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Former Michigan and current Detroit Lions quarterback Jake Rudock joined Jack and Jim Harbaugh on their weekly "Attack Each day" podcast this morning to discuss a number of topics.
Rudock mainly focused on the transition from Michigan to the NFL, while Jim Harbaugh gave several interesting football personnel updates occurring in spring ball.
We have the highlights below:
Jake Rudock, on the success of the U-M basketball team:
“That’s why we come to Michigan — to win championships. Winning the Big Ten in back to back years and going to the national championship is incredible. I’m so happy for those guys.”
Jim Harbaugh, with a lengthy update on spring ball:
“Our offense is improving, and the defense is still tough as ever to move the ball against. Our quarterback play is also getting better, and receiver play has improved greatly. I'd say [sophomore] Donovan [Peoples-Jones] is our best receiver right now. [Sophomore] Tarik Black is getting back into form, and [redshirt freshman] Oliver Martin has made a move up the depth chart.
"[Redshirt junior] Zach Gentry and [junior] Sean McKeon have asserted themselves at tight end.
"[Senior] running back Karan Higdon and [junior] Chris Evans are both top notch backs, and are our number ones — they’re both having great springs. [Junior] Tru Wilson is our No. 3 guy, while [sophomore] O'maury Samuels is also showing some good things — he's our No. 3 or No. 4. [Fifth-year senior] Joe Hewlett is our next best back, and will make great contributions on special teams. [Sophomore] Ben Mason is doing very well, and is our top fullback.
"[Sophomore defensive end] Kwity Paye is looking really good and physically doing a heck of a job.
"[Sophomore] Josh Ross has asserted himself as an inside linebacker who can play both the MIKE and WILL spots. [Junior viper] Khaleke Hudson has been a stud, and [senior safety] Tyree Kinnel is asserting himself as a leader. [Junior] Josh Uche — there's a name for you — is a SAM linebacker who has the speed and pass rush ability to be an every-down player. He's made good strides. Our best defensive player is arguably [junior linebacker] Devin Bush — he's popped from a leadership and physical standpoint. He's fast, fast, fast at inside linebacker, and has already created separation.
"[Junior] David Long is having the best spring of any of our corners, and is doing all the right things.
"[Sophomore] Cesar Ruiz is in there at center and has separated himself — he and [junior] Ben Bredeson are our two best offensive linemen. [Redshirt junior] Jon Runyan has also asserted himself, and [fifth-year senior] Juwann Bushell-Beatty is having a very good spring. [Redshirt freshmen] James Hudson and Chuck Filiaga are both growing rapidly, and are poised to separate themselves — [junior] Mike Onwenu is another guy who could do that. [Sophomore Andrew] Stueber, [redshirt freshmen] Joel Honigford and Jess Speight, and [redshirt sophomores] Greg Robinson and Andrew Vastardis are all in position to gain separation as well. [Redshirt sophomore] Stephen Spanellis is another guy who has changed his body. I'm excited about the way Ed Warinner is coaching that group."
Jack Harbaugh:
“Our offensive line looks different — they’re starting to get that look of offensive linemen. [Strength and conditioning coach] Ben Herbert has done an outstanding job in the weight room, and you’re starting to see the results of that.”
Jim Harbaugh, on Rudock:
“Jake was a godsend for our 2015 team. It’s great to see someone you coached playing in the NFL. I hear nothing but great things about him from Lions coaches, general managers and everyone in their front office. They have great admiration for Jake and are glad they drafted him.”
Jake Rudock, on the biggest difference between college and pro ball:
“What the defenses can do — the speed is so much different. How you practice is another big difference. In the NFL, you only practice with 53 guys, so there’s a lot of overlap in terms of what players are doing."
Jim Harbaugh:
“Dads don’t get enough shout outs in college football — it’s often the moms who receive the attention. [Sophomore safety] J'Marick Woods' dad drives up for every game, and Dr. Jones [Peoples-Jones' father] is also very supportive. Bob Rudock [Jake's dad] is one of the best as well — there aren't many who are as supportive as he is.”
Jack Harbaugh:
“The song 'Cat's in the Cradle' by Harry Chapin resonates with me in a huge way. I was talking to [equipment manager] Jon Falk the other day how one day your kids are running around, and the next they’re shaving, and you’re like, 'who’s that?' And it’s your kid.
"I thought about that song, and I thought back to how Jackie and I made sure our kids respected their parents, and to never lie, cheat or steal. If you as a parent aren’t telling the truth, what kind of lesson does that teach your child? The kids are watching you. If they see you do it, then they’ll think it’s ok. We also learned through Woody Hayes you should never do for your children what they can do for themselves."
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