Saturday, February 21, 2009

Mailbag question: Concerned with the lack of depth at the defensive tackle position, you?


Okay, so we lost two defensive tackle recruits and two off last year's roster (Slocum and Kates). The way I see it, we have Martin, Sagesse, Campbell, and Helmuth. Isn't that a little thin? Does Ferrara move back? Where do we go from here?

-- John

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Thanks for the question.


Yes, we are concerned, as well, about the lack of talented depth at defensive tackle.

Michigan actually lost FOUR defensive tackles, two to graduation and the two you listed. We totally agree with you, the depth chart is very thin here, and a major concern, especially if they decide to play a 4-3 defense. There are rumors of playing a 3-4 (Steelers-type) defense where Graham is likely to play the position of what Woodley does, where he can either blitz or go into pass coverage. Whether or not Michigan adopts this defense might very well depend on how good Graham can perform in pass coverage.

To further complicate the matter, only Martin has actual game experience. It would make sense to consider moving Ferrara, or another linemen, to the defensive side if possible, but Ferrara could be competing for one of the offensive guard positions, so it might be tough to move him if he is one of the better guards that could start.

We would guess this would be Coach Frey's call. If he feels that he has a reasonable replacement for Ferrara, he will move him. If not, look for Ferrara staying at offensive guard.

There are rumors of moving Patterson inside to see what he can do, because some think he cannot play on the outside. At this point, it's unclear what the base defense will be. Coach Robinson is still reviewing all the Michigan game and practice film.

We will be able to learn a lot once we watch Michigan practice and see what Coach Robinson tries and do, whom he moves, and who actually plays where.

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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

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