Spring practice leaves questions for 'M' football

The Michigan football team's open spring practice Saturday could be considered a success. But not because the offense looked sharp and the defense looked aggressive.

It was because nobody else got hurt.

The Wolverines canceled their spring game for the second time in three years because of a rash of injuries that have engulfed the team this spring. But Michigan did run a semi-formal scrimmage - with the offense in blue jerseys and the defense in white - this past Saturday.

"Today was just one day out of 15," Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr said. "But today was significant just because there were a lot of people in the stands."

The couple thousand that ventured out to Michigan Stadium Saturday saw crisp performances from two essential offensive players, tailback Anthony Thomas and quarterback Drew Henson.

Thomas, a few pounds heavier than he was in January's Citrus Bowl win over Arkansas, darted for three runs of at least 25 yards, including one touchdown.

As the returning running back with the most experience, Thomas hopes to step up his performance accordingly.

"I don't see it as pressure - I see it as being a team leader," Thomas said. "As a team leader, I have to step it up to the plate."

Henson has emerged this spring as a viable threat to win the starting quarterback job. Hiss passes were sharp, as he hit Marquise Walker on a couple of long strikes, including a touchdown.

"Drew Henson is much better now than he was in August 1998," Carr said.

Henson's competition, incumbent starter Tom Brady, also had his moments Saturday, hooking up with wideout Marcus Knight on a couple of deep throws.

While the offense looked good, the special teams had its share of problems. Placekicker Hayden Epstein was erratic on his midrange field goals, as he missed three consecutive field goals from 42 yards.

Epstein also had two punts blocked on the afternoon. Michigan had its first three punts blocked, with the defense recovering two in the end zone for touchdowns.

But Carr didn't seem too concerned about the kicking game problems.

"You can look at the blocked punts from a defensive standpoint," Carr said. "We are going to be aggressive in the kicking game this season.

"As for Epstein, the last field goal he made was 57 yards, and that should give him some confidence," Carr said.

04-19-99