After missing most of the 2014 campaign with an arm injury, the NCAA has granted Michigan Wolverines linebacker Desmond Morgan a fifth year of eligibility which will allow him to play in 2015.
During his career, Morgan has been a key contributed to Michigan’s defense. He has recorded 223 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 14 tackles during his career in Ann Arbor and will have another opportunity to build on those lofty numbers in 2015.
Morgan has started 31 games in three seasons at Michigan. After tallying six tackles against Appalachian State in the 2014 season opener, Morgan missed the final 11 games due to an arm injury.
Junior linebacker Joe Bolden was impressive in Morgan’s absence and finished second on the team with 102 tackles in last year’s campaign.
The return of Morgan, combined with Bolden’s emergence and experience, will provide the Wolverines with a solid foundation and versatility at the linebacker position which is pivotal in the Big 10 against opposing rushing attacks.
Furthermore, head coach Jim Harbaugh should be able to get even more out of his defense, especially at linebacker.
Harbaugh had a very successful run at the NFL level with the San Francisco 49ers and always had a respectable defense at the helm. The Michigan faithful is hopeful he can quickly turnaround the condition of the program and help bring back the Wolverines to national prominence.
The good news is that Harbaugh will have a proven leader in Morgan he can count on.
Michigan will open the 2015 season in Salt Lake City against the Utah Utes on Sept. 3 followed by their home opener against the Oregon State Beavers on Sept. 12.
*Section Photo credit to Eric Francis, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Rick Osentoski, USA Today Sports.
