Under Armour All-American Game Participants: Michigan

Joe Bolden (#27) is one of the latest Michigan commits to play in the Under Armour All-America Game.

The 2016 Under Armour All-American Game will be played in January 2016.  The following participants have committed or signed a Letter of Intent to play for Michigan:

2015
Brian Cole, WR - Saginaw, MI

2014
Juwann Bushell-Beatty, OT - Paramus, NJ
Michael Ferns III, LB - St. Clairsville, OH#
Drake Harris, WR - Grand Rapids, MI#
Bryan Mone, DT - Salt Lake City, UT
Jabrill Peppers, CB - Paramus, NJ
Wilton Speight, QB - Richmond, VA
Jared Wangler, LB - Warren, MI#

2013
David Dawson, OT - Detroit, MI
Ty Isaac, RB - Joliet, IL**
Patrick Kugler, OG - Wexford, PA
Mike McCray, LB - Trotwood, OH
Shane Morris, QB - Warren, MI
Henry Poggi, DT - Baltimore, MD
Logan Tuley-Tillman, OT - Peoria, IL

2012
Joe Bolden, LB - Cincinnati, OH
Terry Richardson, CB - Detroit, MI

2011

2010
Demar Dorsey, S - Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Devin Gardner, QB - Inkster, MI

2009
Isaiah Bell, LB - Youngstown, OH
Taylor Lewan, OT - Scottsdale, AZ
Craig Roh, DE - Scottsdale, AZ
Quinton Washington, OG - St. Stephen, SC

2008
Ricky Barnum, OG - Lakeland, FL
Dann O'Neill, OT - Grand Haven, MI

*Committed to playing in next year's game
**Transferred to Michigan
#Will not/did not participate due to injury

Mailbag: Is Brennen Beyer any good?

I just have a question about Beyer, is he any good or is he just serviceable? In my eyes yes he has been good and he has been doing a great job for Michigan this year. The reason why I ask this is because my wife's uncle does not think he is any good and believe that he should have gone and played at a MAC school playing tight end instead of going to Michigan to play DE or LB. He is basing this off of watching Beyer play at Plymouth and using his football knowledge of being a QB at Ferris St back in the early 80's. This is a conversation that he and I have been having since Beyer's freshman year and it's kind of getting annoying now and I wanted to get your thoughts since you watch the film of these kids and have a better grasp of things since you are a coach.

I have that same question about Beyer. I have not been shy about questioning Beyer's talent since he arrived at Michigan as a defensive end . . . and immediately earned playing time as a backup SAM linebacker in 2011. Naturally, the first thing to look at would be his statistics:

2011 (Fr.): 11 tackles
2012 (So.): 19 tackles, .5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble
2013 (Jr.): 22 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup, 1 interception returned 7 yards for a TD

In the 2013 season countdown, I said "Beyer's next big play will be his first." He obviously took that personally because his first two games this year - against Central Michigan and Notre Dame -  included 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble. Since those two games, he has notched 16 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 pass breakup while starting either at SAM or strongside defensive end. Let's be honest - those numbers are pretty paltry for a season-long starter.

For comparison's sake, let's look at Craig Roh, who played at Michigan from 2009-2012. Roh was a starter from his freshman year at various positions, including outside linebacker, weakside end, and strongside end. He was not chosen in the NFL Draft and latched on to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad. It's tough to pick his worst year because his statistics were fairly static throughout his career, so we'll take his average stat line: 37.5 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks.

In one year as a starter and two more years as a frequently used backup, Beyer has 52 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. If Roh is the standard for being an average starter, then Beyer falls noticeably short of that level.

Beyer could almost surely have gone to the MAC and had some success there, either at defensive end or tight end. He probably wouldn't be lighting the world on fire there, either, but he would have some decent statistics. Should he have done so? That really depends on what the kid wants out of football. I think Michigan needs players like Beyer to be backups, journeymen, special teamers, etc. You can even get away with guys like Beyer starting, and Michigan has done fairly well defensively with him in that role. But in his third year, I think we can fairly conclude that Beyer is a supporting cast member at best.

In summary, you're both right. Beyer would have been able to rack up better stats and maybe gain more notoriety by going to the MAC. At the same time, he's doing okay for himself at Michigan, and lots of people would rather be mediocre players at Michigan than standout players at, say, Eastern Michigan. There are plenty of guys who would have been better off at a MAC-level school by most standards (Mike Jones is, Richard Ash and Jordan Paskorz could be, etc.), but big programs all have guys like Beyer.

NFL Draft results: Michigan

Denard Robinson dropped to the fifth round

Here's a look at the NFL Draft-related movement for Michigan players over the last 24 hours.  A couple Wolverines were drafted, and several more have been signed as free agents.

