Michigan Coaches Clinic: Breaking down the Defensive Tackles:

Several of us went to the Michigan Coaches clinic and were able to watch the practices and drills. The first day was shorts and helmets, second day was full pads, and third day was scrimmage. Of course, the players need to continue to work hard and keep on developing, but this is what we saw so far this spring.

If season started today:
Taylor and Johnson.

Overall:
Defensive line might just be most talented, deepest position group on the team. If the defense is going to be great, the defensive linemen need to be great. We all agree that defensive line is the key to the team, but it is time for them to make plays and become productive. The defensive line group really struggled the most during S&C program and it seems to me it the defensive line that Coach Rod is referring to when he says the team will be in much better shape this fall.

Defensive Tackles:

Taylor:
Strength:
He has improved his overall conditioning and his improved play showed the benefit. He showed a quickness missing from his game before. He was very good at point of attack. He has unlimited potential. Scary quickness at his size and has a great ability to stay on his feet. He also has some ability to rush the passer. When motivated a very dominating run stopper and has some surprising, pass rushing ability and expectations are high for 2008. He is now healthy and his challenge is to get in top condition and regain his passion for football.

Weakness:
Combination of nagging injury and new S&C program has really put him at a crossroads in his career at Michigan and maybe even for his future. After a very promising freshman year he had an average sophomore season. Early on there was some who believed Taylor would become the leader of the Defense (this has not happened) as of yet. He does need to play hard all the time. Zirbel buried him on first play of scrimmage. Also has to get better at getting off blocks and needs to continue his improving his conditioning. It will be interesting to watch this summer. New program will not let off in terms of accountability and there will have to be some changes made in order for Taylor to make it. He has struggled for a number of reasons this off-season

Johnson:
Strength:
He looks to have lost a good 20 lbs. He has the willingness to play hard, ultimate team player and very physical while still be very good at point of attack. He is a physical run stopper.

Weakness:
He needs to improve his pass rushing and get quicker. Also does not get off blocks very well. He is a one-way player at this time. A year ago he got too high and was easily blocked. He lacked leg strength (which he now has regained since injury).

Slocum:
Strength:
He is a fantastic talent with outstanding combination of size, quickness, and toughness. He has the most talent of any player in this group and top five on the entire team. The talent to be a difference maker defender is there. His size and talent is obvious and it did not take Slocum long to be placed on second team along with being the third defensive tackle. With a good summer, Slocum may finally be playing a major role.

Weakness:
He needs to keep improving his overall conditioning and stay healthy. His struggles continue this off-season. First some flu problems, then some major. Adjustments to S&C program (especially the running) then an infection in his leg. Slocum has not been able to participate consistently in off-season program. As a result, up until last week Slocum had not participated in many practices and no practices in which contact was involved. His consistency, ability to play hard all the time, being is good enough condition to perform in second half of games.

Kates:
He has outstanding potential, strong and plays with great leverage. He has good quickness and overall athletic ability. He was almost impossible to stop in the one on one drill. He is physical off the ball and does a good job stopping the run. Have to give Kates some credit at one time he was gone and did not miss a session during S&C program. May not play a major role next fall, but could fill in when needed.

Weakness:
He Still needs to improve his overall conditioning and make a commitment to playing division one football. Still needs to lose weight and gain additional quickness.

Ferrara:
He is a one-dimensional run stopping defensive tackle. He is strong at point of attack. He is not overly quick. He plays with great effort, desire, and good worker. He has gained a ton of strength. Is adequate at both pass rushing and run defense. A good team player that is willing to do whatever is asked of him.

Weakness:
He will probably be a role player while at Michigan which he is limited in his upside.

Sagesse:
Overall:
Still wearing red shirt (means injured). Only thing Sagesse did during practice was run and he did not seem very enthused about it. Not real sure what the injury is (some speculate shoulder) and at this point do not know where his future is with Michigan. Summer will be the deciding factor to Sagesse's future.

written by CoachBt, MaizeMan and ErocWolverine

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