Former Michigan football players eager to see Greg Mattison's revamped Wolverines defense
Former Michigan players expect see an immediate improvement in the Michigan football team's defense now that Greg Mattison is in charge.
Greg Mattison’s track record is so impeccable, people are asking when — not if — the Michigan football team’s new defensive coordinator can save the floundering unit.
So, when can he?
"A couple years at least,” former Michigan linebacker Larry Foote said. “But I think Game 1 is going to be a lot better than the last two years, I’ll tell you that. I mean, just that 3-3-5 junk they were running (last year)? Terrible. “But we’ve got the right guy in charge.”
Foote has seen Mattison work from a telling vantage point: An opposing sideline. The linebacker has played all but one of his nine NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who face the division-rival Baltimore Ravens twice a year.
Mattison was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator the past three seasons before being lured to Ann Arbor by new head coach Brady Hoke.
What’s it like to match up against a Mattison-coached defense?
"I know his style,” Foote said. “It’s an attacking style, and the main thing is it will dictate the outcome and dictate the pace of the game, and I’m quite sure he’s going to do that (at Michigan)."
Michigan’s defense didn’t dictate much last year, posting the worst season in school history by almost any statistical measure. It could not stop the pass (112th in the nation) or the run (94th) and allowed 458 points, a school record by three digits.
The Wolverines finished 116th in time of possession last year — only Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, Houston and Middle Tennessee were worse — to further exasperate a defensive corps that has been bludgeoned by injury and attrition the past two years.
The unit’s collapse was central to the firing of former coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff, including defensive coordinator Greg Robinson.
And the 3-3-5 defensive scheme was scrapped.
In its place, Mattison is installing a 4-3 defense that has been successful for him in his 31 years as a college assistant — including a stop at Michigan from 1992-96, when he was the defensive line coach for three years and defensive coordinator for two.
Michigan held 19 of 25 opponents to 20 or fewer points those two years, and never allowed more than 30 points.
The Wolverines allowed 34 or more points nine times last season.
Mattison’s defenses translated to the NFL, too, where they finished third in points allowed in each of his three seasons with the Ravens.
The track record is there. But what is the learning curve for Michigan, which is installing its third defensive scheme in three years?
“It’s tough at first (to play in a new defense) because your mind is just going crazy, you just sometimes forget plays in the moment,” said Brandon Graham, a former Michigan defensive end who played for two head coaches (Lloyd Carr, Rodriguez) and three defensive coordinators (Ron English, Scott Shafer and Robinson) from 2006-09.
“I’m curious to see how (Michigan’s) going to be the first game, because a lot of people can’t take the call and think at the same time right away.”
Schemes aside, Graham thinks Mattison is a nice fit for Michigan because of his ability to maximize players’ talent.
“I feel like (Mattison) is going to get on you when you need to (be) get on,” Graham said when asked about his first impressions of Mattison.
“Like big Will Campbell,” Graham said of the junior defensive tackle, a former five-star recruit from Cass Tech who has struggled to produce consistently at Michigan. “I feel like (the Mattison hire) was a great fit for him, because I feel like he’s going to call him lazy, going to get him out of his comfort zone.
“With (Campbell’s) numbers, he’s just been getting by, and that’s what he needs — somebody that’s going to deal with him.”
Mattison’s 4-3 will use more defensive lineman than were required in the 3-3-5, and they’ll likely be bigger as well. Solid play from Campbell — who stands 6-foot-5, 333 pounds — would help expedite the Wolverines’ defensive resurrection.
Mattison will have a strong base from which to build, including a nice core of upperclassmen up front in defensive linemen Mike Martin, Craig Roh and Ryan Van Bergen.
Senior cornerback Troy Woolfolk, perhaps the most talented player in Michigan's secondary, is expected to return from an ankle injury that sidelined him for all of last season. Starting corner J.T. Floyd also is expected back.
All told, Michigan returns eight defensive starters.
And there should be more help on the way.
The Wolverines have 19 recruits who already have verbally committed to them for 2012 — the most in the Big Ten — and 11 play defense.
They have received commitments from five of the state’s top-seven recruits, according to Rivals' in-state rankings.
Mattison is a big reason why, according to former Michigan great Desmond Howard, who now is a college football analyst for ESPN and a host on the network’s “College GameDay.”
“Mattison is one of the best recruiters in all of college football,” said Howard, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Saturday in South Bend, Ind.