• Offensive guard Ricky Barnum signed as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Redskins
• Defensive tackle William Campbell was chosen in the 6th round (#178 overall) by the New York Jets, who plan to play him at offensive guard
• Linebacker Kenny Demens signed as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals
• Linebacker Brandin Hawthorne signed as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis rams
• Safety Jordan Kovacs signed as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins
• Offensive center/guard Elliott Mealer signed as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints
• Offensive guard Patrick Omameh signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers
• Quarterback Denard Robinson was chosen in the 5th round (#135 overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who plan to play him at running back, slot receiver, and kick returner
• Defensive end Craig Roh signed as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers
• Wide receiver Roy Roundtree signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals

Still unsigned are cornerback J.T. Floyd, tight end Brandon Moore, and running back Vincent Smith.

2013 NFL Draft Preview: Michigan

Denard Robinson

Right here is the one . . . the only . . . exhibition of my non-expert opinion on where Michigan's players will end up in (or out) of the NFL Draft.

Denard Robinson, QB/WR/RB
Robinson has some questions about what position(s) he'll be able to play in the NFL.  It's pretty clear that he won't be a full-time quarterback (although certain packages or plays wouldn't be out of the question), but he might lack the hands and route running skills to be a wide receiver or the bulk to be a running back.  My guess is that he will carve out a career somewhat like that of the Cleveland Browns' Josh Cribbs, a guy who isn't a star but contributes as a receiver, runner, and kickoff returner.
Best guess: 2nd round, #59 overall to New England Patriots

William Campbell, DT
Campbell measured in at 6'5", 311 lbs., ran a 5.15 forty, and did 35 reps on the bench press at Michigan's pro day.  He was not very productive at Michigan and struggled to win a starting role, but he is very large and shows impressive power when he decides to stay low and play hard.  There's a chance that Robinson will be the only player drafted out of Michigan, but if there are others, the best bet appears to be Campbell for the next highest draft slot.  He would fit best as a 3-technique in a 4-3 defense, in my opinion.
Best guess: 6th round, #188 overall to Chicago Bears

Jordan Kovacs, S
The 5'11", 205 lb. Kovacs was highly productive as a tackler at Michigan, although his pass coverage leaves something to be desired.  He ran a 4.63 at Michigan's pro day and showed impressive leaping ability with a 35" vertical, but that athleticism doesn't really show itself on the field.  Kovacs played strong safety at Michigan, and that's likely where he would fit best in the NFL - as an in-the-box safety who doesn't have to worry too much about deep coverage.  He could also be productive on special teams coverage.
Best guess: 7th round, #247 overall to Baltimore Ravens

Craig Roh, DE
Roh measured at 6'4", 271 lbs. at Michigan's pro day and ran the forty in 4.91; somewhat disappointingly, he only put up 20 reps of 225 lbs. on the bench press.  He changes direction fairly well for a strongside end, but he lacks pass rush moves beyond the occasional bull rush.  Added weight seems to have slowed him down throughout his career, so he may not be able to bulk up into a 3-4 defensive end; his best bet might be to try to make it as a slightly undersized strongside end in a 4-3.
Best guess: Undrafted

Patrick Omameh, OG
Omameh is a 6'4", 303 lb. prospect who was a four-year starter at Michigan, but he only put up 22 reps at Michigan's pro day.  He's not particularly adept at pulling, but he has pretty good lateral movement and can stay low.  If he can increase his strength and add a little bit of weight, I think Omameh can latch on as a backup somewhere, perhaps in a zone running scheme like Houston's.
Best guess: Undrafted

Kenny Demens, LB
Demens stands 6'1" and 245 lbs. with a 4.82 forty and 26 reps on the bench press; he also had a 33.5" vertical and a 4.54 shuttle time.  He's not particularly quick at diagnosing plays, but he is a thumping hitter with surprisingly good coverage skills.  Demens didn't make enough plays at Michigan to really stand out, but he could earn a shot as a middle linebacker in a 4-3; his body and athleticism also make him seem like perhaps an inside linebacker in a 3-4, but his lack of quick diagnoses make that a questionable proposition because he would have to shed linemen.
Best guess: Undrafted

Roy Roundtree, WR
Roundtree is a 6'1", 178 lb. receiver prospect who ran a 4.58 forty at Michigan's pro day, where he also put up just 10 reps on the bench.  That forty time isn't very impressive, but he was deceptively quick at Michigan, breaking off several 70+ yard receptions throughout his career.  He has struggled to add weight at any point in his college career, and NFL defensive backs will probably be able to push him around pretty easily.  He could perhaps help out as a slot receiver for someone, but he's not fast enough or physical enough to work on the outside, in my opinion.
Best guess: Undrafted

