Michigan sophomore Carlo Kemp has made huge strides from being the guy defensive coordinator Don Brown said he was tempted to trade for a pair of used footballs a year ago.
Kemp, playing along Tuesday night, was quick to correct when it was suggested Brown had said it was a few cones he'd trade for.
“I think it was two used footballs … that’s a little bit better than cones, okay?” he said with a laugh.
Now, Brown can’t praise him enough. Kemp didn’t play a lot of snaps in Saturday’s win over Florida, but he stood out during those he did.
“I was like a lot of people coming into college. You get a year of lifting … I got two spring balls, and that was really beneficial to me, just working on technique, getting used to the flow of the game,” he said. “Once you figure all that stuff out … building that confidence is really key.”
It took a hit early this fall when he broke his hand on offensive lineman Juwann Bushell-Beatty’s shoulder pads during a pass rush. They put a club on his hand, one that wouldn't allow him to grab or clutch.
He’s since gotten a smaller cast on, one that allows him use of his fingers and thumb. He took it easy on his teammates, he said, not wanting them to join him on the injured list.
Weeks later, he’s emerged as one of the most improved players from camp to game action, playing behind elite sophomore end Rashan Gary.
“Getting that confidence, being stronger, faster, believing in yourself … there was a lot of learning and coaching,” he said. “Getting the second camp in and just leading up to Florida was just good for my beneficial growth.
“Depth is big for us, I want to make sure when the starters come out, they feel confident the person behind them is going to succeed and do what they’re supposed to do on the field. For me, I know when Rashan comes out, I want him to feel like he can go get his breather. He can do what we know he can do at the highest level without being exhausted because he has to play the whole game.”
In time, Kemp will be that guy who will be tough to replace. His uncle, Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, is like Brown in joking with him, but Kemp hopes to get the last laugh.
“My Uncle Chuck and John would say they would not draft me. That’s been the greatest thing,” he said with a laugh. “I’m always working to hopefully change their minds one day.
“I come from a family of a lot of tough love, earning love and respect. They are two great people, the most funny I’ve ever been around in my life. A lot of joking. I know they love me, and my name will always be attached with them. I’ve just got to be able to live up to that standard.”
He appears to be on his way.
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