Michigan’s defense had been trucking along in practice with ups and downs until about five days ago. That’s when something clicked, defensive coordinator Don Brown said Wednesday.
That was especially true among the defensive backs … not coincidentally, just days after cornerbacks coach Mike Zordich called them out in the media.
“They’re doing just fine. We’re about a month in now, and we had a little moment, whatever, about four five days ago, I just saw us pick up the level of practice tempo,” Brown recalled. “Mentally we just took a huge step. Things have started to click since then.
“It’s hard when you’re a young player, especially in the secondary where you’ve got a lot of things going on, but we’ve certainly cleared that hurdle. Guys are communicating well back there. I feel good about the way we’re addressing the stacks, bunches, etc. There’s some clarity there.”
It was a complete elevation of energy, he added, and he said it hasn’t stepped back since.
“I feel good about where we’re at,” he added.
He’s extremely pleased with the first string defensive line — sophomore end Rashan Gary, fifth-year senior tackle Maurice Hurst, redshirt junior nose tackle Bryan Mone and redshirt junior end Chase Winovich — and he’s also had praise for many of the backups.
Sophomore end Carlo Kemp and redshirt junior tackle Lawrence Marshall are “vastly improved,” he said. He also feels good about what freshman tackle Aubrey Solomon is bringing to the table, is getting solid play out of redshirt sophomore end Reuben Jones, and freshman end Kwity Paye “has been doing some things and taking reps in camp.
“We feel like he has tremendous upside,” he said.
The young linebackers behind the starters (sophomore Devin Bush, fifth-year senior Mike McCray and sophomore Khaleke Hudson) will remain nameless until they see the field, but some of them have made huge strides.
“There are some very interesting guys that have had great elevation in their play from spring to now, almost to the point that I’m giving them the ‘wow’ factor,” Brown said. “Now … you’ve got to do it in a game. That’s what it all comes down to. You’ve got to do it in a game in front of a huge crowd. I don’t want to single anybody out until we get on the field and see how it goes.”
They’ll learn a lot about every position against the Gators, he added, noting he’s ready to go.
“We’ve got a number of guys that will be in the soup for literally their first go round. They’re going to go through their adversity,” he said. “How they come out of that and continue to play are really important elements. Obviously, you’re also looking to develop some confidence as you move forward.
“I’m excited for us to play a game … can we just play a game? I’m tired of coaching practice. I want to see our guys play, then here you are … this is where you’re going. What a huge game, a great venue. Our guys are really, really excited. I’m very, very confident in our abilities.”
NOTES
• Brown said he’s be prepared for all three potential Florida quarterbacks. He saw Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire when Brown coached at Boston College.
“He was sharing time with DeShone Kizer. He could run the ball, is a good spread run guy, can get on the perimeter and hurt you with some throws,” he said. “He can go back and huck, now.
“Felipe Franks is more of a drop back guy, wing it around, which I don’t think they would change their scheme dramatically for him. The dropback is part of their game. Luke Del Rio can run the nakeds, has the ability to run. He throws the ball, probably can do most things … maybe making them the most multiple. We’ll be ready for all of them.”
They’re talented at the other skill positions too, he added.
“They’ve got three good tailbacks. I kind of like each one of them in their own way,” he said. “They’ll run their tight zone stuff right at you, the off tackle slash play very well. They do have some elements of split zone read in their package, as well.
“Some elements we’re getting ready for even though we don’t see it on tape they can easily adjust to. That, and they throw it around pretty well. They’ve got some skill guys in the receiving corps, two capable tight ends. They can whip it around if they have to. I think they’re looking for balance, 50-50. And that’s our challenge. We’ve got to get ready to play a very, very good football team.”
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