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Michigan football stars Taylor Lewan, Jordan Kovacs land on preseason award watch lists

Another day, another Michigan football player on a national award watch list.

Actually, this time, it's two.

Junior left tackle Taylor Lewan has landed on the watch list for the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the nation's best tackle, guard or center, and senior safety Jordan Kovacs made the list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is presented to the nation's best defender.

The only Michigan player to win either award is Charles Woodson, who was awarded the Bronko Nagurski Trophy during his Heisman Trophy season in 1997.

Michigan's Jordan Kovacs, Courtney Boylan honored by Big Ten for sportsmanship

Michigan football player Jordan Kovacs and women's basketball player Courtney Boylan were among 24 players honored with the Big Ten's Outstanding Sportsmanship Award, according to a news release issued Wednesday.

The conference chose two winners from each of its member schools.

Jordan Kovacs hopes to fill Michigan football leadership void left by Kevin Koger, other seniors

Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs, shown during a press conference before the Sugar Bowl in January, was named one of three Spirit Award winners at a Bob Ufer Quarterback Club banquet on Monday. Quiet by nature, he hopes to step into a leadership role with the Michigan football team next season.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Kevin Koger was one of the Michigan football team's three captains last year, and perhaps its most vocal leader. Who will fill that void now that he's departed the program?

That's what the Wolverines are sorting out right now. Jordan Kovacs intends to be in the mix, and he seemingly has all the ingredients to do so.

The senior safety is Michigan's second-most experienced player with 33 starts logged, a notable feat considering he required two student-body tryouts just to make the team.

He's also credited for his high character, which helped him to be named one of three Spirit Award winners Monday night by the Bob Ufer Quarterback Club. Hockey captain Luke Glendening and basketball captain Zack Novak were the other winners.

Michigan's Jordan Kovacs among 9 Big Ten football players named to IMPACT award watch list

Jordan Kovacs needed two student-body tryouts to make the Michigan football team as a walk-on safety. Now a senior, he's a three-year starter and virtual lock to be named a team captain.

So, his inclusion today on the watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy -- given to the top defensive player, for both athletic performance and personal character -- comes as little surprise.

He was among 42 players named to the list, and the only one from Michigan.

Jordan Kovacs: Michigan-Ohio State rivalry will 'take that next step' after Urban Meyer hire

Both Michigan and Ohio State have stumbled in recent years, but appear to be trending upward with their new head coaches.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

First-year Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer is facing a bit of heat this week after a Sporting News report took a scathing look at his tenure at Florida.

Say what you will about his character, or the impetus for his departure from the Gators, but the guy can coach and has two national championship rings to prove it.

Senior Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs and his teammates are well aware, and expect their rivalry with the Buckeyes to ratchet up because of it.

Jordan Kovacs, Will Campbell among new Michigan football leaders this spring

Michigan senior strong safety Jordan Kovacs had 75 tackles, four sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles last season for the Wolverines.

A year ago, the answer was simple.

When spring camp opened, the Michigan football team had two clear leaders on defense in senior linemen Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen.

This spring, Martin and Van Bergen are busy preparing for the NFL Draft, leaving the door open for new voices to emerge inside the defensive huddle.

Of those voices, one isn't a surprise. The other is, though.

"Defensively, (senior safety Jordan) Kovacs is a guy who shows a great deal of leadership," Michigan coach Brady Hoke said. "And I think Will (Campbell) is trying to step up as a leader."

mgoblue.com: Video: Highlights, comments from the Michigan football team's first spring practice

The Michigan football team opened spring practice over the weekend and MGoBlue.com shared video highlights on YouTube Monday.

Check out the Wolverines “knocking the winter rust off,” along with comments from coach Brady Hoke, quarterback Denard Robinson and safety Jordan Kovacs, who said things were “sloppy at times, but that’s what you expect from the first practice.”

Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison says it's 'absurd' for people to say his players fake injuries

Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs tries to bring down Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Cornhuskers coach Bo Pelini has expressed concern this week about the increasing number of players who fake injuries. He did not refer to the Michigan football team in particular, although he clearly was unhappy his offense was slowed multiple times by injured players.

Michigan beat Nebraska 45-17 last weekend.

"I think it has been pretty obvious at times, but it obviously hasn't been to the referees," Pelini told reporters Monday at his weekly news conference. "What are you gonna do? Sometimes your hands are tied. I don't know what the answer is to that."

Tough love: Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison is molding a thick-skinned Michigan defense

Ryan Van Bergen (53) and the rest of the Michigan defense is allowing 20 fewer points, 61.5 fewer rush yards and 61.3 fewer pass yards per game than last year's unit.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

When Greg Mattison first sat down for a meeting with the Michigan football team's defensive players prior to spring practice, he drew a line in the sand.