“Other people who work at other universities have told me this. They say he’s one of the best, if not thee best, in the game.
“And it’s starting show.”
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
uminks
Tue, Jul 19, 2011 : 10:13 p.m.
If Campbell can play close to his 5 star talent and Woolfolk can play like he did before the injury then this defense will make some big strides...not a great defense but may be back to the middle of the pack of b10 defenses, not cellar dwellers! Over time Greg will get our defense back to a traditional attacking UM defense. My guess is that in 3 years Michigan defense will be one of the better defenses in the country! Hooray!!!
David Vande Bunte
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 4:33 p.m.
If Mattison can simply improve the defense enough so that it is within the top 50, instead of the 100s, it will be a remarkable improvement, and probably good enough to win Michigan at least two additional games.
Hailmary
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 11:18 a.m.
One of the highlights for me from that 97 Mich NC. team was, I worked with this women from the Texas A&M area and she loved her Aggies. We would banter back and forth and occasionally she would comment in her best Texas drawl. "So, how's that Yankee team doing" and I would comment something like, we're doing okay this year. After New Year when I saw her again I said, so how did your team do in the Bowl game,( I knew they lost) and then I said, "By the way that Yankee team,(Michigan) won the Rose Bowl and the National Championship." She grumbled something and walked away. Ya, 1997 was a sweet year for me and you guys and with this revamped system I can smell good things ahead.
Blu n Tpa
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
I agree 1997 was a GREAT year for me. Michigan was in town for bowl game, although they didn't win. Won Fantacy 5 in Feb, hit hole in one in April, got a free trip to Alaska in June, and our son was born in Aug. I was going to name him Mitchell Egan xxxxxxxx but my mother in law caught me and said, "You are not naming my only grandchild after that Yankee school. She had it right- Mitch Egan- ! So I had to settle for a NC to honor that team and school. 1997 was a very good year. No more children please, 3 is enough.
Tru2Blu76
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 8:29 a.m.
We all remember the 1997 Michigan Defense. I would say that Michigan D is the gold standard. But I agree that the "next" 1997 Michigan D will not appear this season. I also agree that we shouldn't let our expectations outstrip reality. I think is was former Buckeye player and current ESPN commentator Chris Spielman who said that Michigan has to have a defense ranked "somewhere above 50th" to make an impact in the Big Ten Now Twelve. I think that's possible this year and that's where my hope and expectation lies. The key is within this team we have now. I remember one play from the 1997 Wolverines vs Buckeyes game when Ohio had the ball and snapped the ball and then "all hell broke loose" on the line. For just a couple of seconds as the play ended, every OSU offensive lineman and every Michigan defensive lineman was on the ground. There was "no man standing" - a testament to the power and dedication of both teams. I just hope I'll be seeing another season like the 1997 season -and it appears Michigan has begun to march in that direction (at last).
Lorain Steelmen
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 4:03 p.m.
Spielman was a tough kid, and a great competitor, yet he always tried to maintain some 'class', while telling it like it is.. I'm betting he is really 'hurting' right now, with what has happened to his buckeye program.
Lorain Steelmen
Sun, Jul 17, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
Several posters have cautioned us to not become overly optomistic, for this 2011 team. I agree, that seems like a valid observation, particularly given the brutal, league schedule, ahead of us. We'll definitely need to stay healthy. While, it is only mid-July, and the anticipation / excitement, is slowly beginning to build. That's a great sign, that Wolverine-nation, is 'back'. 'Passion' is the key for this team, as they will need to play 'above' their experience level, and sustain that emotional edge. My suspicion is that we'll also see, some 'old hands', aka, Mattison and Hoke, having the 'time of their lives'. Passion and spirit, are funny things, and can become contagious on a team. The ND game will be huge for these kids, and while they'll be cautioned to 'take 'em one game at a time'...the two league road games, at Evanston and E Lansing, will go a LONG way in making or breaking them. We'll see which kids emerge as the team leaders. In short, this is why we all are college football fans, rather than 'pro fans'. It is the 'sport' of it all, the overcoming of the 'unknowns', that gets you hooked. It never changes...but it is particularly fun, with a 'young team'. Let's just say, that this team CAN make, a huge 'statement' this year...regardless of where they may rank statistically..all that will all take care of itself. I will be vary intreged, to see how DRob, matures 'mechanically', as a passer, as well as the evolution of Devin Gardner. The list of 'emerging' players goes on and on.... but these two will be very interesting, to watch. Who will take over as the stud running back. What kind of battles will we see along the O-line. Certainly, Molk and Taylor Lewan seem ready to make their mark. What about Koger, the big TE from Whitmer... is he ready for this? On D, which LB's will step forward? Will Roh become an impact player? Yep, I think we are in for a great season....
