This article on gogriz.com is a great review of the defense after spring. This article provides some hints of what to expect this fall. A few changes since this was printed in mid-April, Addison Owen is gone and Mau Ena did not qualify out of high school. However, we have picked up another safety transfer in Yamen Sanders that is expected to make an instant impact.
Lots of nice comments in here about the linebackers as a group. Holmes at d-end is expected to be one of the best in the country. Also, there is lots of praise for Manu Rasmussen at safety, Caleb Kidder at DT, Justin Whitted at safety and Ryan McKinley at corner.
There is a lot to be excited about in 2015. The d-line is the biggest ?, but I expect continued improvement in the linebackers and secondary. If Holmes reaches his star potential along with a returning Kidder then the d-line may be fine this year.
http://www.gogriz.com/news/2015/4/15/Coach_Gregorak_talks_about_the_2015_Griz_D.aspx?path=football
Coach Gregorak talks about the 2015 Griz D
4/15/2015
The odds are usually good that if you lose three first team all-league players on one side of the football to graduation the following season can be a very trying one.
However with the recent completion of spring drills and looking ahead to the 2015 season, that should not be the case for the University of Montana's first-year head coach Bob Stitt and UM's veteran defensive coordinator Ty Gregorak.
Now in his 12th season at Montana and his fourth year as UM's defensive coordinator and 12th of coaching the linebackers, Gregorak, a three-year letterman at linebacker who played at Colorado from 1997-2000, thinks he has another special group in 2015.
Going into spring drills the Griz had to replace end Zack Wagenmann, the Big Sky Conference's defensive MVP, along with safety Matt Hermanson, and tackle Tonga Takai - all three named first team all-league.
Montana returns six starters and 26 lettermen from a squad that was 9-5 overall last season, went 6-2 (tie, second) in the Big Sky, and advanced to the second round of the FCS playoffs.
However, six returnees on "D" earned all-league recognition; including all three starting linebackers: seniors Herbert Gamboa, Jeremiah Kose, and Kendrick Van Ackeren; as well as senior cornerback Nate Harris; senior end Tyrone Holmes; senior; and senior safety Justin Whitted.
A year ago the Griz defense were ranked high nationally (121 schools) in the FCS. Montana was third in turnover margin (+1.0); seventh in sacks (3.29 per game); 19th in scoring defense (allowing 21.0 ppg); 37th in rush defense (148.1 ypg); and 40th in total defense (359.4 ypg).
"What I think is incredible is when you look at this senior class, what they've got to experience is continuity," said Gregorak. "I can tell you as a former player, and I think I've been a coach long enough, that when you get to a certain point where you know the defense, you know the offense, you know your teammates, a level of continuity is a really good thing, and you can see it.
"That first group - they know the defense," he said. "We installed it in 2012, and it's been a work in progress since then. But, you tweak certain things every year and you try to make the good things better and the things that weren't as good that year you try to improve upon them.
"Some of the highlights (from spring drills) that stick out is that we've done a great job of creating turnovers," Gregorak said. "Those secondary coaches, that's all they really preach - turnovers. Turnovers are production - `go get the ball.'
"The bottom line is, are you producing as a player," he said, and if you aren't you'll probably be on the sidelines next to me. I think we've had a lot of very individual, productive springs by several players."
COACH GREGORAK TALKS ABOUT THE DEFENSE: POSITION-BY-POSITION
DEFENSIVE LINE: Holmes (6-4, 245) started all 14 games last season and was second on the team with 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, and UM's fourth leading returning tackler with 66 stops a year ago. The other starter at end will be senior Derek Crittenden (6-3, 240), who had 32 tackles and 4.0 sacks last season.
"I think so highly of Tyrone Holmes," Gregorak said. "He's been a steady-eddy, and a bit over-shadowed by the other guy (Wagenmann) on the other side of the line who was a three-time first all-league guy who will be a pro. He will fill those shoes very well. He's had a nice career. I think he is a very, very fine defensive end. I would go out on a limb and say that he will be one of the best defensive ends in the conference, if not the nation.
"Derek Crittenden is a linebacker playing defensive end," Gregorak said. "Derek has done a fine job this spring. He is as brilliant of a kid (a 4.0 student) as I have ever met. He's up for the Rhodes Scholar, which would be such a huge thing for our team, our school, and our state. He can really, really run. I think he will have a very big year for us."
