Michigan Wolverines 2011 Spring Game Recap

In collaboration with Big Ten Nation, co-founder and editor Nick Hlebichuck has agreed to let us run his Michigan Wolverines Spring game review here at NFL Mocks. As you may know, the Wolverines boast arguably the most exciting player in college football in Denard Robinson, and should have plenty of future NFL talent. Without further adieu…

Michigan closed their first spring under new head coach Brady Hoke on Saturday April 16th.  While the Wolverines did not hold a true spring game because of depth issues, the controlled scrimmage was under the heavy scrutiny of many Michigan fans wanting to see an improvement on defense.

So how did the defense do you ask?  Well, assuming that the offense is not struggling to adapt to a more pro style offense, then pretty darn good.  The first team defense held the first team offense to a single touchdown.  The defense also looked much improved  on the fundamental side compared to last year.

This is of course based on actual improvement, and not the offense struggling to adapt which is very possible.  If the offense is struggling to adapt, and the defense is not as good as they look, well one side of the ball better figure it out pretty fast.  If neither side of the ball is good this year, it could be a very long year in Ann Arbor, as the Wolverines will not be bowling.

The defense has clearly bought in to new defensive coordinator Greg Mattison’s scheme, hardly a surprise considering his credentials.  The defense will be relying heavily on defensive lineman Mike Martin this fall, as he is their best player by far.  He will have to be a leader and make sure the entire defense maintains its focus this summer, when the team has practice but the coaches cannot have any contact with them.

On the offensive side of the ball, all eyes are on the backfield, as Denard Robinson is adjusting to taking snaps under center, and the running backs are all competing for the starting gig.

To read the rest of the report, follow this link, and a big thanks for Nick and Big Ten Nation!