Posted on Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 9:32 p.m.
Big Ten Network previews Michigan football team
By Pete Bigelow
The Big Ten Network raised the curtain on the Michigan football team Thursday night, giving fans their first glimpse of summer camp in an hour-long preview show focused on the Wolverines.
Camp is closed to outsiders, so the show was a chance to glean a few tidbits about the team. Here’s a few of the more interesting things learned:
- Big Ten Network analyst Gerry DiNardo noted that defensive tackle Will Campbell had significantly slimmed down since the spring and looked like he was in great shape.
- DiNardo then wondered aloud whether Campbell would make an excellent offensive line prospect.
- Commentators referred to the starting linebackers as Craig Roh, Mark Moundros and Jonas Mouton.
- Moundros moved to middle linebacker this spring, and was previously considered a backup to Kenny Demens and Obi Ezeh, so his emergence as a potential starter would give the linebacking group more versatility.
- DiNardo said it “looked like” Mark Huyge will be the Wolverines’ starting left tackle ahead of Taylor Lewan, although both have seen long looks at right tackle as well.
- In picking Cam Gordon as his "under the radar" Wolverine who will surprise people this fall, analyst Howard Griffith said Gordon would start at safety.
- DiNardo offered Patrick Omameh, who will start at guard on an interior line that might be the strength of the team along with David Molk and Stephen Schilling.
- Interesting quote from defensive tackle Mike Martin: Asked what the biggest difference is between last year's defense and this one, Martin said that "we're tighter as a group."
The network's tour continues with a preview of Michigan State at 8 p.m. Friday.
Comments
rensational
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 9:51 a.m.
Yeah, that preview was boring and not very eventful. Most of us who read about Michigan football in the written media have more info than we got from that hour we'll never get back. And there's not much of a way for Michigan to outshoot opponents often enough to save RR and maybe not even enough to get a bowl bid with the issues we have on D. They were talking about the run in the broadcast, but Michigan can't stop the pass and about half the teams we face have QBs who can exploit that enough to beat us.
NoBowl4Blue
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 3:23 a.m.
Watched preview and confirmed teams biggest concern is on "D". Defense is where championships are won, osu is a prime example.
Sean T.
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 1:11 a.m.
Being a closer-nit unit should breed some success, let's hope for the best!
Benny Casino
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 11:05 p.m.
The offense better score points because the defense is going to give them up. Good to hear they're working on turnovers because UM certainly doesn't need to give other team's a short field or kill offensive drives. Michigan is going to need every point it can get. How is the competition going at Kicker? Another area where we can't afford to lose easy points. Hopefully a reliable Kicker emerges. I think in the end the offense will be potent, but the defense will be a liability.
PortageLkBlu
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 9:35 p.m.
Okay, let the games begin.