Michigan Thursday: Spring Practice Thoughts

Happy St. Patrick's Day and start of March Madness.  If your in the Midwest, the weather is warm the grass is starting to grow and there is spring in the air.   Spring Practice starts on Saturday and so will a new era in Michigan football.  There should be plenty of media at the event and maybe 15 or so 2012 recruits. 

I will share with you some of my random thoughts for Spring Practice:

• Mike Shaw will be limited with a broken hand.  I have/had high hopes from Mike but he keeps getting injured which will be difficult to make an impact with the new coaches.
• Mike Cox is rumored to be one of the best athletes on the team.  It's time to show that to the new coaches.  My hope is he will be a pleasant surprise.
• LB Marell Evans is back at Michigan after transferring to Hampton.  I wonder what the plan is for Evans?  Is he a candidate to start?  
• Still concerned about defensive injuries:  Demens will be limited due to a shoulder surgery, Woolfolk and Floyd will probably not participate.  We need all 3 in the fall but would have loved them to be ready to play this spring.
• Big Will Campbell is in the same boat as Mike Cox.  Time to get coached up and be a difference maker big fella!
• I'm not really too concerned about Denard and the new offense.  I think he will pick it up quickly and have a plenty of time this summer to develop his QB passing skills.
• Defense, Defense, Defense.  I wouldn't mind if Coach Mattison spent all spring on fundamentals.  
• I don't care about countdown clocks.  If your not hyped up and ready to play Michigan State and Ohio State then your in the wrong program.
• Kevin Koger could have a huge year next year in this offense, he needs to step up and be a difference this Spring.  Catch the ball and be a leader!
• I'm not a big fan of helmet stickers, I think it ruins the best helmet in college football.
• Find someone to kick field goals!  Anyone!

My goals for Spring Practice:

1. Fix the defense as much as possible
2. Find a running back
3. Secure a starting DL rotation
4. Don't go crazy installing a new offense.   Install the new and keep some of the old.
5. Lots of snaps for Devin
6. Find a way for special teams to make a difference in the game
7. Make up for lost time in recruiting the 2012 class
8. Don't get hurt - no serious injuries.