Football kicks off with Annual Spring Game

This should be a great week for the Michigan football program.

After months of celebrating the school's first national championship in 50 years, the next seven days will be highlighted by two major events.

Real football - in front of real fans at Michigan Stadium - will once again make an appearance at next weekend's spring game. And Sunday, another indication of the team's 1998 success will take place, - Charles Woodson and Brian Griese are certain selections when the NFL Draft commences in New York.

And after spending the past weekend with Bill Clinton and the Nebraska football team in Washington, you can bet coach Lloyd Carr is relishing the opportunity to get back to more familiar territory.

PHOTOG/Daily Charles Woodson will not be in attendance for Michigan's annual Spring Football game Saturday at Michigan Stadium. Woodson has other plans.

"Believe me, I was out of my element in the White House," Carr said.

To hear him tell it, Carr is no longer concerned with past victories and the burden of last year's team. Now, his focus rests on how he's going to field two teams for the intrasquad clash scheduled for 12:45 p.m. on Saturday.

"I hope we have enough players for a game on Saturday," said Carr, in reference to the 17 Wolverines who will watch from the sidelines on the day of the game. Due to the injuries, "it's hard to know where we are."

For the past three weeks, where they've been is soaking up the unexpected Michigan sun - on the outdoor practice field.

"Hopefully, we'll continue to have good weather," Carr said. "The best thing that's happened this spring is we've been outside every day.

"Ten of (the practices) have been outside - which is absolutely a record."

While Michigan's progress remains restricted - the NCAA limits the practice allotment to 15 days each spring, and the Wolverines have already had 12 workouts - the injuries have become Carr's greatest concern.

Most of the players are sidelined with major injuries, but in a couple cases, the possibility of further complications is too much to chance further play. For that reason, defensive lineman Josh Williams and offensive tackle Jon Jansen will avoid the contact and cheer on their teammates.

The injury bug also bit Juaquin Feazell, who had his knee scoped but "will be fine" by the fall, Carr said.

Tickets will cost $5 for adults (they're free for fans 18 and under) and are available at the Michigan Ticket Office through Friday. On the day of the game, tickets can be purchased at Gates 1 and 10 outside Crisler Arena. The usual autograph session will take place on the field after the game.

The question on everyone's mind, of course, pertains to the quarterback situation. After Brian Griese guided the Wolverines with the kind of mistake-free leadership the Wolverines hadn't seen in years, everybody - Carr included - wants to know if Tom Brady, the frontrunner for the position, can pick up where Griese left off.

According to Carr, Brady "had an excellent spring." Still, Saturday's scrimmage should also give the coaches a chance to evaluate a couple other quarterback candidates in game situations. Scott Dreisbach and Jason Kapsner both return after minimal action last season, and Carr said "Saturday will be a test" for both of them.

The other potential player at the quarterback position won't even play this weekend. Incoming freshman Drew Henson is just about to graduate from nearby Brighton High School.

"I think he's going to compete," Carr said. "I'm anxious to see him play."

Some former Wolverines are preparing themselves for the upcoming NFL Draft. While Woodson is a cinch to go in the first few picks, Griese's fate is not as certain. But Carr bristles at the suggestion - a not infrequent one, if you listen to pro scouts - that Griese won't make it in the NFL.

"I'll tell you this," Carr said. "Brian Griese will play in the NFL, and he'll be a very good player in the NFL."

All in all, Carr said he is looking forward to getting back on the sidelines - and he hopes to pick up right where Michigan last left off.

"I don't tell them they have to forget about last year," Carr said. "They have to build on last year."

04-14-98