J.T. Floyd, CB
Floyd is a 5'10", 190 lb. defensive back who put up less than stellar numbers at Michigan's pro day - a 4.79 forty and 5 reps on the bench press.  It's no secret that I have never been impressed with Floyd as a football player, so I won't beat around the bush: I don't think he has a shot at getting drafted, and his best chance would be to hook on with a team that runs a Tampa Cover Two where he can sit in the flat on a lot of plays.
Best guess: Undrafted

Ricky Barnum, OG
Barnum is a 6'2", 297 lb. interior lineman who earned good reviews for his ability to get out and run, but he ran just a 5.53 forty at Michigan's pro day; he did, however, put up a respectable 25 reps on the bench press.  He may have been best suited for the zone running offense that Rich Rodriguez employed, but most of his playing time was earned in 2011 and 2012, when he was expected to be a powerful, drive-blocking guard.  He struggled to get much movement and does not appear likely to get drafted, but perhaps a zone running team will give him a shot.
Best guess: Undrafted

Brandin Hawthorne, LB
Hawthorne is a 6'0", 220 lb. prospect who benched 225 lbs. an impressive 27 times at Michigan's pro day.  He was an occasional starter at Michigan, but fell behind freshmen at weakside linebacker in each of his last two seasons.  The chances of him making it in the NFL are slim, but if he does, it will probably be as a weakside linebacker in a 4-3 and/or a special teamer.
Best guess: Undrafted

Vincent Smith, RB
Smith is a 5'6", 172 lb. player who ran a 4.85 at Michigan's pro day in March, although he did a little better with a 4.31 shuttle time; he also had a 30" vertical and did 14 reps on the bench.  He earned a starting job as a feature back in 2010, but that role dissipated when Brady Hoke was hired; since the beginning of 2011, he was mostly a pass protector and third down back.  Without the speed to make big plays in the NFL as a third down back or returner, Smith might get just a cursory glance by a few NFL teams.
Best guess: Undrafted

Elliott Mealer, OG
Mealer, at 6'4" and 321 lbs., ran just as fast (5.54 seconds) as Barnum, despite being two inches taller and 24 lbs. heavier.  Mealer also put up 29 repetitions on the bench, which is a good number.  He played center in 2012, but he seemed to struggle getting off the ball; however, I do have to say that his snaps themselves were excellent.  He also had some mental gaffes, but that was perhaps in part due to playing mostly tackle and guard early in his career before becoming the full-time center.  If Mealer is able to latch on in the NFL, I think it will be as a right guard for a team that likes to run the ball.
Best guess: Undrafted

OTHERS EXPECTED TO GO UNDRAFTED:
Mike Kwiatkowski, TE
Brandon Moore, TE

Video: Hoke, Robinson, Gardner, Gallon, Roh postgame

Video: Hoke, Morgan, Roh interviews

Defensive Line Preview: Michigan vs. South Carolina

South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney might be the nation's best defensive lineman (image via ESPN)

MICHIGAN
Starters: The Wolverines run a 4-3 Under defense.  Senior strongside end Craig Roh (6'5", 281 lbs.) is a four-year starter and has 36 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks on the season.  The nominal starter at weakside end is sophomore Brennen Beyer (6'3", 252 lbs.), who has made 18 tackles and forced 1 fumble on the year.  Redshirt junior nose tackle Quinton Washington (6'4", 300 lbs.) has improved throughout the year but has notched just 29 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble on the season; he's more of a space eater than a playmaker.  Senior defensive tackle William Campbell (6'5", 308 lbs.) has made 44 tackles, but has just 1.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack.  They don't make a ton of penetration, but these guys eat up blockers and allow the linebackers to flow to the ball.
Backups: Sophomore weakside end Frank Clark (6'2", 262 lbs.) is the most prominent backup and the biggest playmaker of the entire unit; he has 25 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 pass breakups on the year.  Junior defensive tackle Jibreel Black (6'2", 279 lbs.) has 18 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 pass breakups.  Redshirt freshman Keith Heitzman (6'3", 270 lbs.) backs up Roh and has 7 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 fumble recovery on the year.  Freshman nose tackle Ondre Pipkins (6'3", 340 lbs.) has just 6 tackles on the season.

