U-M not crying over defense; English: We've got talent to fill holes
Ron English isn't bothered by criticism.
Say his Michigan defense had major personnel losses. Question his secondary. Point out his Wolverines allowed 74 points in the final two games last season, when they went 11-2.
Just know this: U-M's second-year defensive coordinator doesn't care.
"I think everything's overblown -- when you do good there's too much praise and when you do bad, there's too much blame," English said at Monday's U-M media day. "These kids are talented and we've had a lot of success here over the years and our record with All-Americans, All-Big Ten players and pro players bears that out. The same thing's going to happen again. ... We're fine."
The primary attention is on the defensive backs, particularly the cornerbacks, after the loss of All-America Leon Hall to the NFL.
Though Morgan Trent started 11 games at cornerback, English, head coach Lloyd Carr and secondary coach Vance Bedford wouldn't make any promises Monday about starting positions.
"It's about competition, that's what the whole month of August is about," said Trent. "It's when you have your spot and feel comfortable that you stop playing like you should."
The lack of promises may be because the incoming freshmen -- led by elite prospect Donovan Warren -- could be a factor.
"There are some young players who are going to be involved because they are talented enough," said English, who expects 2-3 freshman defensive backs to play. "Not only from a physical standpoint, but they have their mental makeup and emotional makeup. I think we're going to be surprised that way, pleasantly."
Warren said Monday the opportunity for immediate playing time greatly influenced his decision to come to U-M. Now, he's prepared to earn a starting corner spot.
"In the summer, when you have a chance to cover guys in 7-on-7, you can see it wasn't much different from high school, (just) the speed of the game," Warren said.
CARR ON HIGH EXPECTATIONS: "What you need in a great season is you have to have, first of all, great leadership," he said. "In most cases that has to come from the guys who have been around ... and understand there are ups and downs. Secondly, what you need is for your great players to have great years -- that's fundamental. If you look back at the great teams here, the seniors have had great seasons. And you have to be lucky, you have to be able to avoid injuries at critical positions and that's why when you ask what the potential of a season is, it's unpredictable."
NOTEBOOK: Freshman quarterback Ryan Mallett's legend is growing. "I threw with him a couple times at 7 a.m. and (afterward) I had to get new gloves," wideout Adrian Arrington said. "He was tearing all the gripping off them."... Carr said right guard is still uncertain. Offensive lineman David Molk could play a role this season, which is rare for a true freshman, and Carr also praised senior Jeremy Ciulla. Carr is still challenging last year's starter, Alex Mitchell, to be in better shape. ... Defensive end Brandon Graham has lost nearly 30 pounds since the start of last season. ...
Tailback Kevin Grady, still recovering from an ACL tear in spring ball, still hopes to return this season. He said a decision will be made before the first game. ... Though the placekicking job remains a battle between K.C. Lopata, Jason Gingell and Bryan Wright, Carr said Wright will probably be the kickoff man. ... Defensive lineman Marques Slocum, who has waited two years to become eligible, is cleared for the season. ... A few Michigan freshmen had not been cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse by Monday morning but Carr is not expecting a problem. ...
Carr endorsed new pal Russell Crowe's movie, "3:10 to Yuma," which debuts Sept. 7. "I recommend it, five stars," Carr said. Carr visited Crowe in Australia in May, after using "Cinderella Man" as a motivational tool last season. ...
The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Michigan will host Utah in a nonconference game on Aug. 30, 2008. The Utes' game for that date with Washington State apparently will be moved. The paper reported Utah will receive an $800,000 guarantee, up from the $500,000 the school received at U-M in 2002.
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