Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown had a strong reaction when asked who he’d be counting on as his backups this year.
“If they’re out there,” he said, “then we’re counting on them.”
But he’ll lean on a couple to lead, a fifth-year senior in Mike McCray and a sophomore in end Rashan Gary.
Linebacker McCray has come a long way since nearly transferring. He was depressed, having endured a severe shoulder injury, and nearly left the program.
His teammates watched with respect and admiration as he worked his way back. Now, he’s a captain and the only starter back on a defense that needs him to be great, both as a player and a leader.
“I’m just really happy for him,” Brown said. “Last year when I was taking the job, I said, ‘yeah, who is going to play SAM?’ They said he graduated. MIKE? He graduated, too. Same thing with the WILL. I laugh when people said Jabrill, move him to linebacker … thank God we were able to get into that mode.
"[But] Mike had a big role. I sunk my teeth into the guy, he played a million reps during the spring and the proof was in the pudding. He had the right stuff. Here he is now, a year later with the same number of reps, the same work ethic. I couldn’t be happier for a young person and a quality young man. He’s a special guy, now. I feel good about those kinds of guys.”
He feels the same about Gary, who is mature beyond his years. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said he’s the perfect example of a kid who doesn’t bask in the attention he’s getting now … he wants to earn his teammates’ respect and be great for them.
Brown believes he’s on his way.
“He’s got all the tools,” he said. “He can rush the passer from the edge, is strong against the run game, especially vs. tight ends. I just see him elevating him game. He’s prepared well; he’s a smart guy. We’re going to let him do all those things … pass rush, defend the run. He’s got very good leadership ability, as well.”
He shows it every day by example, Brown added.
“He is what he is. Every day he comes out to work, does what’s expected," he said. "You’ll be running a can drill, which is kind of going through it vs. robots, because cans just stand there, and he’s 100 MPH during the drill.
“Guys that have that kind of work ethic are going to flourish, have great years … putting in the time and effort even in what some may perceive a pretty easy drill.”
Two guys, two different leaders, both keys to a big season — one captain and one likely future captain ready to live up to lofty expectations.
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