You could be a baby rabbit or an armadillo. One group plays, the other watches. There is no in between.

"You can't have skin like a baby rabbit in our room now," Mattison said. "If you do, you won't make it."

Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs returns in altered secondary lineup

Jordan Kovacs, left, and Troy Woolfolk both had six tackles against Iowa.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

"Felt great," Kovacs said Saturday with a stern face following the Wolverines 24-16 loss at Iowa.

After having his streak of 28 consecutive starts snapped against Purdue last week due to a knee injury, Kovacs returned to an adjusted secondary Saturday against the Hawkeyes.

How'd the unit play with its leader back in the lineup?

"Not well enough to win," he said.

Notebook: Denard Robinson says it's better to pass than receive; Michigan has "hope" for a healthy Kovacs and Lewan

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson (16) says he's much more comfortable throwing the ball than he is about the prospect of catching one from Devin Gardner (7).

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Borges was adamant Tuesday in his refusal to answer any questions regarding the possibility of Robinson catching a bubble screen at some point this season.

Robinson went one step further Wednesday, saying he's never caught a pass in a game and, frankly, doesn't know if he could.

View from practice: Injured Taylor Lewan, Jordan Kovacs warm up with Michigan football team but don't take first snap

Junior safety Jordan Kovacs appeared to warm up with the secondary during the Michigan football team's practice Tuesday, but did not participate on the first-team snap that was available to the media.

Kovacs is dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of the 13th-ranked Wolverines' 36-14 win against Purdue last week. He did not practice last week, although safety Matt Cavanaugh wore Kovacs' No. 32 during Tuesday's open practice.

Thus, it is not a certainty the No. 32 at this week's practice was, in fact, Kovacs.

Michigan football safety Jordan Kovacs day to day with knee injury

For the first time in 28 games Saturday, the Michigan football team played without junior safety Jordan Kovacs in the starting lineup.

How much longer will the Wolverines be without their most consistent defensive back?

"He's day to day," Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Monday. "He ran around and did some stuff (Sunday) night (at practice).

"We'll see."

Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs out for Purdue game due to knee injury

Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs is third on the Michigan defense with 42 tackles this season.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Michigan junior safety Jordan Kovacs is not on the dress list and will not play Saturday against Purdue.

A school spokesman said Kovacs suffered a knee injury and has not practiced since. A source told AnnArbor.com that Kovacs is questionable for the Iowa game as well because of the injury.

Kovacs' injury is a significant blow to the No. 17 Wolverines (6-1, 2-1), who take on upstart Purdue (4-3, 2-1) at noon Saturday on ESPN2. He had started all seven games this year and recorded 42 tackles, third most on the team.

He also had an interception and a team-high three sacks, despite playing safety.

Video: Brady Hoke, Denard Robinson and Jordan Kovacs discuss Michigan's 42-24 win at Northwestern

It didn't start out pretty, but that didn't matter.

Michigan junior quarterback Denard Robinson threw for 337 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions and the defense pitched a second-half shutout in a 42-24 win at Northwestern.

The Wolverines improved to 6-0, 2-0 in Big Ten play and will head to Michigan State on Saturday.

Michigan football's Jordan Kovacs continues ascension from student-body tryout to all-Big Ten safety

Jordan Kovacs takes down Western Michigan running back Brian Fields on Saturday. Kovacs finished with 10 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.

Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com

Jordan Kovacs’ best offer coming out of high school was a chance to be a preferred walk-on at Toledo.

That's becoming increasingly hard to believe.

Michigan junior Jordan Kovacs earns honor for strong game against Western

A big hit and 10 tackles earned Michigan junior safety Jordan Kovacs an award.

Michigan football coach Brady Hoke names 3 defensive starters

Michigan football coach Brady Hoke is a defense guy, and he doesn't mince words when he says his unit has a long way to go before the season opener.

But there are three guys with whom he's pleased.

Hoke said he's filled "about two or three" starting spots on defense. When asked who they were, he responded:

"(Cornerback Troy) Woolfolk's had a nice camp, I think (nose tackle Mike) Martin's had a nice camp, (safety Jordan) Kovacs has had a nice camp."

video: Rich Rodriguez, Michigan football players excited to face an SEC team in Gator Bowl

After opening words from the Gator Bowl chairman Steve Tremel, Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon and Rich Rodriguez give their thoughts on the Michigan football team's invitation to play in the Gator Bowl against Mississippi State on New Year's Day.

Rodriguez and players -- defensive tackle Mike Martin, wide receivers Darryl Stonum and Roy Roundtree, and safety Jordan Kovacs -- go on to discuss their excitement about playing an SEC team in a bowl game.

Game Balls: OSU's Terrelle Pryor, Dan Herron get day's top accolades

Pete Bigelow hands out game balls after Ohio State's 37-7 win over Michigan, with four being the best: