Redshirt junior linebacker Jake Ryan is down - a torn ACL Michigan revealed Wednesday - but that doesn't mean the Wolverines are out. If any position could afford a serious injury, it's linebacker, where six potential starters were competing for three spots.

That's not to diminish Ryan's impact. The second-team All-Big Ten performer was expected to be Michigan's best defensive player in 2013. U-M intended to use him as a traditional strongside linebacker, or even in the middle, and also in pass-rush situations as he did a year ago when he lined up with his hand on the ground on third downs.



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