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jul 17, 2011 : 10:14 p.m.
Great post, LS. Great post. Good Night and Good Luck
BigWolverine13
Sun, Jul 17, 2011 : 1:16 a.m.
I am very concerned about these kind of articles and the expectations they create. Mattison is a good coach but he is not a wizard. He has basically the same talent that performed so disastrously last year. Yes, they will be a year older, they should be coached better and there are some good players in this years freshman class, but there is only so much improvement we can expect this year. I am concerned about a situation where unrealistically high expectations will not be met and the media then creates an environment that effects recruiting. It will take at least two years to see the kind of dramatic improvement that will put the Wolverines back on top. If Mattison can improve this defense from 110th nationally to something like, say, 30th that would be a superb result.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jul 17, 2011 : 5:23 p.m.
@Big: The small number of people who have a fetish for the recently departed head coach (people who are NOT fans of Blue) have set standards for Hoke and his staff that any reasonable person knows are likely not to be attained. I think that true fans of both the game of football and of the Wolverines have a reasonable understanding of what is possible this year and next. And the shortcomings will still be here next year. Hoke inherited a team that, at best, will have 10 returning scholarship offensive lineman for the 2012 season, barring injuries or departures--a sign of exactly how poor a recruiter and planner the recently departed head coach was.
BigWolverine13
Sun, Jul 17, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
Ed's Ghost: I agree. 30th would be a superb result, but certainly not expected. I am concerned that it has already become an expectation for 2011.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jul 17, 2011 : 12:19 p.m.
@Big: I think 30th is much too much to expect. You're talking about moving from the bottom 10% to the top 25%. Not likely. Improvement is necessary and, indeed, it is likely (hard to go backwards from 110/120). But I think 30th is expecting too much. Good Night and Good Luck
MichFanTex
Sun, Jul 17, 2011 : 2:28 a.m.
I'll go out on a limb and suggest that had the 2010 D been 30th nationally we wouldn't now be talking about Mattison coaching D at Michigan for Brady Hoke.
wolfman
Sun, Jul 17, 2011 : 12:52 a.m.
I do see going back to another Jan 1 Bowl and to win it GO BLUE
DonAZ
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 8:14 p.m.
Sometimes I feel like a broken record ... o Improvement in obvious basics -- tackling, shedding blocks, moving to the ball o Improvement in holding opponents on 3rd down o Taking the defense to the opponent rather than waiting for the offense to come to them Mattison strikes me as the kind of coach that doesn't have to yell to get his message across. Someone screws up or doesn't try hard enough ... one nasty stare from Mattison is all it takes. I'm telling you, the key difference is that our new coaching regime are the type of men that players WANT to play their best for. That's the secret mojo sauce that we'll see making a huge difference this fall.
Lorain Steelmen
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 8:08 p.m.
I have a great deal of respect for Larry Foote...he's NOT a punk , but he WAS definitely a tough kid! Having said that, his comments about Mattison's 'D' are critical here! Namely, "It's an attacking style, and the main thing is, it will 'dictate the outcome' and 'the pace of the game" Michigan has NOT had that 'attacking style' of D, since...2001, maybe even a bit earlier, about when, not coincidentally, both Mattison and Hoke had left the program. Not accidentally, when one James Tressel, arrived in Columbus, his defenses, immediately, went to an 'attacking style' to dictate the outcome and pace of the game. In short, that 'turkey' LIVED off his defenses for 11 years! The result was 7 league titles in 11 years. 'Tatoos or no Tatoos', osu pushes the limits of what 'they can do', and what 'the officials will permit'. As for Campbell....he has been on my 'sh' list, since he showed up, as a kid that didn't want to come out of his 'comfort zone'. Hopefully, Graham is right, and Mattison WILL get in his grill! Because as tough as he is, Mike Martin needs some help in there. In general, when a D-line 'takes over' the game, the result has a multiplier. Namely, the LB's are 'freed up' to become 'head hunters', AND...the DB's find they have to cover, just a little bit less long, on the back end. A perfect example is the 1997 team here. The guy I always remember is Glenn Steele. That kid WAS a 'A LOAD' out there! And, it IS, contagious. Feasil comes to mind, and Ian Gold, Chas.Woodson, Marcus Ray, et al....You get my drift. That team was FUN to watch, because of their intensity and their passion. That is what I want from a Michigan football team!....namely, anyone who plays UM once, NEVER and I mean, NEVER, wants to go through that punishment, again! The wins will take care of themselves. It's been a long, LONG 10 years! I'm ready for 1997 again.....hopefully, Mattison, and Hoke can re-instill, that 'passion' again. Go Blue, lets's get title #43!
