Mike McCray stands ready to shed the forgotten man status he’s maintained for the better part of three years in Ann Arbor. The redshirt junior linebacker is healthy, motivated and armed with a perfect opportunity this spring.

The son of a former Ohio State captain bearing the same name, McCray chose his own path out of Trotwood, Ohio, in 2013. He redshirted as a true freshman, then made an eye-catching debut in 2014, blocking a punt that fellow linebacker Ben Gedeon recovered for a touchdown against Appalachian State.

McCray did appear in 11 games during the 2014 season, but mostly in sparse backup action and on special teams. He harbored higher hopes in Jim Harbaugh’s first season, but a spring shoulder injury set McCray back.

The linebacker aggravated the injury once the Wolverines got into the fall, keeping him from the field. Now, though, he sees a clear path there, with restored mobility and 2015 senior linebackers Joe Bolden, James Ross III and Desmond Morgan all having moved on.

“It feels really good,” he said of the shoulder. “I did everything to get it as strong as possible in the offseason.”

Apparently, it worked. New linebackers coach Chris Partridge certain gave the thumbs up regarding McCray’s efforts thus far.

“He’s been incredible, over the first five practices,” Partridge said. “He’s a pleasant surprise. You kind of knew he had it in him, and his first five practices have been phenomenal.”

McCray has been saving it up. He’s played for three different defensive coordinators in three seasons, gone through the rehabilitation process, and waited his turn.

It doesn’t even bother him that he’s jumping in at a time when many are saying the linebackers represent the one big question mark on an otherwise solid defense. McCray doesn’t think the questions will last that long.

“I think the defense is going to be really good,” he said. “We had a great defense last year, but I feel like we’ll be a lot better this year. For the linebackers, the inexperience doesn’t matter. We’ve got a lot of young guys and a lot of athletes at linebacker. We’ll be perfectly fine.”

As for him, personally, he’s glad to see the light at the end of the inactivity tunnel.

“It was frustrating, but in the end, I had family and friends that kept me focused,” McCray said. “Now I feel like I’m mentally stronger, and it’s going to help me in the long run.”

He likes the combo of linebacker coaches from whom he’s getting input, with new defensive coordinator Don Brown helping out Partridge at that spot.

“Coach Partridge and Coach Brown are two great coaches to work with,” McCray said. “They’re bringing a lot of knowledge to the game. I’ve learned a lot so far, and I’m looking forward to learning more.

“He [Brown] is hands-on a lot. They both work together with all of us. You’ve got the three linebackers, so they both work together.”

Overall, McCray insists he’s ready for a new – and highly successful – beginning.

“It’s a little bit different, because those guys have been here since I’ve been here,” McCray said of the 2015 seniors. “All three were great linebackers. Now, we just have to build that comfort level, with the guys who are here.

“I feel like it’s a new start. It’s a new defensive coordinator, and I feel a lot more healthy than I have in a while. I have a lot more confidence in myself.”