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Posted on Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 5:58 a.m.

Josh Furman, scratched from spring camp, searching for place in loaded Michigan secondary

By Kyle Meinke

josh-furman.jpg

Michigan's Josh Furman (No. 14) is joined at media day by quarterback Steve Wilson (4), safety Charlie Zeller (19), cornerback Al Backey (38) and safety Marvin Robinson (3). Furman is trying to crack the defensive back rotation after missing spring ball.

Jeffrey Smith | AnnArbor.com

Michigan sophomore safety Josh Furman was held out of spring ball while on trial for three charges -- charges for which he later was found not guilty.

But there's no getting back those lost reps. Reps that are crucial for young players' development.

"It was depressing, that it was just a big misunderstanding, but that I couldn't practice and get better," Furman said recently. "At the same time, I had to go follow the rules with Coach (Brady) Hoke, and I understood how he felt about it, wanting to go through the judicial process.

"It was something I had to learn from."

Furman was arrested Feb. 11 on charges of domestic violence, assault and breaking and entering, but Judge Elizabeth Pollard Hines ruled the prosecution did not surpass reasonable doubt.

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Josh Furman

The sophomore was reinstated by the Wolverines, but spring practice already had concluded. Furman said missing the workouts "didn't really set me back."

Yet, spring ball is an important time for young players. There are no game plans to implement, so reserves receive more reps -- and, in turn, more seasoning -- than they do during the bustle of the season.

Furman played in 12 games last season, but only two on defense. He recorded 10 tackles and blocked one punt.

He is fighting for time in a crowded secondary -- a good problem, and one the Wolverines haven't had in years.

Twenty months ago, Michigan played a game against Ohio State in which seven of its top 10 defensive backs were true freshmen. Two of the other three were walk-ons.

This year, Michigan returns each of its primary starters in the secondary: corners J.T. Floyd and Blake Countess and safeties Thomas Gordon and Jordan Kovacs.

At safety, Gordon said he is backed up in practice by freshman Jarrod Wilson, while Kovacs is backed up by junior Marvin Robinson and Furman.

And they're all running the same defense as last year. For a group that relies heavily on communication, that kind of consistency could play dividends.

"It's a good feeling, because now we have more experience and now we have more guys who come in to fill that void," Furman said. "The year before, we didn't have a lot of bodies to back us up, so in practices it was kind of hard.

"I think everyone's always trying to take a step forward, but in the secondary, we're more experienced, we've been here for quite a while now. It just feels comfortable."

Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison has seen growth from his defensive backs. He said Robinson has had a particularly good camp, but has seen growth from Furman as well among the reserves.

"I can't put the number of consistent plays he has, but I can tell you this: There's more consistent plays, or winning plays, out of him now than there were last year," Mattison said.

Furman said his brush with the law was "the greatest adversity of my life," and that he's learning from it.

"It's just the fact that if you be at the wrong place at the wrong time, something like that can happen," Furman said. "Since I got re-instated, I feel like I turned that page and not looking back. I feel like I'm a better person on and off the field."

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

Steve McQueen

Fri, Aug 24, 2012 : 10 a.m.

The irrational and misguided AA.com banhammer continues. And I thought we were tight Kyle... guess I will have to reserve my posts for Nick's articles. jk. PS Trolls suck it.

redceder1

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.

Too bad he was not a starter. He still would have been suspended but allowed to be with the team, practice with the team and workout with the team.

Steve McQueen

Fri, Aug 24, 2012 : 8:02 a.m.

Like Glenn Winston and the other Thug 8? typical sparty hypocrit...go back to your own worthless message board.

Xcheck

Fri, Aug 24, 2012 : 2:35 a.m.

redceder? Or redcedar? Nice work. Glen Winston went from jail to the football field in a matter of hours. He assaulted another MSU varsity athlete -- sucker punched him and fractured his skull. The victim could taste his own brain juice.

BamaJoe

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.

TerryStar...UM has been plying football longer than any other Division I teat, 123 years. If you divide their wins by their years that would give you the average wins per year (sorry it involves math, maybe someone can explain that to you) Anyway...UM comes out 11th in number of wins per year. Behind...Boise State,Southern California,Alabama,Florida State,Oklahoma,Notre Dame,Texas,Nebraska,Tennessee,Ohio State...lots of your "so-called" schools. The "fact" that you have played longer gives you more wins, not because you are any better!!! or in 11 cases, as good!

Terry Star21

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.