Also in the mix at end is junior Ryan Johnson (6-2 ½, 255). Sophomore linebacker Tucker Schye (6-4, 225) and sophomore tight end Mike Ralston (6-5, 245) were both moved to D-end in the spring, but both were slowed by injuries.
The return of Caleb Kidder (6-5, 275) at tackle is huge for the D-line, especially with the loss of Takai. Kidder, was one of UM's top tacklers (40 total tackles) and started twice in 2013 and listed as a pre-season honors candidate prior to last season, but was unable to recover from an injury and forced to redshirt.
"I wish the defensive side of the ball was populated with Caleb Kidders," Gregorak said. "Just to give you an example. He sprains his ankle the other day and I texted him that night and asked him if he was okay, and he said `coach I'll tape it up a little firmer tomorrow and be out there tomorrow.' It's that attitude and warrior mentality that we need to populate more with the defense. I really think if he continues going at his current pace that he will have Sundays in his future."
At the other tackle spot sophomore Nate Bradley (5-10, 260) and junior Zach Peevey (6-2 ½, 255) are battling for the starting berth. Peevey had 30 tackles a year ago, and played in all 14 games a year ago and started once, while Bradley had 13 stops.
Senior Jamal Wilson (5-11 ½, 270), who was moved from fullback to defensive tackle and has bulked up, "is doing a good job and will have a role on this team," Gregorak said. "He gets better every practice."
Two incoming preps who could vie for playing time are tackle Mau Ena (6-2, 305, from Vista High School, Calif.) and end Jesse Sims (6-4, 235, from Stevensville High School, whose hometown is Stevensville, Montana).
"When you lose Tonga Takai and Zack Wagenmann you are losing a lot of production and a lot of experience," Gregorak said. "Both of those guys played a lot of football for us, so we've got some shoes to fill, but that's college football."
LINEBACKER: Van Ackeren (6-1, 220), Kose (6-2, 230), and Gamboa (6-1, 215), were the Grizzlies' first, second, and fourth leading tacklers a year ago, with 122, 117, and 107 stops respectively. (Graduated safety Matt Hermanson was third on the squad with 109 total tackles).
Van Ackeren was a second team all-league selection, Kose was a third team pick, and Gamboa was named honorable mention.
"You know what this core reminds me of is our `07 core, where you had (Loren) Utterback, (Tyler) Joyce, (Kyle) Ryan, (Muckie) Foreman, and (Alex) Hawthorne," he said. "Five of the six were seniors, and they were all very capable players, just like this season.
"Kenny Van Ackeren is so silky smooth," Gregorak said. "He's not our most physical guy, yet he will rock you when he gets a chance. He's just a very heady vet who has a great understanding of the game. Two years ago he was our special teams player of the year. He's just a solid football player. He's out of an excellent program in Bellevue (High School) Washington.
"Jeremiah fought through some knee issues last year, and when you watched the last half to the end of the season last year, there wasn't a better middle linebacker in the Big Sky," he said. "He is going to be the best middle linebacker in the league this year - you can mark my words. Guys gravitate to him. He is a natural leader, and another guy with great football knowledge.
"Herbert Gamboa, if he's not our fastest player on defense, he's close," he said. "He's got pop and he's got an incredible burst. He is a very, very good athlete. I was commenting to the defensive staff today that you never see Herb on the ground, other than finishing a tackle."
Back with the returning starters are veterans Connor Lebsock (6-2, 205) and Addison Owen (6-2, 225), both seniors, and talented sophomore Connor Strahm (6-0, 250).
"Connor is going to be a natural `Mike' (middle linebacker)," Gregorak said. "He'll play a lot for us this year to spell `Miah.' He's our biggest guy at linebacker right now. He was the player of the year in Oregon (at Sheldon High School). He's just a very natural, gifted athlete. He's going to be a fine player for us down the road.
Connor Lebsock has had a wonderful spring," Gregorak said. "He made a lot of plays, and had some great interceptions. He's one of my favorite guys. I've got to coach a Lebsock my entire career here at Montana. I've coached a Lebsock every year since I got here in 2003, starting with his brother Matt (who was a safety, and also Nick, and offensive lineman, and Shawn Lebsock, a linebacker).
"I think they are the best core in the FCS," he continued. "I expect that of them. They know that's the expectations of them, and you are going to go and watch outstanding linebacking play from those six players this year."
Also vying for PT in linebacker are redshirt freshman Shane Cochran (6-1, 210 from Culbertson), Alex Thomas (6-0, 215 from Great Falls), and Josh Buss (6-2, 203 from Boise, Idaho).
