Senior left tackle Mason Cole has had quite the career at Michigan.
He has amazingly started every game of his Wolverine tenure, a streak that is currently at 40 games and counting. Not all of those starts have come at the same position though.
Cole came to Michigan as a tackle, before making the transition last year to center, before finally moving back to tackle prior to this season.
“It’s not hard to move around,” Cole revealed. “Our coaches make sure we know the technique and assignments of every position on the offensive line. I’ve gotten more of an understanding for the game that way, and that obviously makes you more comfortable on the field.”
Cole actually almost had his consecutive starts streak snapped at one point last season.
“Last year at Michigan State was the closest I ever came to not playing,” he revealed. “I was sick, and didn’t practice until late in the week.”
The offense has received plenty of criticism for not scoring touchdowns in the red zone this season — just one for 10 — but Cole said it’s being worked on.
“We have to focus on finishing those drives,” he insisted. “There’s an emphasis on it, because it makes such a big difference in games.”
Fortunately, the current group of Wolverines has plenty of support.
“Guys like Steve Everitt, Jake Long, Taylor Lewan, Steve Hutchinson and all the other past greats reach out to help us in any way they can,” Cole said. “They show their confidence in us and their pride for Michigan. That’s one thing that makes offensive line play here so special — the unique fraternity you’re a part of.”
Just as Jim Harbaugh instilled a new sense of enthusiasm when he took over the Michigan job, new head coach Jeff Brohm is doing something similar at Purdue in his first year on the job.
“They’re a team with a lot of new energy,” the senior said. “There’s a lot of excitement in that program, and they’ve played very well the past few weeks. It’s a challenge any time you go on the road.”
Unfortunately, the Wolverines will be without one of their top offensive weapons on Saturday, in freshman receiver Tarik Black. Harbaugh revealed he’ll likely need surgery and isn’t sure if he’ll return this season.
“He’s so talented and has put in so much work,” Cole said. “You feel for the kid. It’s part of the sport though, and he’ll get through it and be fine. You learn from it and have more of a respect for the game. When you miss time, it’s so different not being at practice every day, and it hits you in the heart.”
Although he’s never missed a game due to injury, Cole has clearly developed “a respect for the game.”
Unfortunately, the injury bug bit Black just three games into his career — it hasn’t gotten a hold of Cole yet 40 games in.
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