SOUTH CAROLINA
Starters: The Gamecocks run a 4-2-5 defense, basically with two strong safeties.  Sophomore weakside end Jadeveon Clowney (6'6", 256 lbs.) is the star of the team; he's an All-American who made some Heisman ballots with 50 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 pass breakups. The line is bookended by fifth year senior Devin Taylor (6'8", 267 lbs.), who ended the regular season with 40 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery. In between are fifth year senior nose tackle Byron Jerideau (6'1", 316 lbs.) and sophomore defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles (6'4", 286 lbs.).  Jerideau gets a little bit of push with 39 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks on the year.  Quarles has 36 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
Backups: Senior strongside end Aldrick Fordham (6'4", 269 lbs.) is Taylor's pass rushing sub, making 21 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.  Even Clowney's backup, redshirt junior Chaz Sutton (6'5", 248 lbs.), can get after the quarterback with 23 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass batted down.  Redshirt freshman Gerald Dixon, Jr. (6'3", 304 lbs.) and redshirt sophomore J.T. Surratt (6'2", 295 lbs.) are slightly less productive as the backup defensive tackles, with 22 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, .5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup among them.

THE TAKEAWAY
Okay, this isn't really a question.  The Gamecocks have the better defensive line by far.  Both of their backup defensive ends have put up better numbers than Michigan's most productive starter.  They're #5 in sacks (3.33 per game) and #15 against the run (119 yards/game).  Even with an All-American in Taylor Lewan at left tackle, South Carolina will likely give Michigan's offensive line fits.
Advantage: South Carolina

2012 All-Big Ten teams announced

Taylor Lewan is First Team All-Big Ten

The All-Big Ten teams were announced on the Big Ten Network this evening, and there were some . . . interesting decisions.  Here are the Michigan players on the teams:

FIRST TEAM (Coaches):
Patrick Omameh, OG - 12 starts
Taylor Lewan, OT - 12 starts

SECOND TEAM (Coaches):
Craig Roh, DE - 36 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks
Jordan Kovacs, S - 65 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble

HONORABLE MENTION (Coaches):
J.T. Floyd, CB - 48 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 5 pass breakups
Jeremy Gallon, WR - 40 catches, 684 yards, 2 touchdowns; 11 carries, 67 yards; 12 punt returns, 66 yards
Brendan Gibbons, K - 14/16 field goals, long of 52; 44/44 extra points
Will Hagerup, P - 33 punts, 1486 yards, 45.0 yards/punt
Roy Roundtree, WR - 28 catches, 553 yards, 3 touchdowns
Jake Ryan, LB - 84 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles

FIRST TEAM (Media):
Taylor Lewan, OT
Will Hagerup, P

SECOND TEAM (Media):
Jake Ryan, LB

HONORABLE MENTION (Media):
William Campbell, DT - 44 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack
J.T. Floyd, CB
Devin Funchess, TE - 14 catches, 230 yards, 5 touchdowns
Jeremy Gallon, WR
Brendan Gibbons, K
Jordan Kovacs, S
Patrick Omameh, OG
Denard Robinson, QB - 89/166 (53.6%), 1319 yards, 9 touchdowns, 9 interceptions; 154 carries, 1166 yards, 7 touchdowns
Craig Roh, DE
Roy Roundtree, WR

I'm not too upset with these picks, because nobody on Michigan's team really had an outstanding season.  The only choice (or non-choice) that bugs me a bit is the lack of Jake Ryan on the coaches' team; Ryan should have been selected ahead of Nebraska linebacker Will Compton for second team honors.  But then again, the selection of Patrick Omameh to the first team on the coaches' team means you win some, you lose some.

Based on his last couple seasons, the absence of Denard Robinson from these lists is almost shocking.  He is one of the most exciting players in the entire country, but he missed too much time due to injury and threw the ball poorly in the first half of the year.  I can't argue that he deserves to be any higher, but I have to admit his performance was a little bit of a letdown after being in the Heisman discussion at various points throughout the past three years.  I hoped for better, and yet, he is what he's always been - an excellent runner and a poor passer.

Preview: Michigan vs. Northwestern

Good looking Northwestern girls are difficult to find, so here's Arley Elizabeth wearing purple.

Rush Offense vs. Northwestern Rush Defense
Michigan ranked #28 in the country with 201 yards/game, and Denard Robinson is the #12 rusher nationally with 118 yards/game.  It's questionable whether Robinson will play due to his elbow injury, and that means the coaches would try to keep the reins on Devin Gardner if Gardner plays.  Michigan would have to lean on running backs Fitzgerald Toussaint (391 yards, 5 touchdowns) and Thomas Rawls (217 yards, 3 touchdowns).  Neither running back has been particularly effective this season.  Meanwhile, Northwestern has the #23 rush defense in the country and gives up just 121 yards/game, but that could be a function of their weak pass defense.  Defensive end Tyler Scott leads the team in tackles for loss with 8.5, and linebacker Damien Proby leads in tackles with 86.  Michigan hasn't been able to run the ball consistently against anyone with a pulse this season, but assuming Denard Robinson is healthy, the Wolverines should be able to run over and around the Wildcats.
Advantage: Michigan