The Griz also inked two talented incoming freshmen in Dante Olson (6-3 ½, 230, from Cascade Christian HS, Medford, Ore.) and Cy Sirmon (6-3, 225, from Wenatchee High School, Wash.).
SECONDARY/SAFETY: Whitted (6-1, 195), an honorable mention all-league pick a year ago. is a returning starter and was seventh on the team with 63 tackles last season, but he has missed spring drills as he recovers from off-season surgery. He's backed up by senior Jake Dallaserra (5-11, 190), who had 20 tackles and one start last year, and redshirt freshman Evan Epperly (5-10, 180).
"He going to be awesome once he is healthy," Gregorak said of Whitted. "He can run. He can cover. He's very rangy. I thought he had a nice junior season. Jake, our guy from Butte, really did a good job this spring. He's wiry and he's tough. He's an old wrestler (a two-time state champion at Butte HS). I think coach (Jason) Semore (UM's secondary coach) is doing a really good job with this crew."
Redshirt freshman Manu Rasmussen (6-0, 180) is the heir-apparent to Hermanson's starting berth at free safety. Rasmussen was a first team all-state pick at running back and safety as a senior two seasons ago at Tigard Senior High School in Oregon. Senior Eric Johnson (6-2, 190) should also be a solid back-up at safety.
"For the freshman and sophomore classes, Manu is having an outstanding spring," he said. "The kid is showing up. He loves to hit. He loves to fly around. He's football through-and-through. He's like the guy that he's replacing, in that he's a football junkie like Hermanson, but he's a better athlete. That's no offense to Matt, who was first team All-Big Sky and an All-American for us this past year. Manu is going to have an unbelievable career here.
"Eric Johnson was having a good spring, but had some personal stuff that he has to take care of, but if we can get him in line he will help us," Gregorak said. "Mick Delaney (6-0, 193, So.) had to play a lot for us this spring and he did a nice job."
Two first-year players, Josh Sanders (6-1, 190, from Bigfork High School, Mont.), and Jerrin Williams (6-2 ½, 200, from Evergreen High School in Vancouver, Wash.), could both be factors at safety in 2015.
CORNERBACK: "I am pleasantly surprised with our corner position," Gregorak said. "I think coach (JB) Hall and coach Semore are doing a fantastic job out there. On our side of the ball it is the greatest technique position."
Back for his senior campaign is Nate Harris (5-10, 180), who will be starting for the third season in a row. He is UM's sixth leading returning tackler (55 stops last year), and was an honorable mention all-league pick in 2014.
Sophomore Ryan McKinley (6-1, 188) had an outstanding spring and earned the starting job at the other cornerback position. He saw limited action last season because of an injury.
Washington State transfer Markell Sanders (6-1, 180, RS) missed the first week of spring drills due to an injury, but is expected to contribute this season. Sophomore Chris Parker (6-0, 185) also had a solid spring and should contribute. Also in the mix is junior letterman Tyrel Garner (6-2, 190).
"Nate's our veteran, and he's a leader back there along with J-whit (Whitted)," Gregorak said. "Josh (JR) Nelson (6-0, 177, Jr.) is really stepping up, which is great. He's long and can really run, it's just a matter of consistency and eliminating the mental errors for him."
"Ryan McKinley is a physical presence out there," he said. "He just needs more playing time and to learn the position. He looks like an outside linebacker. He's the closest thing we've had since `Tru' (All-American cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who now plays for the St. Louis Rams), and given him another year or two and he might develop into that next great corner here at Montana.
"Markell is a great athlete, and is going to be a very good player for us," Gregorak said. "He missed a lot of reps, but he'll start to show up. He's got make-up speed to catch up with a receiver in coverage, which is nice to have. Chris Parker is making great strides. For a lot of these young kids it's just learning the defense.
OVERALL COMMENTS: "Again, overall it's been a good spring," Gregorak said. "We've developed depth where we needed to. Last year I leaned on the defensive line to have a leadership role. The heart-and-soul of the defense is right in the middle there. That's not to say that Ty, Derek, and Caleb and the others won't be big for us too, but the passion of the unit comes from the linebackers.
"Wait until you see these guys come in," said Gregorak, talking about UM's six freshmen defensive recruits. "Our two safeties are 6-2 plus and can run. Our two linebackers are huge. And our defensive linemen look like grown men.
