Michigan Football: It’s About Time the Wolverines’ Offensive Line Shows Up
By Joel Greer
Needless to say, the Michigan football team’s offensive line has been basically ineffective since Lloyd Carr retired in 2007.
Rich Rodriguez and his spread offense followed. Gone was the smash-mouth style of football that Carr, Gary Moeller and Bo Schemechler preferred.
When Brady Hoke arrived in 2011, his first order of business was to re-establish hard-nosed football in the Big House—and the toughness that came with it.
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Robinson no pocket passer
The plan made perfect sense until Hoke realized dual-threat quarterback Denard Robinson was still on the roster.
Goodbye, smash-mouth.
While Robinson carried the Michigan offense on his back, the line suffered. After Robinson gave way to Devin Gardner at quarterback, things began to deteriorate, finally hitting rock bottom by the end of the 2014 season.
Statistically speaking, Michigan finished the season 13th of 14 Big Ten teams in scoring offense (20.9). In total offense, Michigan finished dead last at 333.0 yards per game.
Gardner struggled
Poor Gardner was running for his life, tossing 15 interceptions along with 10 touchdowns. When he had a few seconds and was able to escape the pocket, Gardner was able to post a passing percentage of 61.5.
The complaints came hot and heavy as pundits began to tear into Hoke and the Wolverines:
"“What his strength had been at Ball State and San Diego State was player development, both physically and mentally,” [ESPN Columnist Jason Whitlock] said. “That Brady Hoke, a guy that really connects with his players, really inspires them, puts together a leadership model between he and the strength coach that elevates the players mentally and takes them to a different level in terms of commitment and focus. I’ve seen all of this.“I don’t see any of this at Michigan. … You get to Michigan, and you think ‘Oh, hell, I’m going to recruit the best and brightest.’ Even though it’s not something you mentally do (or do on purpose), perhaps you lose a little focus on development. Because now I’ve got the best and the brightest and most talented guys. That’s what I’m fearful of."
So it was just a waiting game before Hoke was dismissed.
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Good recruiting classes
The silver lining in all this was that Hoke was a pretty good recruiter.
His 2012 class finished fourth in the nation while his 2013 group finished second (via Scout.com).
Recognizing Michigan’s Achilles Heel, Hoke loaded up with offensive lineman. Between the two recruiting classes, Hoke landed 11 prospects.
Of the 11, eight remain with the program and three (Jr. RG Kyle Kalis, Jr. RT Erik Magnuson and Jr. LG Ben Braden will likely start, giving new offensive coordinator and o-line coach Tim Drevno something to work with. A.J. Williams has started opposite Jake Butt in twin tight end sets.
We want playmakers
All five probable starters have played several games. “I think any time you have game experience it’s important, but it’s no the end all be all.” Drevno said at Michigan Media Day. “Last year when I was at my former employer we started three true freshmen on the offensive line, so it’s find the best guys. Age is not an issue. We want guys that can make plays.”
Both Drevno and head coach Harbaugh are noted for player development. We’ll see their first report card, Thursday, Sept. 3 at Utah.
Here’s how the 2015 offensive line might look:
LT Mason Cole SO, Logan Tuley-Tillman RS SO
LG Eric Magnuson, JR, David Dawson, RS SO
C Graham Glasgow SR, Patrick Kugler, RS SO
RG Kyle Kalis JR, David Dawson, RS SO
RT Ben Braden JR, Juwann Bushell-Beatty RS FR
Note: Kyle Bosch has transferred to West Virginia, Dan Samuelson is looking to transfer and Chris Fox took a medical scholarship and became a student assistant coach.
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