Hoke: Bryant done, Ryan to MLB

Michigan head coach Brady Hoke has indicated some big changes for the Wolverines heading into the spring. His appearance on WTKA radio brought forth several news items.

There are as follows:

Three-year offensive lineman Chris Bryant's Michigan career is over. A series of injuries led to his scholarship being converted to a medical one.

Fifth-year senior Jake Ryan will be moving to middle linebacker. Ryan has played outside linebacker throughout his career, but had been rumored for consideration inside for some time.

Hoke commented on the coaching moves he's made, including putting defensive coordinator Greg Mattison in charge of the linebackers. Hoke noted Mattison has "better eyes" for the defense, and wants them located right in the middle of it, in terms of coaching a position.

Hoke noted he will continue helping out some with the defensive line, but that Mark Smith will be in charge of it. Hoke noted the move "will allow me to do some other things when I need to."

The head coach also addressed Roy Manning coaching the cornerbacks, noting Manning has consulted at length with Jon Hoke, Brady's brother and long-time NFL secondary coach. Brady Hoke also indicated he has spoken with a number of coaches across the country about configurations of secondaries. Curt Mallory will coach safeties, and the two coaches can increase the teaching in the back end of the defense.

The moves, Hoke noted, are designed to help the Wolverines roll out a more aggressive, effective defense in the fall of 2014. He would like to use more pressure, like Michigan did in 2011.

Hoke repeated what he'd said earlier about players being limited in spring ball. That list includes redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Erik Magnuson, redshirt sophomore receiver Amara Darboh and redshirt sophomore running back Drake Johnson. Hoke also noted freshman offensive lineman Logan Tuley-Tillman has undergone hand surgery.