2013 Michigan Wolverines Football Preview: Secondary
By Tony Fischer
Oct 1, 2011; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Brandon Green (1) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines defensive back Blake Countess (18) during the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The 2013 Michigan Wolverines Football preview takes a look at possibly the most contested position battle in fall camp. Michigan’s secondary is deep and talent rich. That means the several returning upper-classmen will have to fight off a talented group of true freshman in order to get on the field.
Blake Countess – Redshirt Sophomore
Blake Countess missed all of 2012 with an ACL injury. In his freshmen year in 2011, Countess worked his way into a starting position with his high energy play. Safety Thomas Gordon said he earned his starting spot in 2011 by impressing the coaches.
"“The reason he played as a freshman is he is a high-energy guy,” Gordon said. “Coaches love high-energy guy. His learning curve was real quick as a freshman, and he was a step ahead of the game. As far as technique, he always had what the coaches told him to do.”"
Countess has “felt 100%” during fall camp hopes that his high energy play can earn him a starting spot again despite successful seasons by last years starters.
Delonte Hollowell – Junior
Hollowell surprised many fans and writers by getting the start over incumbent starter Raymon Taylor. With the change, the outlook at corner became a little merkier and opened the door for competition during fall camp.
Raymon Taylor – Junior
Taylor was that starter at the end of 2012 and is projected to start in 2013 for Brady Hoke and the Michigan Wolverines. But Delonte Hollowell’s spring surge has put that into question. If Taylor wants to retain his starting job he will have to impress coaches enough to make them forget about the level of talent behind him on the depth chart.
Thomas Gordon – Redshirt Senior
Gordon is the leader of the Michigan secondary. According to former Michigan standout turned NFL player Marlin Jackson he is a prototypical NFL safety but still has some room for improvement.
"I would just like to see him become more aggressive, when he’s coming to make plays on the football and closing on open-field tackles, Little things, but big things.”"
Thomas would be wise to listen to Jackson who played six seasons in NFL.
Jarrod Wilson – Sophomore
Wilson is expected to succeed Jordan Kovacs as starter in the Michigan defensive backfield. According to the Michigan coaching staff Wilson has matured both mentally and physically and could be ready to assume a leadership role in the defense. To do that he will have to fend of incoming true freshman, Dymonte Thomas.
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