Fullback Mark Moundros might help Michigan football team at linebacker
Fullback Mark Moundros approached Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez earlier this off-season about switching positions.
The fullback doesn’t get much use in Michigan’s spread offense - Moundros didn’t have a carry last year - and the fifth-year senior thought he could help at one of the Wolverines’ thinnest positions, linebacker.
He was right.
Mark Moundros
“I don’t want to say it’s a surprise, but a guy that I think’s shown us that he’s going to be able to help us (at linebacker) is Mark Moundros,” Rodriguez said. “He’ll still play a little bit of offense, but our focus all spring for Mark has been defense to learn that new position. He’s got a lot of intensity, he’s a strong guy, very passionate. I really like what I’ve seen from Mark playing over there, so I think it’s a move that’s probably going to stick and at the same time probably help play some fullback.”
Moundros, a standout special teams player in addition to Michigan’s top fullback the last two years, last carried the ball Nov. 8, 2008, when he scored his only career rushing touchdown on a 3-yard plunge against Minnesota.
“(He) has had a really good spring as well, so that’s kind of eased Mark’s move over there, at least from our standpoint,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez has singled out two other linebackers for their play this spring. He praised Kenny Demens for his play early in camp - Demens has been banged up recently - and on Tuesday he said Ezeh has “had a good spring” after a rough 2009.
“We challenged Obi a little bit, and I think he’s responded so far,” Rodriguez said.
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
Comments
PortageLkBlu
Fri, Apr 16, 2010 : 1:17 p.m.
These are the kind of situations that make college ball fun to negotiate. Here this bulldog is not being utilized at fullback and the great thing about this is that you can see the parity in the two positions both requiring size, strength and decent speed. Also, both positions require being able to hit or be hit. I like this kind of maneuvering and who knows I've seen stranger things this could be another diamond in the rough I'm going to watch this drama unfold. These are the kinds of things that can create an off balance about opinions of teams. I watched that spring report on Big 10 network and Gerry Dinardo was commenting on Mich. defense and I find it comical that anyone can form an opinion about a team before the season or even spring game tonight. There will be injuries and lots of juggling before the opening act (1st snap).
grantwstephens
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 7:10 p.m.
Whats up with all the rerun articles. We already know this stuff. It hasnt changed since the last article.
mgobluegold
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 5:46 p.m.
Moundros is a very intelligent player whom has learned to use all of his talents on the field... to think of him at LB on defense is encouraging and exciting... I picture him as fierce as a wolverine attacking the 'O'... what a pleasing move to make where desperately needed... yet able to play offense as well... as good as a switch batter in baseball, but better.
Terry Star21
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 2:13 p.m.
This is a great story Mr. Birkett, it's no secret Moundros was a fantastic offensive weapon, but to be able for him to adjust to defense and be used is very hopeful. I think we can look for two-three more defensive surprise moves before fall that will be a big asset to our team... don't be suprisd to see moundros become the caliber of player like a Brandon Graham.