Pass Offense vs. Northwestern Pass Defense
The Wolverines are the #105 passing offense with 178 yards/game, and Robinson alone has thrown 9 interceptions; Gardner threw 1 interception in his first action at quarterback last weekend; and redshirt freshman Russell Bellomy, who is not expected to play, has thrown 4 picks in just 21 attempts.  Add one interception from running back Vincent Smith and that adds up to 15 interceptions with just 11 total touchdowns.  However, Gardner was rather productive in the passing game last week by completing 66.7% of his passes and notching 2 touchdowns.  Northwestern has given up 272 yards/game through the air, which is 107th in the nation, and ranks #48 in pass efficiency defense.  As a team the Wildcats have picked off just 3 passes this year and they're #52 in sacks with 19.  The only consistent threat as a pass rusher is the aforementioned Scott, who has 7 quarterback takedowns.  Denard Robinson generally doesn't get sacked much because teams are afraid to sell out and let him scramble for big plays, but he also doens't pass the ball well; Gardner throws the ball better but can sometimes make poor decisions with the football and hold onto it for too long.  Neither phase is very good, but Michigan should be good here, regardless of who's playing quarterback.
Advantage: Michigan

Rush Defense vs. Northwestern Rush Offense
The Wildcats have a very effective running game with superback Venric Mark (120 yards/game) and everythingback Kain Colter (69 yards/game).  The team is #13 in the country and gains 238 yards/game.  Mark is just 5'8" and 175 lbs., but he's shifty and fast; he averages 6.5 yards/carry.  The Wolverines have the #44 rushing defense in the country and give up 143 yards/game, but that number has dropped considerably since the first two weeks, when Michigan played Alabama and Air Force; since then the Wolverines have given up about 110 yards/game.  However, that number will almost certainly increase because Michigan has a tendency to struggle against uptempo offenses; Mark and Colter will both likely make an explosive play or two, but Michigan's safeties do a pretty good job of tackling and taking proper angles to avoid giving up huge plays.  Jordan Kovacs, Jake Ryan, and whoever plays weakside end this week will have to play well to tamp down the rushing game. I also expect Kenny Demens to have a good day.
Advantage: Northwestern

Pass Defense vs. Northwestern Pass Offense
Northwestern is the #109 passing offense and gains 163 yards/game through the air, while they're #96 in passing efficiency.  Quarterback Trevor Siemian has thrown 4 touchdowns and 1 interception, while Colter has thrown 3 and 2, respectively.  Leading receiver Tony Jones has just 21 receptions for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns, so this is not an effective passing game.  On the flip side, Michigan has the #1 passing defense in the country and gives up just 145 yards/game through the air.  The Wolverines have picked off 7 passes, and even though they don't notch a ton of sacks (team leader Jake Ryan has just 3.5, and the team has 11 total), they swarm together to tackle on short passes; however, some receivers have been able to get open deep, and opposing quarterbacks just haven't been able to take advantage recently.  Michigan isn't as good at defending the pass as the numbers might suggest, so the mediocre quarterbacking in the Big Ten has helped them out in this category.  Neither of Northwestern's quarterbacks should scare Michigan defensive backs.
Advantage: Michigan

Roster Notes

• Michigan recruited DT Greg Kuhar, LB Ifeadi Odenigbo, OT Eric Olson, and WR Kyle Prater
• Players from the state of Michigan include Flint (MI) Grand Blanc WR Tony Jones, DeWitt (MI) DeWitt OT Paul Jorgensen, Freeland (MI) Midland WR Drew Moulton, and Redford (MI) Thurston LB Eric Wilson

Predictions

• Kenny Demens and Desmond Morgan have big days
• Michigan makes some big plays in the running game with Toussaint and Rawls
• Craig Roh continues to improve
• Northwestern makes a couple big plays by getting to the edge
• Michigan 38, Northwestern 20

A Look Back . . . 

• Here's a recap of last year's 42-24 victory
• Here are the awards from last season's game

Video: Hoke, Lewan, Gardner, Roh press conference - Northwestern week

Michigan vs. Nebraska Awards

No. 16 isn't allowed to get hurt anymore. (image via AnnArbor.com)

Let's see more of this guy on offense . . . Devin Gardner at quarterback.  He might not have done any better than Russell Bellomy (3/16, 38 yards, 3 interceptions), but he couldn't have done much worse.  In Gardner's career, he's 11/23 for 176 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.

Let's see less of this guy on offense . . . Russell Bellomy, obviously.  I still believe he'll eventually be a competent quarterback, but if there was any question about whether he's ready or not, that was answered on Saturday night.  The coaches insisted in the off-season that Gardner was the #2 quarterback; well, now it's time to make sure that happens.

