“My expectation is we’re gonna be the best linebacker group in the country,” Ross said in a Zoom call with local media.
A few days later, McGrone concurred. “I totally agree with that statement,” he said. “I feel like we have the best combination of speed and physicality.”
That’s a unique proclamation, even amid the unbridled hype of a preseason press conference.
That caveat is important — it’s easy to exude confidence when you haven’t yet had to prove it. Just recall the press conference last year when Brown proclaimed, “I’ve been writing Wisconsin cards and I’ve kinda been ‘Woohoowoo!’ ” a week before giving up 28 points and 312 yards before halftime......
The weakness of Michigan’s linebacker corps — at least as far as experience — will be at the VIPER role that defensive coordinator Brown employs as a mechanism of bridging his front seven and secondary. Following the departure of three-year starter Khaleke Hudson, junior Michael Barrett will likely assume that position.
Despite Barrett only having two career appearances on defense, McGrone is confident he will fill in seamlessly."
www.michigandaily.com
A few days later, McGrone concurred. “I totally agree with that statement,” he said. “I feel like we have the best combination of speed and physicality.”
That’s a unique proclamation, even amid the unbridled hype of a preseason press conference.
That caveat is important — it’s easy to exude confidence when you haven’t yet had to prove it. Just recall the press conference last year when Brown proclaimed, “I’ve been writing Wisconsin cards and I’ve kinda been ‘Woohoowoo!’ ” a week before giving up 28 points and 312 yards before halftime......
The weakness of Michigan’s linebacker corps — at least as far as experience — will be at the VIPER role that defensive coordinator Brown employs as a mechanism of bridging his front seven and secondary. Following the departure of three-year starter Khaleke Hudson, junior Michael Barrett will likely assume that position.
Despite Barrett only having two career appearances on defense, McGrone is confident he will fill in seamlessly."
Led by McGrone and Ross, linebackers hold the key to Michigan's defense
At the front of Michigan’s defense, defensive ends Aidan Hutchinson and Kwity Paye combine for one of the Big Ten’s best returning pass rushing duos, with 10 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss between them in 2019. At the back, there’s a secondary marred by inexperience. Senior safety Brad Hawkins...
www.michigandaily.com