"We are very excited about our small, but good-looking incoming freshmen class," he said. "Hopefully we won't have to play any of them, but honestly, all six of them, if you had to throw them in the mix, maybe could help."
Lots of nice comments in here about the linebackers as a group. Holmes at d-end is expected to be one of the best in the country. Also, there is lots of praise for Manu Rasmussen at safety, Caleb Kidder at DT, Justin Whitted at safety and Ryan McKinley at corner.
There is a lot to be excited about in 2015. The d-line is the biggest ?, but I expect continued improvement in the linebackers and secondary. If Holmes reaches his star potential along with a returning Kidder then the d-line may be fine this year.
http://www.gogriz.com/news/2015/4/15/Coach_Gregorak_talks_about_the_2015_Griz_D.aspx?path=football
Coach Gregorak talks about the 2015 Griz D
4/15/2015
The odds are usually good that if you lose three first team all-league players on one side of the football to graduation the following season can be a very trying one.
However with the recent completion of spring drills and looking ahead to the 2015 season, that should not be the case for the University of Montana's first-year head coach Bob Stitt and UM's veteran defensive coordinator Ty Gregorak.
Now in his 12th season at Montana and his fourth year as UM's defensive coordinator and 12th of coaching the linebackers, Gregorak, a three-year letterman at linebacker who played at Colorado from 1997-2000, thinks he has another special group in 2015.
Going into spring drills the Griz had to replace end Zack Wagenmann, the Big Sky Conference's defensive MVP, along with safety Matt Hermanson, and tackle Tonga Takai - all three named first team all-league.
Montana returns six starters and 26 lettermen from a squad that was 9-5 overall last season, went 6-2 (tie, second) in the Big Sky, and advanced to the second round of the FCS playoffs.
However, six returnees on "D" earned all-league recognition; including all three starting linebackers: seniors Herbert Gamboa, Jeremiah Kose, and Kendrick Van Ackeren; as well as senior cornerback Nate Harris; senior end Tyrone Holmes; senior; and senior safety Justin Whitted.
A year ago the Griz defense were ranked high nationally (121 schools) in the FCS. Montana was third in turnover margin (+1.0); seventh in sacks (3.29 per game); 19th in scoring defense (allowing 21.0 ppg); 37th in rush defense (148.1 ypg); and 40th in total defense (359.4 ypg).
"What I think is incredible is when you look at this senior class, what they've got to experience is continuity," said Gregorak. "I can tell you as a former player, and I think I've been a coach long enough, that when you get to a certain point where you know the defense, you know the offense, you know your teammates, a level of continuity is a really good thing, and you can see it.
"That first group - they know the defense," he said. "We installed it in 2012, and it's been a work in progress since then. But, you tweak certain things every year and you try to make the good things better and the things that weren't as good that year you try to improve upon them.
"Some of the highlights (from spring drills) that stick out is that we've done a great job of creating turnovers," Gregorak said. "Those secondary coaches, that's all they really preach - turnovers. Turnovers are production - `go get the ball.'
"The bottom line is, are you producing as a player," he said, and if you aren't you'll probably be on the sidelines next to me. I think we've had a lot of very individual, productive springs by several players."
COACH GREGORAK TALKS ABOUT THE DEFENSE: POSITION-BY-POSITION
DEFENSIVE LINE: Holmes (6-4, 245) started all 14 games last season and was second on the team with 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, and UM's fourth leading returning tackler with 66 stops a year ago. The other starter at end will be senior Derek Crittenden (6-3, 240), who had 32 tackles and 4.0 sacks last season.
"I think so highly of Tyrone Holmes," Gregorak said. "He's been a steady-eddy, and a bit over-shadowed by the other guy (Wagenmann) on the other side of the line who was a three-time first all-league guy who will be a pro. He will fill those shoes very well. He's had a nice career. I think he is a very, very fine defensive end. I would go out on a limb and say that he will be one of the best defensive ends in the conference, if not the nation.
"Derek Crittenden is a linebacker playing defensive end," Gregorak said. "Derek has done a fine job this spring. He is as brilliant of a kid (a 4.0 student) as I have ever met. He's up for the Rhodes Scholar, which would be such a huge thing for our team, our school, and our state. He can really, really run. I think he will have a very big year for us."
Also in the mix at end is junior Ryan Johnson (6-2 ½, 255). Sophomore linebacker Tucker Schye (6-4, 225) and sophomore tight end Mike Ralston (6-5, 245) were both moved to D-end in the spring, but both were slowed by injuries.
