Notes and quotes from Tuesday's Michigan football practice, including candidates for punt, kick returner
Michigan senior wide receiver Kelvin Grady hauls in a kickoff during a drill at the practice fields outside of Schembechler Hall on Tuesday. Grady was one of five players taking repetitions as a kick returner.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
Michigan football coach Brady Hoke continues to decline to talk about candidates for kick and punt returner, although a few worked out at those spots Tuesday with a Jugs machine and oversight from running backs coach Fred Jackson.
At kick returner: Senior Kelvin Grady; juniors Je'Ron Stokes and Vincent Smith; and freshmen Jerald Robinson and Thomas Rawls. None of those players attempted a kick return last year.
At punt returner: Seniors Junior Hemingway (one attempt, 34.0 average last year) and Martavious Odoms (one, 14); sophomore Drew Dileo (two, 6.5); and freshmen Raymon Taylor and Blake Countess.
Sophomore receiver Jeremy Gallon was Michigan's primary punt returner last year, averaging 4.3 yards on 10 attempts, and was one of the kick returners, averaging 21.8 yards on 27 attempts.
Darryl Stonum was the other kick returner, averaging 23.3 yards on 22 attempts.
Stonum won't be available this year. He is redshirting after being charged this summer with his second DUI.
Gallon's role with the team has yet to be discussed by Hoke.
Still healing
Odoms still is wearing a cast on his left forearm.
The team has declined to disclose the nature of the injury, which was sustained in the summer. Odoms, who is expected to have the cast removed sometime next week, is a leading candidate to start in the slot for the Wolverines, who already are missing Stonum.
The senior caught 16 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown last year.
Leading linebackers
The linebackers who practiced with the first defense during media availability were redshirt freshman Jake Ryan and junior Brandin Hawthorne on the outside and junior Kenny Demens in the middle.
Michael Shaw powers his way through a pack of defenders during practice Tuesday. Michigan coaches are still auditioning seven running backs to be the Wolverines' primary ballcarrier.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Senior Michael Shaw, sophomore Fitz Toussaint, Smith and Rawls received a lot of early carries during the 20-minute window the media was allowed to watch Tuesday.
Each is a solid contender to win Michigan's starting tailback job, although not much can be read into this rotation. Coaches have stressed they'll move guys between units to keep them fresh, and unaware of their intentions.
Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges said Tuesday the competition for the job remains fierce, and he has yet to pare down the field of seven contenders, although he added he's "getting a little closer."
Borges also said it may be several games before Michigan finally settles on its long-term lead back.
The Wolverines could have multiple backs get carries if no one separates from the pack, but the coaching staff prefers to have one guy shoulder the load.
Jackson said Sunday he already has decided on a third-down back, but declined to name him. Borges said Tuesday that Smith is "certainly a candidate" for that role.
Defenders stay in position
Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said last week he wouldn't hesitate to execute a position change if it gave him a better chance to get the best 11 players on the field at once.
Tuesday, he said he didn't foresee any drastic changes being needed, although small shifts, such as going from outside linebacker to rush backer, could still be in the fold.
The only known position of camp so far is Brandon Herron, who announced in an online video published by the school he had switched to weak-side linebacker. The fifth-year senior had started at strong-side linebacker in the spring, then moved to the middle before settling in on the weak-side.
Khoury backing up Molk
Little-used senior Rocko Khoury got some work at center during Tuesday's practice. All-Big Ten performer David Molk, a fifth-year senior, is solidly entrenched as the starter there, and is considered one of the best centers in the country.
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
Terry Star21
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.
I agree that twenty minutes for the media too observe and then comment is slim - also considering the coaching staff controlled what the media sees.....really, I mean really ! I like reading the media reports informing us on how everything is going and how things look and those fabulous photos from Melanie - but take no stock in who will be starting or who looks to be starting from fall practice - controlled viewing session. On September 3, Michigan will field the best team available and that is what we'll see - it'll be worth the wait folks. My simple rule is and always has been; the best player on the field will be who ever Michigan marches out there. MgoBlueForTiM...........watching Michigan football, seeing the best players ever.....
GoblueinNE_PA
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.
Glad to Toussaint getting some reps. There's something about this kid, I can't explain it, but I have this feeling he's the guy. More power than Shaw, more speed that Hopkins IMO. He's been in the dog house for much of the past 3 years. Normally, you'd say that would bode ill for his future, but it's hard to say with former regime. As for ST, we couldn't kick and we couldn't return kicks under RichRod. We may not have been VaTech before he got here, but we sure as heck weren't the Keystone Kops that he turned us into. And yes, it IS coaching or LACK thereof that lead to that horrendous performance.
Sparky79
Thu, Aug 18, 2011 : 1:52 a.m.
Fitz was in the dog house for the past three years? Huh? How could he seeing as he's only been here two years (this IS his third year). And his not playing had nothing to do with the "former regime" as so many still like to put blame for everything in life on. Fitz redshirted his freshman year (2009). Last year was his first year playing and he was snake bitten. He missed the first three games due to a knee injury, then missed five more games due to a shoulder injury. Says so right in his MGoBlue.com bio, too. He showed glimpses of talent, but it's consistency that's needed, not just a flash here and there. Hope he can put it together this year. If he can stay healthy he has as good a shot as anyone of playing.
Terry Star21
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 5:32 p.m.
Good post...I hear you about Toussaint, hope he gets it all together. I still think Hopkins will be that power back we're looking for. I think every Michigan faithful agrees with you on the last paragraph - those kids were much better than that - they were cheated as we were !
