Michigan had a good season defensively in 2012 despite a pass rush that can charitably be called "mediocre." Wolverines players vow better numbers this season.
Michigan had only 22 sacks last season, a figure that ranked tied for 10th in the Big Ten and tied for 79th nationally. Linemen provided just 12 of those sacks, and the leading sack guy among the linemen (Craig Roh, with four) has graduated.
The player being counted on to be the Wolverines' main pass rusher is junior end Frank Clark (6-feet-2, 273 pounds). He had two sacks and nine tackles for a loss in 2012, when he started four games and played in seven others.
"I want to have 10-plus [sacks], that's the ultimate goal," Clark told mlive.com. "And I know I can get that accomplished with the help of my teammates."
No Big Ten player had more than nine sacks last season.
Clark played numerous positions at prep power Cleveland Glenville and was recruited by most schools at either wide receiver or linebacker. He was 6-2 and 210 pounds when he signed in February 2011 with the Wolverines, who wanted him at linebacker. Clark's athleticism is impressive for a defensive end -- he is one of the fastest ends in the nation, being clocked at 4.58 seconds in the 40 -- and he has a high ceiling as a pass rusher.
"Huge guy, and he's able to do all the things I'm able to do, which is really frustrating for me," Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner said at Big Ten media days. "I like to think of myself as a premier athlete, and he goes out and does -- if not better -- close to what I'm doing."
Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said Clark has had a good camp. Now he must translate that into a good season.
"There's some guys who obviously have very good ability who have been good pass rushers," coach Brady Hoke told mlive.com. "But as a whole, we need improvement."
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.