The return of Caleb Kidder (6-5, 275) at tackle is huge for the D-line, especially with the loss of Takai. Kidder, was one of UM's top tacklers (40 total tackles) and started twice in 2013 and listed as a pre-season honors candidate prior to last season, but was unable to recover from an injury and forced to redshirt.
"I wish the defensive side of the ball was populated with Caleb Kidders," Gregorak said. "Just to give you an example. He sprains his ankle the other day and I texted him that night and asked him if he was okay, and he said `coach I'll tape it up a little firmer tomorrow and be out there tomorrow.' It's that attitude and warrior mentality that we need to populate more with the defense. I really think if he continues going at his current pace that he will have Sundays in his future."
At the other tackle spot sophomore Nate Bradley (5-10, 260) and junior Zach Peevey (6-2 ½, 255) are battling for the starting berth. Peevey had 30 tackles a year ago, and played in all 14 games a year ago and started once, while Bradley had 13 stops.
Senior Jamal Wilson (5-11 ½, 270), who was moved from fullback to defensive tackle and has bulked up, "is doing a good job and will have a role on this team," Gregorak said. "He gets better every practice."
Two incoming preps who could vie for playing time are tackle Mau Ena (6-2, 305, from Vista High School, Calif.) and end Jesse Sims (6-4, 235, from Stevensville High School, whose hometown is Stevensville, Montana).
"When you lose Tonga Takai and Zack Wagenmann you are losing a lot of production and a lot of experience," Gregorak said. "Both of those guys played a lot of football for us, so we've got some shoes to fill, but that's college football."
LINEBACKER: Van Ackeren (6-1, 220), Kose (6-2, 230), and Gamboa (6-1, 215), were the Grizzlies' first, second, and fourth leading tacklers a year ago, with 122, 117, and 107 stops respectively. (Graduated safety Matt Hermanson was third on the squad with 109 total tackles).
Van Ackeren was a second team all-league selection, Kose was a third team pick, and Gamboa was named honorable mention.
"You know what this core reminds me of is our `07 core, where you had (Loren) Utterback, (Tyler) Joyce, (Kyle) Ryan, (Muckie) Foreman, and (Alex) Hawthorne," he said. "Five of the six were seniors, and they were all very capable players, just like this season.
"Kenny Van Ackeren is so silky smooth," Gregorak said. "He's not our most physical guy, yet he will rock you when he gets a chance. He's just a very heady vet who has a great understanding of the game. Two years ago he was our special teams player of the year. He's just a solid football player. He's out of an excellent program in Bellevue (High School) Washington.
"Jeremiah fought through some knee issues last year, and when you watched the last half to the end of the season last year, there wasn't a better middle linebacker in the Big Sky," he said. "He is going to be the best middle linebacker in the league this year - you can mark my words. Guys gravitate to him. He is a natural leader, and another guy with great football knowledge.
"Herbert Gamboa, if he's not our fastest player on defense, he's close," he said. "He's got pop and he's got an incredible burst. He is a very, very good athlete. I was commenting to the defensive staff today that you never see Herb on the ground, other than finishing a tackle."
Back with the returning starters are veterans Connor Lebsock (6-2, 205) and Addison Owen (6-2, 225), both seniors, and talented sophomore Connor Strahm (6-0, 250).
"Connor is going to be a natural `Mike' (middle linebacker)," Gregorak said. "He'll play a lot for us this year to spell `Miah.' He's our biggest guy at linebacker right now. He was the player of the year in Oregon (at Sheldon High School). He's just a very natural, gifted athlete. He's going to be a fine player for us down the road.
Connor Lebsock has had a wonderful spring," Gregorak said. "He made a lot of plays, and had some great interceptions. He's one of my favorite guys. I've got to coach a Lebsock my entire career here at Montana. I've coached a Lebsock every year since I got here in 2003, starting with his brother Matt (who was a safety, and also Nick, and offensive lineman, and Shawn Lebsock, a linebacker).
"I think they are the best core in the FCS," he continued. "I expect that of them. They know that's the expectations of them, and you are going to go and watch outstanding linebacking play from those six players this year."
Also vying for PT in linebacker are redshirt freshman Shane Cochran (6-1, 210 from Culbertson), Alex Thomas (6-0, 215 from Great Falls), and Josh Buss (6-2, 203 from Boise, Idaho).
