Mr. Robinson's Michigan Defense 2009
Now that "we" have spoken, and are rallying behind our coach and for our team, it becomes obvious that we must "All be in for Michigan". As much as we might wish and hope, a new tailgate location and our rally cries will not be enough. As we inch closer to the first the first battle here are a few of the fellas that will be backing up the Webmasters spirit with some old fashioned "wood layin". Without further ado, your Game #1 Defensive Primer.
# 55, Senior, Brandon Graham DE
BG returns to anchor the squad from the DE position and will be moved around the field and given opportunities to play upright in one of variety of cleverly named spots in a "hybridish" style. The move by new D.C. Greg Robinson will allow Graham to contribute all over the field as opposed to mainly behind the LOS. Look for Graham to lead the team onto the field and escort the opponents off the field with hard hits while he adds to his 19 career sacks while raising is NFL stock as well. The Detroit Crockett Rocket will build upon his UM legacy by improving on his 2nd team All Big Ten and Bo Schembechler Team MVP performance of 2008. Although he is not the "Spinner" I dream of at 6'2/265, he should have quarterbacks Tim Hiller and Jimmy Clausen's heads' spinning.
# 45, RS Junior, Obi Ezeh LB
Obi is coming off a quality '08 campaign where he was named All Big Ten HM. For the past two seasons Ezeh has led the team in tackles and will most likely make that streak 3 seasons while anchoring the Wolverines at the MLB position. Obi has been given the distinguished honor of being put on the 2009 Butkus Award watch list and will definitely be a centerpiece to what is shaping up to be one of the best defenses in the Big Ten this season. Look for some increased leadership as opposing running backs will realize that the mouth guard and facemask were necessary in maintaining their facial anatomy when they run into or across the middle against UM and Obi in 2009.
# 3, Senior, Stevie Brown LB
Stevie B. has been one of the most talked about defenders during the offseason as he is making the move from Safety to the Linebacker or second "hybrid" slot under G. Rob. His propensity for huge hits should only increase as he is asked to support the run earlier in the action as well as drop into coverage. With a lack of depth at the LB position and two lock down corners this could prove to be a wise move schematically. I anticipate a big year from #3 in both tackles and interceptions, you should too.
# 68, Sophomore, Mike Martin DT
With the departure of one of UMTailgates favorite players in TT, (until this week that is), we will witness the emergence of MM. Mike Martin already showed moments of brilliance last season as a true freshmen and looks to establish himself as the leagues premiere nose tackle/D-linemen. The Four Star recruit from Detroit Catholic Central seems to be a guy that is going to play at one speed all the time and that is what we will need for success with our thin numbers on the D-Line. So get ready for the Double M chants. (Maybe M squared?)
# 6, Junior, Donovan Warren CB
Donny is a NFL to be cornerback and if you think he 'fell off ' a bit last year, it was undoubtedly due to him being injured. Donovan will re-emerge to eliminate an entire 1/2 of the field and make life alot easier and enjoyable for the aforementioned defenders. So if its halftime and your saying, where has #6 been? Thats a good thing! If some jack-in-the-box QB, ie. Hiller and Clausen to begin with, try to throw at him, we probably will have the ball back.
So there is your quick primer on returning stars the entire depth chart via the Michigan Daily is here
Others to watch for:
#33, Sophomore, Boubacar Cissoko CB: Should be bang or bust playing opposite a healthy Warren, I vote BANG
#58, RS Sophomore, Brandon Herron LB: Will he emerge or will true freshmen C. Roh steal time here? Big ?
#8, RS Junior, Jonas Mouton LB:Â Similar situation as Herron, need at least one of two to be real solid
The Sons of Stars:
#29, Junior, Troy Woolfolk S: Dad was UM All American, can he step in to fill void at safety?
#31, RS Sophomore, Jared Van Slyke S: Dad was All-Star for Cards and Pirates, son needs to be big hitter w/o bat.
The True Freshmen
#88 Craig Roh OLB: Pushing for starting spot, projects to be good, real good.
#73 Will Campbell DL: "Chunky Soup" needs to get refitted to ass whooping shape, will get there eventually!
Well there is our first look at the Defense that will start us towards a championship, whether it is a National Championship, Big Ten Championship, State Championship or County Championship is the big question. Health and rest by a more productive O will determine this groups legacy! The talent is there, I expect an OUTSTANDING year from the Wing Tipped Defenders! Its almost Saturday, Lets Go BLUE!
