Poll results: Who will be Michigan’s starting WDE against Alabama?
Rising sophomore defensive end Brennen Beyer (image via MGoBlog) |
This question was asked prior to the spring game, but the last poll question was: Who will be Michigan’s starter at weakside end against Alabama?
Frank Clark: 62%
The 6’2″, 228 lb. sophomore played well in limited time last season, but at the end of spring practice, it seems he’s #2 on the depth chart. He had 10 tackles, 1/2 a tackle for loss, and 1 interception. He will surely compete into the fall, and barring an outstanding fall camp from a true freshman, the choice is going to come down to Clark or . . .
Brennen Beyer: 19%
Beyer, pictured above, got the start in last Saturday’s spring game. He’s listed at 6’3″, 225 lbs. but he seems quite a bit bigger than last year. Last season he had 11 tackles but seemed slightly miscast as the backup SAM linebacker. Weakside end seems like a more natural position, but it’s a position change nonetheless.
Jake Ryan: 14%
Redshirt sophomore Jake Ryan, who is 6’3″ and 230 lbs., started at SAM linebacker in 2011. He proved to be a playmaker by making 37 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries. He started at SAM once again in the spring game. Some people are clamoring for him to play defensive end in an effort to get backup SAM Cameron Gordon on the field at the same time, but since Ryan and Gordon are literally the only two strongside linebackers on the roster, that seems unlikely.
Mario Ojemudia: 1% (tie)
Incoming freshman Ojemudia is the only one of the four freshman defensive ends who seems to be slotted for weakside end. The other three ends seem destined for strongside end or even defensive tackle. He played defensive tackle at Farmington Hills Harrison and struggled a little bit playing defensive end in the Semper Fi All American Bowl, so I think he’s a long shot to be an immediate starter at the position.
Other: 1% (tie)
I don’t know who else would have earned a vote. The only other possibility would seem to be incoming freshman Tom Strobel, who might be a weakside end right now but looks like he’ll eventually develop into a strongside end.