The Griz also inked two talented incoming freshmen in Dante Olson (6-3 ½, 230, from Cascade Christian HS, Medford, Ore.) and Cy Sirmon (6-3, 225, from Wenatchee High School, Wash.).
SECONDARY/SAFETY: Whitted (6-1, 195), an honorable mention all-league pick a year ago. is a returning starter and was seventh on the team with 63 tackles last season, but he has missed spring drills as he recovers from off-season surgery. He's backed up by senior Jake Dallaserra (5-11, 190), who had 20 tackles and one start last year, and redshirt freshman Evan Epperly (5-10, 180).
"He going to be awesome once he is healthy," Gregorak said of Whitted. "He can run. He can cover. He's very rangy. I thought he had a nice junior season. Jake, our guy from Butte, really did a good job this spring. He's wiry and he's tough. He's an old wrestler (a two-time state champion at Butte HS). I think coach (Jason) Semore (UM's secondary coach) is doing a really good job with this crew."
Redshirt freshman Manu Rasmussen (6-0, 180) is the heir-apparent to Hermanson's starting berth at free safety. Rasmussen was a first team all-state pick at running back and safety as a senior two seasons ago at Tigard Senior High School in Oregon. Senior Eric Johnson (6-2, 190) should also be a solid back-up at safety.
"For the freshman and sophomore classes, Manu is having an outstanding spring," he said. "The kid is showing up. He loves to hit. He loves to fly around. He's football through-and-through. He's like the guy that he's replacing, in that he's a football junkie like Hermanson, but he's a better athlete. That's no offense to Matt, who was first team All-Big Sky and an All-American for us this past year. Manu is going to have an unbelievable career here.
"Eric Johnson was having a good spring, but had some personal stuff that he has to take care of, but if we can get him in line he will help us," Gregorak said. "Mick Delaney (6-0, 193, So.) had to play a lot for us this spring and he did a nice job."
Two first-year players, Josh Sanders (6-1, 190, from Bigfork High School, Mont.), and Jerrin Williams (6-2 ½, 200, from Evergreen High School in Vancouver, Wash.), could both be factors at safety in 2015.
CORNERBACK: "I am pleasantly surprised with our corner position," Gregorak said. "I think coach (JB) Hall and coach Semore are doing a fantastic job out there. On our side of the ball it is the greatest technique position."
Back for his senior campaign is Nate Harris (5-10, 180), who will be starting for the third season in a row. He is UM's sixth leading returning tackler (55 stops last year), and was an honorable mention all-league pick in 2014.
Sophomore Ryan McKinley (6-1, 188) had an outstanding spring and earned the starting job at the other cornerback position. He saw limited action last season because of an injury.
Washington State transfer Markell Sanders (6-1, 180, RS) missed the first week of spring drills due to an injury, but is expected to contribute this season. Sophomore Chris Parker (6-0, 185) also had a solid spring and should contribute. Also in the mix is junior letterman Tyrel Garner (6-2, 190).
"Nate's our veteran, and he's a leader back there along with J-whit (Whitted)," Gregorak said. "Josh (JR) Nelson (6-0, 177, Jr.) is really stepping up, which is great. He's long and can really run, it's just a matter of consistency and eliminating the mental errors for him."
"Ryan McKinley is a physical presence out there," he said. "He just needs more playing time and to learn the position. He looks like an outside linebacker. He's the closest thing we've had since `Tru' (All-American cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who now plays for the St. Louis Rams), and given him another year or two and he might develop into that next great corner here at Montana.
"Markell is a great athlete, and is going to be a very good player for us," Gregorak said. "He missed a lot of reps, but he'll start to show up. He's got make-up speed to catch up with a receiver in coverage, which is nice to have. Chris Parker is making great strides. For a lot of these young kids it's just learning the defense.
OVERALL COMMENTS: "Again, overall it's been a good spring," Gregorak said. "We've developed depth where we needed to. Last year I leaned on the defensive line to have a leadership role. The heart-and-soul of the defense is right in the middle there. That's not to say that Ty, Derek, and Caleb and the others won't be big for us too, but the passion of the unit comes from the linebackers.
"Wait until you see these guys come in," said Gregorak, talking about UM's six freshmen defensive recruits. "Our two safeties are 6-2 plus and can run. Our two linebackers are huge. And our defensive linemen look like grown men.
"We are very excited about our small, but good-looking incoming freshmen class," he said. "Hopefully we won't have to play any of them, but honestly, all six of them, if you had to throw them in the mix, maybe could help."