Could be worse. Up north at spartyville, he would stay on the team, be a hero with the other thugs and subject to a sparty smack down Oct. 20 - but still have a 30.7 winning percentage against Michigan. Down south at bamaville, he would still be on the team, celebrated, overrated like everyone else, subject of a bama beat down Sept. 1, and be in a conference that has a 20-5 (7-1 since 94') record against Michigan. Two very sad (so-called) teams.

BamaJoe

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 3:58 p.m.

I would have to agree. Hoke's definition of "suspended" is ... well ...wrong! This kid was suspended!!! I'm not sure what Fitzgerald Toussaint and Frank Clark are, but it is NOT suspended.

Ross

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 3:29 p.m.

Mmmmm, more tasty spartan tears. The pungent smell of fear from east lansing is so intoxicating.

Scott

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.

Josh- here is a statement that comes off better and rings sincere. "I realize I put myself into a situation that could caused me trouble and didn't do anyone any good. " Or follow Mr. Granville's advise and blame in on the cops and prosecution cause they aren't you're "brother" like he is. Either are most of the coaches who supported you. They can't be your brothers s I guess. Something is different about them.

Scott

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 2:31 p.m.

Josh you have learned nothing. The words "it was all a misunderstanding" are synonymous with "I take no responsibility for my actions and getting myself into a bad situation.

Xcheck

Fri, Aug 24, 2012 : 2:30 a.m.

He should take responsibility for being found not guilty? Interesting take. I am sure you feel responsible for all the stuff you are guilty of. The "victims" were witnesses for the defense. The prosecutor should feel responsible for wasting tax dollars trying to make a name for herself taking down a football player.

Tally10

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.

Marvin Robinson looks like a beast sitting next to those guys, look at the arms on that kid! Looks like he could play LB as well. Kyle, what's the measurements and speed on him?

Steve McQueen

Fri, Aug 24, 2012 : 7:59 a.m.

08/03/12 - Top-five Michigan prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft: 4. SS Jordan Kovacs...One of the more inspirational stories in college football, Kovacs went from recruiting afterthought to walk-on to All-Conference defender. An All-Ohio selection out of the Toledo area, he struggled to receive looks from any FBS-level programs and decided to walk on for the Wolverines, the same path his father took nearly 20 years earlier. Kovacs always knew he had what it took to play in the Big Ten and dreamed of playing in the 'Big House' and after a few tryouts in 2009, the Michigan coaching staff gave him a chance. He worked his way into the starting line-up as a freshman and started eight games, recording 75 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and one interception. Kovacs had his best season in 2010 as a sophomore (13 starts), finishing with a career-best 116 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and a pair of interceptions. He started a dozen games last year and had another productive season, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. Kovacs is a savvy defender with a nose for the ball and the football attitude that endears him to coaches and teammates. He fills run lanes well, taking fast, accurate angles to the ball with an aggressive playing style. Kovacs is more of a downhill player who is limited in coverage and struggles when forced to turn his back to the action. He might be a liability in man coverage, but his approach to the game and overachieving attitude will find him a home at the next level. Kovacs might not be a top-100 pick next April, but he is at-worst a special teams stud who will probably exceed expectations, the same way he has done in Ann Arbor. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com 1 Kenny Vaccaro Texas 6-1 215 4.57 2 Shawn Williams Georgia 6-1 218 4.54 3 Jahleel Addae Central Michigan 5-10 195 4.54 4 Jordan Kovacs Michigan 5-11 202 4.57

rightmind250

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.

He couldn't do worse than Kovacs in pass coverage. The reason Mattison blitzes Kovacs on 3rd down is, he sucks against the pass. Problem is, every B10 team knows this.

Tally10

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.

Thanks Kyle. My thoughts as well, with his size and if he have some speed could sub in for Kovacs on passing downs ( and nickel packages ), that's if he can cover.

Kyle Meinke

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.

Actually, I take that back. Furman actually is listed at 6-2, 203 pounds. Still, I think Robinson probably is slightly ahead of Furman for playing time right now.

Kyle Meinke

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.

Tally, Marvin is 6-2, 200 pounds, making him Michigan's biggest safety. I bet he plays a reserve role this year, especially on passing downs against teams with big wideouts.

Robert Granville

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.

Keep your head up and keep working. Law enforcement and prosecution will always do what they can to bring a brother down. Now that it's behind you make them hate your success.

Scott

Thu, Aug 23, 2012 : 2:27 p.m.

And Furman played no part in this " Misunderstanding". It was racist cops and prosecuters?