Mick
Sun, Jul 17, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
*regressing
Mick
Sun, Jul 17, 2011 : 3:23 a.m.
Hey Mr. Lorain, that was the best post from you IMHO, since I've started visiting this site. Outstanding analysis and totally agree with you my man! great point about the timing of Hoke and Mattison leaving and the Def digressing. I up voted you brother, Go Blue!!!! We're all cheering for the same thing at the end of the day.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 11:23 p.m.
Good post! Agree--the aggressive defense is the hallmark of Michigan football and it wins games. Back to the Future! Go Blue! Good Night and Good Luck
DonAZ
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.
Bravo ... well written ... love your analysis here!
Terry Star21
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
Larry Foote said. "But I think Game 1 is going to be a lot better than the last two years, I'll tell you that". What I'm thinking exactly. Last night on the BT channel I was watching the replay of the 1969 Michigan vs ohio state game, and the thing that I have missed the most these last few years is that explosive/dominating M defense. It didn't matter that M held #1 osu to 12 points, or that they held osu scoreless the second half - defensive play after defensive play, the line, the secondary, just everyone was clicking on all cylinders. I miss that ! MgoBlueForTiM............and Michigan Defense !
Hailmary
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 7:02 p.m.
You betcha, for the moment I'm very excited at what coach Mattison brings to the table and for the moment visions of grandeur are dancing through my head. Fact is, this could be a tough year for Mich., in reality I'm only asking for substantial improvement with the defense. I'm optimistic and for now that is enough for me. Go Blue!
Mick
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.
Hi Kyle, I'm really enjoying your articles, more comprehensive and informative than in the past, thank you, keep up the nice work. I'm expecting big things this year, We have a ton of talented, albeit young with some, players coming back who will be coached better than they have been thus far at the U-M, ergo, we shall see a much improved unit on D. I believe the Offense will be just fine and possibly better against good teams, wow what a concept that would be. Matt Wile the kicker from out here in San Diego has bee practicing without a tee for the past couple of years in anticipation of college ball, so his ability is not just skewed optimism. As for time of possession, I had to control myself from having a conniption fit when we would be in hurry up mode on Offense last year despite the lack of Defense we had, whatshisname's brilliance shining again and again of course. We will win the B1G this year, mark it down and have faith, don't let the previous staff ruin your optimism, that horrifying era is OVER!!! TiM, Go Blue!!!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 4:45 p.m.
As are the Wolverine faithful. I have every expectation that, beginning this fall, we will see the return of the aggressive, no-holds barred kind of defense we expect in Michigan football. It might take a couple of years to cover the personnel gaps Hoke and Mattison inherited but, judged by the commits to the 2012 recruiting class, they are well on their way toward doing so. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 7:49 p.m.
Those 8 starters were on a defense that was ranked 24th in the nation in 2007. In 2008 they were ranked 64th. Sorry, but that's coaching. And yes, players who did poorly at the U of M are not going to get picked up for the NFL. Not a shock. But that does not mean that their performance at the U was not due to incompetent coaching. Good Night and Good Luck
scott
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
I guess I should actually answer your question.... I felt that the 2005-2008 recruiting classes were abysmal and I don't care that Rodriguez didn't field a good defense with mediocre players, I wanted to see him with some juniors (or maybe even seniors) on Defense and offense because I really liked most of his coaching moves. I'm glad that at least Hoke is getting massive support though and like him as well....love the Mattison hire....
scott
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
NFL didn't want to seem to coach any of them except for Graham who did quite well under the "coaching" issues.....
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.
@Scott: Big things were expected of them and of the rest of the defense (8 starters returning in 2008). Ya don't think it could have been the coaching (or, more correctly, the lack thereof), do ya? Good Night and Good Luck
scott
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.
Certainly no worse to walking into a situation with Obi Ezeh and Jonas Mouton as your best linebackers.......