Brady Hoke's favorite drill is intense; Michigan offensive line takes shape and more notes
The favorite drill for Michigan football coach Brady Hoke?
"We're going to do the 2-minute drill (Sunday)," Hoke said at the annual Michigan football media day. "In the 2-minute drill, you're talking about pressure from both sides of the ball, and that's going to be fun. We want to see how we'll react. We have all kinds of situations they have to know as an offensive guy and a defensive guy. When you start talking about down-and-distance field position, field goals and touchdowns, how do you want to play, how you get set, how you get the call from the coach on the sidelines, how you communicate, the quickness of the receivers to get back on the line — that's the greatest drill ever.
Have two minutes? Michigan football coach Brady Hoke has a drill for you.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
"I would do full line, full line for us in an interior drill, linebackers and the front. I would do that drill two hours a day, about 900 plays with each other, and I'd do 2 minutes and then I'd go home."
Offensive line takes shape
Hoke said his primary goal as he sorts out the hierarchy on the offensive line is to play his best six, regardless of what position they've played in the past.
The projected line looks like this: sophomore Taylor Lewan at left tackle, junior Ricky Barnum at left guard, senior David Molk center, junior Patrick Omameh at right guard and senior Mark Huyge at right tackle. Each of those players received significant playing time last year except for Barnum, who was slotted behind Steve Schilling.
Hoke said each of those players have looked strong this fall, and that junior Elliott Mealer and sophomore Michael Schofield have been the best backups.
Troy Woolfolk takes a day off
Senior cornerback Troy Woolfolk missed Saturday's practice with a hamstring strain, but the injury is not considered serious. Hoke said Woolfolk and J.T. Floyd are battling some soreness as they rebound from injuries. Woolfolk didn't play last year after breaking his leg, fracturing his ankle and tearing ligaments during a preseason practice.
Time for two-a-days
Michigan's fall camp kicks into high gear this week with three two-a-days, the first of which is today, and the team's first scrimmage Saturday. Hoke said he would make out his first two-deep roster based on how players handle the load.
An attractive offer
Hoke, on how he got offensive coordinator Al Borges to come with him from San Diego State to Michigan: "Well, I guess my good looks."
Captains
Hoke said players will choose captains in about two weeks.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Wally the Wolverine
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 1:24 p.m.
Heartbreak you got it right. Toledo is not that much of distant a memory. I'm seeing too many comments indicating a victory against WMU is assured for just showing up.
Lorain Steelmen
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 3:04 p.m.
The ND game is still the key. Western will be 'fun' as a spectator, but UM should take this one without a lot of worry.
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Aug 17, 2011 : 9:25 p.m.
Disagree. Good coaches teach from wins and losses. Michigan has good coaches now and they will improve this team all season long. And next year. And the year after that.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 7:51 p.m.
Agree. The ND game might make or break the season. Good Night and Good Luck
uminks
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 4:48 a.m.
I'm not worried about WMU. I think our OL will bull them over and our RBs will have a good first half. DROB will throw more in the 2nd half just to get his arm ready for ND, and after building a 38-17 lead at the end of the 3rd QTR, DG will get to play the 45 th QTR along with a lot of other backups. I don't think we will show much before the ND game...but hopefully we will see improvement from the defense this game. Still an easy win, UM 45 WMU 23. I'm more worried about our defense stopping ND offense. If the coaches have a good offensive game plan then we could win a close night game. However, if the offense bogs down we could be in for a long night.
heartbreakM
Mon, Aug 15, 2011 : 9:09 p.m.
well, after the last few years (including LC), we can not stand to overlook any opponents and games. I'm sure Hoke will know that, and that is where being a coach at a small program and a middle program (first 2 stops) will really help. He'll know the opponents mindset. I'm excited about the season.
tulsatom
Mon, Aug 15, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
The best way the U-M offense can help the Wolverine defense is to sustain drives and stay on the field long enough to allow the defense to catch their breath a little. This style of offense is more conducive to accomplishing that goal provided denard and the rest of the offense has leanred it well enough. Over the past few years, it seemed like U-M frequently was either scoring a quick touchdown or encountering a 45 second 3-and-out which barely left the already-depleted defense enough time to take their helmets off and get a drink before they were back on the field again.
GoblueinNE_PA
Tue, Aug 16, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.
Completely agree with you Tom. ToP is huge as it keeps the defense fresh. I've had that debate many times with folks here over the past 3 years. Dismissing ToP is done at your peril. I'm getting jacked up over the coming season too. I'll be heading to the SDSU game this year. First time I've been back to a game in probably 6 or 7 years. Can't wait!
DonAZ
Mon, Aug 15, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
Yep ... which is why Hoke and Borges stress "protecting the football" and having the ability to sustain drives by getting first downs. But that doesn't mean not scoring quickly if the opportunity is there. The flip-side to this is having a defense capable of 3-and-outing the opponent. Michigan's problem last year was it didn't have that defense ... so the opponent would grind the defense down and wear 'em out. The Michigan offense would then come back on and, as you say, either a) score quickly or b) flounder or fumble. Rinse and repeat.
Terry Star21
Mon, Aug 15, 2011 : 6:21 p.m.
I hear you hallmary, the openers always seem a bit scary. This year will be different - you will feel like the 90's when defense ruled the day, and this will be the most important aspect of this opening game. I like the two minute drill, especially when it ends with the winged helmets bopping up and down in celebration in the end zone ! Happy for Barnum, who has worked hard to make starter and hope Troy and J.T. can get stronger and healthier after missing a year. Brady Hoke, keep up the serious practice/game time attitude but don't lose that sense of humor (shown mostly with the media) as it will make a great difference in the long run. David Molk for lead captain. MgoBlueForTiM............Michigan opponents; ON ALERT - two minute warning until touchdown !
Hailmary
Mon, Aug 15, 2011 : 5:52 p.m.
Reads like business as usual for our Wolverines and ,"the game" I'm speaking of, western mich. is right around the corner and it is the only game at this point that I am concerned about because a stumble here could be catastrophic to say the least. I think, at least I hope that Brady has the team well grounded to play each game as if it's the whole season and in retrospect each game this year will have a particular significance due to all the particulars surrounding this 2011 season. I for one find this season particularly facinating for a variety of reasons up to and including the drama of the last 10 years which continues as we talk. I really can't remember ever being so facinated with playing a team like western mich. but I find this particular game a barometer of many different aspects of our asperations for the 2011 season for instance, a Michigan Wolverine football team should be all over a school like western mich. although there have been some drastic stumbles and close calls over the last several years under both Lloyd Carr and RR. I want to see one very important process that being, that our Wolverines come out fighting and take western mich. seriously and that has not always been the case in recent memory like the past 10 years.