ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines defensive run game coordinator and linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary discussed the depth of the linebacker room ahead of their non-conference matchup against the Central Michigan Chippewas.
“I think Coach (Sherrone) Moore has said it, and I know coach (Wink) Martindale has said it. We feel like we have four starters in that room and two other guys that we feel very, very confident that if we put them in the game, they could perform at a high level," said Jean-Mary in regards to Jaishawn Barham missing the first half of the Oklahoma Sooners game. “We knew obviously what type of player Jaishawn is and what he brings to the table, but we were very confident in Jimmy (Rolder) and Cole (Sullivan) that they would be able to step in and play our level of defense and play winning defense for us."
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When asked about coverage issues on Saturday night, Jean-Mary said it was not a mismatch problem, but rather an execution issue.
“I would never say it’s a mismatch. I don’t think we saw somebody catch a ball and run past us. I would say that was a mismatch,” Jean-Mary said. “There were a couple of times we didn’t execute the defense. A lot of the time, it was when the quarterback scrambled. We got out of our zones and lost our eyes. That’s part of execution.”
Jean-Mary emphasized the importance of adapting to broken plays where the quarterback breaks the pocket.
“We have to be able to lock on to our receivers on those broken plays, which we knew is what made him special,” Jean-Mary said. “We let those happen a couple times, but we didn’t execute, especially on first third down.”
Regarding Sullivan’s impact, Jean-Mary praised his performance and potential.
“It’s very impressive. He’s (Sullivan) building up his resume to gain more playing time. We have to find ways to get him on the field more,” Jean-Marie said. “He’s shown the ability to be a game-changer. What he’s put on the field in the first two games is exactly what he showed in preseason camp. I expect his playing time to increase. The sky’s the limit for him.”
On preparing for a dual-threat quarterback like John Mateer, Jean-Mary explained the challenges.
“We had a good week going in. Jake Garcia did a great job emulating him as far as the throw game," Jean-Mary said. “The difference between college and pro football is we don’t get to finish on the quarterback in practice or have preseason games. The live action is your first time really sacking the quarterback.”
He added that Mateer’s elusiveness was well known from reviewing the tape.
“We knew the challenge. We had hands on him and chances to get him on the ground, but credit to him — he’s a heck of a football player,” Jean-Mary said.
On Barham’s intensity, Jean-Marie described his personality.
“When you watch Jaishawn on the field, he’s almost scary intense. But that depends on who you ask,” Jean-Mary said. “He was quiet at first, but once you get to know him, he’s a great kid. He’s kind of there all the time, and sometimes that can be intimidating, but that’s what makes him him.”
Central Michigan
Discussing Central Michigan’s three-quarterback system, Jean-Mary said it complicates defensive preparation.
“That would be accurate. They all run it a little differently,” Jean-Mary said. “All three quarterbacks operate the offense at a high level. The quarterback run game is one of the things they do well. It probably works better because one guy doesn’t get the majority of tackles.”
On blitzing, Jean-Mary explained the defensive goals.
“When you blitz and it’s a run, you want to disrupt the play in the backfield,” Jean-Mary said. “In the pass game, you want to get home and sack the quarterback, but also affect him — make him uncomfortable, throw off his rhythm.”
Jean-Mary noted the defense tallies pressures that lead to incompletions or interceptions.
“We like where we are, but we can always get better,” Jean-Mary said. “Even if you’re not the one making the tackle, you can still play effectively if you execute.”
Jean-Mary reflected on Barham’s adjustment to Michigan.
“Michigan is a unique place. You have to adjust to what it means to be a Wolverine,” Jean-Mary said. “Jaishawn was a starter from day one, which helped. By spring, his comfort level changed noticeably.”
On Central Michigan’s offense beyond quarterbacks, Jean-Mary highlighted their strong running game.
“They run the ball very well. Coach (Matt) Drinkall came from Army, so they build toughness,” Jean-Mary said. “Both running backs are good players. The essence of what they do is to build toughness, starting with running the football.”
Jean-Mary added that the Wolverines must be ready to stop the run and defend the pass.
“Stopping the run is the challenge because the quarterback is a big part of it. They also throw well — over 200 yards passing versus Pittsburgh,” Jean-Mary said.
Regarding Oklahoma’s big plays on third down, Jean-Mary stressed the importance of third-down defense.
“It’s hard to be really good on defense if you can’t get off the field on third downs,” Jean-Mary said. “Coach Martindale does a great job focusing on what to take away on third down. Execution was a factor; we had chances to make tackles but didn’t get them.”
Jean-Mary said the defense must execute to get the ball on the ground when they reach the backfield.
Sherrone Moore
On game day, with coach Moore out the next two weeks due to a self-imposed suspension, Jean-Mary expressed confidence in the team’s continuity under Biff Poggi.
“We expect it to go as usual. Coach Moore is the leader and sets the table, but we have many veteran guys and coaches on staff,” Jean-Mary said. “Coach Moore is the same guy every day — high energy, insightful, and loved by the players.”
When asked if coach Moore is packing more into this week, knowing he won’t be available next week, Jean-Mary said Moore remains consistent.
“He’s always the same guy, no matter the situation,” Jean-Mary said. “That’s one of his best traits.”
Jean-Mary credited the defensive line for helping the linebackers play more freely, especially Tré Williams.
“Any good linebacker will give credit to the D-line for success,” Jean-Mary said. “They set the table for everything we do — blitzing, run defense, pass defense. They’re selfless, take on double teams, and keep linemen from climbing and set the stage for what gaps they’re going to go play.”
On linebacker Troy Bowles' progress, Jean-Mary said he is improving and gaining trust.
“Troy is climbing every week. He’s built trust with the special teams staff and taken over as a core guy,” Jean-Mary said. “He’s gotten healthy and better. His playing time will continue to increase.”
Jean-Mary joked with Bowles about the strong linebacker room he joined.
“He didn’t know we had a pretty good linebacker room,” Jean-Mary said. “He’s fit in well and has a chance to be a really good player. His comfort level and aggressiveness keep improving.”