Let's see more of this guy on defense . . . nobody.

Let's see less of this guy on defense . . . Jake Ryan at defensive end.  Ryan is much more effective as a SAM linebacker, and Cameron Gordon is a downgrade at the position.  Ryan played a fair amount of defensive end because Frank Clark missed the game due to an ankle injury, so hopefully that injury heals quickly and #47 can go back to his regular position.

Play of the game . . . linebacker Desmond Morgan broke up a pass headed for the left flat, and freshman defensive end Mario Ojemudia - who was playing defensive tackle on the play - hustled after the play to make a diving interception.

MVP of the game . . . Craig Roh.  Nobody did well offensively, but Roh made several nice plays from his defensive end position.  Last year defensive linemen Ryan Van Bergen and Mike Martin dominated up front, and Roh carried on that tradition this year.  He had 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss (for 15 yards), and 1 sack (for 10 yards).

Midseason Statistical Leaders

Dennis Norfleet - Image via MLive.com

Assuming Michigan goes to the Big Ten Championship Game, the season is exactly halfway through.  Here's a look at team 133's statistical leaders so far.

Leading Rushers
Denard Robinson - 900 yards (7.4 yards per carry)
Fitzgerald Toussaint - 283 yards (3.5 yards per carry)
Thomas Rawls - 174 yards (7.0 yards per carry)

Leading Receivers
Jeremy Gallon - 309 yards, 16 catches
Devin Gardner - 251 yards, 15 catches
Drew Dileo - 216 yards, 10 catches

Leading Tacklers
Jake Ryan - 52
Desmond Morgan - 44
Thomas Gordon - 40

Leading Scorers
Brendan Gibbons - 55 points
Denard Robinson - 36 points
Toussaint and Gardner - 24 points 

Leading Sackers
Jake Ryan - 3.5
Craig Roh - 2.0

Leading Interceptors
Thomas Gordon - 2
Raymon Taylor - 2

Leading Punt Returners
Dennis Norfleet - 53 (26.5 yards per return)
Jeremy Gallon - 44 (8.8 yards per return)

Leading Kick Returners
Dennis Norfleet - 494 (23.5 yards per return)
Jeremy Gallon - 12 (12 yards per return)

Video: Hoke, players' postgame press conferences

Video: Lewan, Roh press conferences

2012 Season Countdown: #6 Craig Roh

Craig Roh (#88)

Name: Craig Roh
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 281 lbs.
High school: Scottsdale (AZ) Chaparral
Position: Defensive end
Class: Senior
Jersey number: #88
Last year: I ranked Roh #17 and said he would have 50 tackles and 6 sacks.  He had 32 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

It's a little hard to believe for a kid like Roh, but indications last year seemed to be that he struggled to buy in to what the new coaching staff was teaching him.  He was reverting back to old (a.k.a. bad) habits, which is somewhat understandable for a guy who had played outside linebacker in a 4-3 and then outside linebacker in a 3-3-5 stack and then defensive end in a 3-3-5 stack and then weakside defensive end in a 4-3.  In his first three seasons at Michigan, he played four positions.  He had an up-and-down season last year, disappearing for stretches and playing solidly at times.  He was never the elite talent that he appeared to be coming out of high school, but he wasn't bad, either.  He looked like just an average Big Ten starter.  Michigan fans keep waiting for these elite high school weakside ends to turn into elite college players, and it just doesn't seem to happen.

Now make it five positions in four years.  Roh has moved to strongside end to replace the departed Ryan Van Bergen.  He has apparently reached the 280 lb. mark, which is a step in the right direction.  For the most part, Roh has been known as a technique guy - despite his early struggles last season - and should be able to hold his own with even adequate weight.  As a high effort player, he shouldn't be a liability.  Strongside ends often have to take on double-teams from tight ends and tackles, and they're the guys opposing teams will run at most often.  Roh will be solid again in 2012 and pick up where Van Bergen left off, but the lack of a Mike Martin in the middle will hurt his production.

Prediction: Starting strongside end; 40 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks

Poll results: Roh won 61% of the vote for the #6 spot on the countdown.

CBS Sports: Early look at top 50 NFL prospects for 2013

CBS takes a look at the top 50 prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft, and there are a few notable names for Michigan and Big Ten fans:

3. Johnathan Hankins - DT - Ohio State
10. Manti Te'o - LB - Notre Dame
19. Montee Ball - RB - Wisconsin
21. Barrett Jones - OL - Alabama
24. Taylor Lewan - OT - Michigan
29. William Gholston - DE - Michigan State
30. Tyler Eifert - TE - Notre Dame
31. Craig Roh - DE - Michigan
32. Chance Warmack - OG - Alabama
34. John Simon - DL - Ohio State
35. Kawann Short - DT - Purdue
42. D.J. Fluker - OT - Alabama
43. Robert Lester - S - Alabama
44. Logan Thomas - QB - Virginia Tech
47. Ricky Wagner - OT - Wisconsin

I'm not surprised to see Lewan at #24, and I've seen him ranked higher elsewhere.  However, I am a little surprised to see Roh at #31.  Roh hasn't had a whole lot of production at the college level, and while part of that is because he has frequently played out of position, he still looks like a guy who might go undrafted or be a late pick.  I mean, Ryan Van Bergen went undrafted and he arguably had a more consistent career than Roh.

2012 Spring Game Review - Defense

Senior WILL Brandin Hawthorne was Saturday's defensive MVP

DEFENSIVE ENDS
I thought Craig Roh looked pretty darn good at strongside end.  The starter at weakside end was Brennen Beyer, who looks significantly bigger this spring than he did in the fall.  He looked like a bona fide weakside end instead of a lanky outside linebacker.  Beyer got a good pass rush a couple times.  Meanwhile, backup weakside end Frank Clark performed solidly and made a nice hit on fullback Joey Kerridge, whom Clark chased down out of the backfield.  I also thought backup strongside end Keith Heitzman looked pretty solid.  Based on how Nathan Brink looked last year, I'm going to posit that Heitzman passes up Brink this fall.  (Brink sat out the spring game, still recovering from his broken leg.)

DEFENSIVE TACKLES
William Campbell looked alternately solid and inconsequential.  He had one or two good  plays but he just didn't seem to be going hard all the time.  He should have destroyed walk-on guard Joey Burzynski (or so I would think) but instead got stalemated too often.  Maybe the coaches are teaching him differently than I would expect, but it all seemed to start with his stance, which needs work from my perspective.  Jibreel Black looks like a matchup nightmare for a lot of offensive guards, because he's too quick to handle with any consistency.  He looks bigger than last year (although the neck roll might have had something to do with that).  It also seems that Richard Ash has taken a step forward, and I was surprised by how big backup 3-tech Chris Rock has become.  I saw glimmers of hope there for some competent rotation players.  Quinton Washington and Ken Wilkins still didn't impress me.

LINEBACKERS
I didn't pay much attention to Jake Ryan because we already know he's a good player.  Kenny Demens looked solid but unspectacular at MIKE.  Desmond Morgan left the scrimmage early after getting chopped down on a blitz; he limped to the sideline and was later carted into the tunnel.  Hopefully it was nothing serious.  Cam Gordon was Ryan's backup at SAM, and he's definitely put on some weight since last year.  Now he looks like a linebacker rather than a strong safety.  I don't think he'll surpass Ryan, but he's a very good backup.  It will be interesting to see what the coaches do with him in 2013 as a senior, because by that time, I don't think they'll be able to afford to keep him off the field.  Mike Jones and Joe Bolden played as backup middle linebackers, but neither one was particularly visible.  I saw a couple loafs out of Antonio Poole, which does not bode well for his immediate future.  Kaleb Ringer looked like he was in great shape and he made a nice tackle on Justice Hayes, but both of those guys seem to be a ways down on the depth chart.  The linebacker who impressed me most on the day was Brandin Hawthorne, who made a couple nice tackles for loss and grabbed a one-handed pick, albeit off walk-on Jack Kennedy, who floated the ball across the middle.  Hawthorne looked good at times last year, too, but he's another guy who loafs once in a while, and that seemed to get him in the dighouse.  The linebackers now have depth, which we haven't been able to say for several years.  I truly believe that Michigan has five starter-level linebackers: Ryan, Gordon, Demens, Morgan, and Hawthorne.

CORNERBACKS
J.T. Floyd started over Terrence Talbott, despite reports that Talbott had overtaken Floyd.  That was somewhat expected.  Floyd looked solid but was never tested deep.  Blake Countess made a nice pick on a late Devin Gardner throw and also made a couple nice tackles.  The backup cornerbacks did not impress me, although I don't remember seeing much out of Talbott.  Maybe he's the third guy and we'll be fine, but I don't think Raymon Taylor and Delonte Hollowell are ready.  We know Courtney Avery is pretty solid at the nickel corner, and although he pulled up on a tackle, it seemed like he was trying not to submarine the leaping receiver; if it were a game, I would be disappointed by that play, but I think he was just trying not to hurt his teammate.

