Shot To The Heart

Working to Get Better
Published 9/11/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel



Senior DT is set to look ahead and not in the past.

Senior defensive tackle Will Campbell made this statement about the ability to stop the run thus far this season.

 "We take that to heart," Campbell said Monday. "Me being up front and being a part of that front seven, that needs to stop the run, we take that to heart. We're going out every day trying to prepare ourselves to do better."

 Campbell, a former 5 star recruit has been struggling as a first time starter. He plays with his pads to high enabling offenses to get a good push off the ball.

“He did some good things in there, but I think the consistency from a leverage standpoint and the pad level at times, he needs to play a little better," Michigan coach Hoke said.

“I think the only way you correct it is doing it every day right, and those good habits that you try and create," Hoke said. "I think with Will, playing defensive line maybe didn’t come naturally at first to him.”

Hoke has been impreesed with his work ethic and the way he's come to lead. "One thing is William’s come to work every day and I’ve loved his work ethic, I’ve loved how he’s come in to lead. I expect he’ll keep improving.”

Campbell is now being pushed for playing time by freshman Ondre Pipkins, who Hoke said is getting better every time he see's snaps.

While Michigan's interior tries to define itself, the good news is they are playing a dismal rushing attack in UMass.  UMass (0-2) ranks 121st rushing. It is averaging 1.35 yards per carry and 40.5 rushing yards per game.

The Minutemen's leading rusher is former Michigan tailback Michael Cox. He has 32 yards on 20 carries.

Campbell is set looking forward. "We're just going into this game looking for the win," Campbell said. "A lot happened. It's in the past now, so we're just looking forward to playing UMass."