Unlike Woolfolk, Floyd was able to start the first eight games last season before an ankle injury knocked him out of the last five. He's also expected to be back for the season opener.
With Woolfolk and Floyd in the defensive backfield, Michigan will be able to play more man-to-man defense, allowing an extra defender to concentrate on run support.
Lloyd Carr, Head Coach, 1995-2007
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Some say Lloyd Carr has been a no-show around Michigan football since before he officially retired. He definitely failed to embrace the Rodriguez years, but has become more visible since Brady Hoke was hired.
Carr was reported to be upset that he might have been forced out of his job before his time, and that he never received a proper send-off. His relationship with former athletic director Bill Martin was speculated to be on the cool side.
What most likely brought Carr back to Michigan football was his recent election to the college football Hall of Fame, in addition to the hiring of Hoke.
Carr could again be a positive player in the Michigan athletic family. If Michigan is intent on returning to the elite rung of college football, the entire house must be in order. Only time will tell.
Desmond Howard, WR, 1989-91, Heisman Trophy Winner, 1991
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Like former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard spends his Saturday mornings working for ESPN's College GameDay.
The position can be very influential. As you recall, it was Herbstreit who mistakenly reported in late 2007 that Les Miles had taken the Michigan coaching job.
Hopefully Howard can use some of his influence in a more positive light. Publicly criticizing the current quarterback isn't what I had in mind. Aiding the recruiting effort is.
Jim Tressel, OSU Head Football Coach, 2001-2011
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Whether he knew it or not, Tressel just added to his classy reputation. Like former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis, Tressel had some choice words packaged especially for the Wolverines. They were delivered during a pep rally held at his home in suburban Columbus.
"After a crowd of some 200 people had sung a song disparaging the archrival Wolverines early Saturday evening, Tressel said, 'Don't forget: Nov. 26th we're going to kick their ass!'"
There's a good chance someone will print some T-shirts and the NCAA will get 'em for that, too.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