SAFETIES
The starting safeties weren't really tested in the running or the passing game.  Jordan Kovacs should be good and practice reports suggest that Thomas Gordon has improved once again, but I guess we'll have to wait and see on him.  Backup free safety Jarrod Wilson needs to get stronger.  He did miss a tackle on Thomas Rawls that turned into a touchdown, but Wilson should be struggling through senioritis and ordering his prom tux right now.  Tackling 220 lb. running backs is a tough task for a safety so young.  Marvin Robinson looked solid as the backup strong safety and made a nice tackle for little or no gain in the run game.  As long as Robinson's legal troubles are behind him, I expect him to improve and be a good in-the-box safety.  He should be a good replacement for Kovacs after the latter graduates.

Spring Practice Thoughts and Rumors - Defense

Cameron Gordon has impressed the coaches again this spring

If you missed yesterday's discussion of the offense, here it is.  And now for the defense:

Defensive end: As we know by now, Craig Roh has switched to strongside end.  He has done fairly well at the position, but he'll need to spend the next several months eating a ton and bulking up.  The coaches want him in the low 280s and right now he's about 270.  Insiders say Frank Clark looks like the starter at weakside end for the upcoming season.  Brennen Beyer, who switched from SAM linebacker this offseason, also has reportedly fared well but looks to be a step behind Clark at the position.  Beyer's a thicker, run-stopping sort and Clark will have to work on that aspect of his game.  Nathan Brink is the presumed backup at the 5-tech position but has been limited due to his late-season broken leg.  Keith Heitzman is also in the mix, which would be great for depth at the position.  I would not be surprised to see one or two of the freshman defensive ends get some action, such as Matt Godin at 5-tech and Mario Ojemudia on the weakside, although Heitzman's emergence might preclude Godin from having to burn a redshirt.

Defensive tackle: The first team defensive tackles appear to be Will Campbell at nose tackle and Jibreel Black at the 3-tech.  Campbell looks fit and is being more consistent with his technique, but the coaches continue to work on that aspect.  Black needs to add weight, but he's more athletic than most 3-techs (especially compared to Will Heininger), so he adds a different dimension.  Richard Ash appears to be the backup nose tackle.  Meanwhile, Ken Wilkins has supposedly taken a leap forward this spring.  He was mired on the bench last season and there were a lot of questions swirling about him, but it seems the light has gone on.  He could be the #2 defensive tackle going into the season.  Chris Rock has also earned a tiny bit of buzz and has put on a significant amount of weight to play the 3-tech.

Linebacker: I don't mean to overstate things, but the competition between Jake Ryan and Cam Gordon appears to be neck-and-neck for the SAM position.  The coaches really like Gordon's athleticism, and he's done a good job in pass coverage, which makes sense because he's a converted safety.  Ryan has continued to progress after having a solid redshirt freshman season.  There was a huge dropoff last season between Ryan and Beyer, but that won't be the case this year (if Cam Gordon can stay healthy).  At the MIKE spot, Kenny Demens hasn't necessarily taken the forward steps that the coaches want.  He has been hampered by a thumb injury, and the #1 middle linebacker in his absence has been freshman Joe Bolden.  Mike Jones is buried at the #3 spot.  The best linebacker this spring has been Desmond Morgan, according to several accounts.  He's put on a decent amount of weight after playing at 225 last season, and insiders suggest he's probably close to 240 now.  The backup to Morgan at WILL has been Antonio Poole, who redshirted last season.

Cornerback: Blake Countess has one cornerback position locked down.  At the boundary corner position, Terrence Talbott has stepped up to challenge J.T. Floyd.  Insiders say that Floyd's "benching" is partly due to him underperforming and partly due to rewarding Talbott for hard work in the offseason.  It might be unlikely that Talbott takes a job from a fifth year senior, but the possibility exists.  He's made his move not by being a great coverage guy but by supporting the run and turning into a very good tackler.  Those are the top three corners right there.  Raymon Taylor continues to earn buzz as perhaps the secondary's best athlete, but he's still not ready mentally and physically.  Courtney Avery is the nickel corner, where he did a great job last season and doesn't seem to getting challenged this spring.

Safety: The starters here are pretty clear with Thomas Gordon at free safety and Jordan Kovacs at strong.  Freshman Jarrod Wilson has picked things up quickly, and he might be the #2 free safety.  Marvin Robinson has returned to the practice field this spring after disappearing last year with some legal issues.  Despite his absence, Robinson appears to have taken another step forward and should be the heir apparent to Kovacs. A couple backup safeties have been absent from practices so far this spring: Tamani Carter and Josh Furman.  I would have to assume that they will be buried a little bit if/when they return.  These coaches do not like guys who miss practice.

Video: Craig Roh interview

AnnArbor.com: Football team hoping Craig Roh bulks up

Lily Aldridge

Here's a fairly short feature on Craig Roh, whom Brady Hoke said is 280-282 lbs. right now after playing last season at a shade under 270.