GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — University of Michigan head football coach Brady Hoke spoke to about 750 people at the West Michigan Sports Commision Luncheon Monday afternoon at the JW Marriot. Hoke spoke about coaching “115 sons”, which is what he calls his players at Michigan. He also held a team meeting with the group, taking them through the beginning stages of what the meetings are like with the football team.
Before Hoke spoke at the luncheon he met with the media where he talked about his time spent in West Michigan as an assistant at Grand Valley State (1983) and Western Michigan (1984-1986). “Both stops were really positive, at Grand Valley was my 1st college job so that played a big influence, met Greg Mattison (Current Michigan Defensive Coordinator) and then working with coach Harbaugh down at Western so there is some long lasting friendships but also guys you respect an awful lot”.
Hoke also spoke about a couple West Michigan kids currently on his roster Desmond Morgan (West Ottawa) and Ben Braden (Rockford). He said he is happy with the way Morgan has responded to the change from outside linebacker to middle linebacker, “I thought he had a tremendous spring, he’s a guy that brings a lot of energy, I think moving him to the mike really has helped us defensively with him making that transition”.
Braden, a redshirt freshman, is competing at left guard. “He had a great spring, there is great competition there and I think playing next to Taylor (left tackle Taylor Lewan) is a plus for him because of how Taylor has worked with him in the communiication part of it” Hoke said.
Michigan opens the 2013 season by hosting Central Michigan on Saturday August 31.