Chad Williams
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.
I highly doubt these unknown players are starting. Here is a key example, the time the media was there for a whopping 20 mins they saw those players. What about those times they weren't. They are simply building depth at all positions. Although there isnt a clear cut starter they have an idea who is and who isnt. The best way to tell how good a back up is by playing him with the first team. Another thing stop with the bashing of the ST from last year. I understand the kickers sucked but hey the kicks on state st arent the same as main st. I think that was more of the issue rather than coaching. As far as RB i would like to see a lot of smith. Although small in stature like Rodgers from oregon st he is also a very good receiving RB looks to be more versatile and i think he needs to be on the field. Hopkins should convert to fullback. I want to see a running back that can get tough yards but break it loose for 80 as well. Wisc learned over the years that one big slow RB can be contained but a mix of guys like last year is almost unstoppable.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 8:32 p.m.
It wasn't just the kickers. Coverage teams, punting, the return teams, ...well you get the picture. The problem was it didn't get better as the season went on, and in some cases, it got worse. I think it was more an issue of coaching so it will be corrected, don't you worry. I'll bet you Michigan won't show up for a game without anyone better than my Aunt Sally ready to do the punting this year. 12th game of the year and you don't have a backup punter ready in case of injury? That's coaching, so don't throw the players under a bus. Who use to do that? WCiMFH, that's right!
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
I'm glad to see that special teams are not being short-shifted during pre-season practices. I can only assume that last year ST's were an afterthought, with little time spent on preparation since there was little evidence of execution on game day. For Michigan to climb the Big Ten ladder to have a chance to play in the championship game special teams is going to have to win at least one game and NOT LOSE another one. Yes, there is a difference between the two and if you watch how special teams affect field position you will understand what I mean. Running back a kick off or punt for a touchdown, or blocking an attempt and running it in for a score are examples of ST winning games. Letting the other team do that to Michigan , or dropping a fair catch inside your 20 yard line are examples of losing game with special teams. Last year two thirds of the team looked and played unprepared on game day. I think we would all agree that Coach Hoke and Coach Mattison aren't going to let that happen on defense any more. So special teams' could be the "tipping point" for some of the close games this upcoming season. Glad to see that wont be left to chance. TiM Go Blue!
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.
I wonder if you ever get tired of being wrong. Washington State, Rose Bowl. Extra point was blocked, that would make it a 8 point game. Texas, again the Rose Bowl, the Longhorns kick a field goal to win with 3 seconds remaining to beat Michigan. Alabama in the Orange Bowl, in OT, Michigan wins when 'Bama kicker misses extra point to tie. Those are just off the top of my head. Michigan as had really good kickers until the WCiMFH got here. Special teams too. Probably just a coincidence. I think when you use the phrase "in all reality" you should add "my" right before "reality" just so you're clear. I don't mention the Hall of Fame Coach in my post but since you did, thanks. I think the world of Coach Carr, and every true Michigan fan should also since he represented the University faithfully, and honestly, for over 30 years. Again, where do I state anywhere that UM won 10-11 games a year? Wow, this reads like you saved up a bunch of comments and just decided to send them in regardless of the topic. With having division play, Michigan, or anybody else in either division, can lose more games than ever before and still play in the championship game. You knew that, right? Anyway, lots of fun as always and I hope your team does well this year, unless they are playing Coach Hoke's Wolverines. TiM Go Blue!
Lorain Steelmen
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 8:04 p.m.
Chad..Interesting viewpoints & post on the Carr years. I agree, had UM been a consistent 10-2 team, Carr might still be here. I think Martin wanted 'a change' but wasn't sure what that really meant, hence UM went after RR. In retrospect, I agree, UM may have been better off with a Milles, who outcoached Tressel, in their osu-lsu bowl game, or a Harbaugh. But there IS a BIG difference, between a 10-2 and a 8-4 team. I think Hoke brings a higher level of energy, and a demand, for personal commitment. I like what we've seen and heard so far, but it remains to be seen if his assts, are ready for 'prime time'. I only hope he doesn't go 'conservative' like Carr did, coaching 'not to lose'. Tressel showed a willingness to demand passion, particularly on defense. And 'the vest's' record in the league was excellent. Lets' hope Hoke can do the same.
Terry Star21
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
Blu...that last paragraph is right on, so frustrating watching that. Those kids were much better than that - they were cheated, as were we !
Chad Williams
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 3:43 p.m.
In all reality outside the kicking game and breaston, woodson, and howard, michigans special teams have been pretty average. Dont remember them being the Vtech of the big ten before RR. Outside those 3 guys i dont remember any impact returner that changed games or punts being blocked or kicks being blocked. I wish people like you will stop making it seem like mich was just a for sure 10-11 win team every year before RR. Just a small hint if michigan was like a team like that Carr wouldnt have been forced out. The fact is michigan wanted and needed a changed MICH went in the wrong direction so they paid for it. RR didnt come to ann arbor they went to him. They should have been "michigan men" and hired harbaugh from the start. Instead he was dissed because he wasnt the hot stuff then and now when he was the hottest ticket you thought he would just come aboard. Now even at the end your stuck with a guy a with a losing record as a coach.
evenyoubrutus
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 1:21 p.m.
Eh, I thought it was clear from other reports from the day's practice that it was a "mixed lineup" (one's and two's mixed together) so it seems a little misleading to label Hawthorne and Ryan as the "leading linebacker" candidates. I think it's almost a given that the SLB will be Cam Gordon, the WLB is a competition between Marrell Evans and Mike Jones, and obviously Demens is at MLB.