Pure Bovember: The Defense | Storytime with Dr. Sap

Defensive Tackle
DAVE GALLAGHER
1970-1973

Middle Guard
STEVE GRAVES
1973-1977

Defensive Tackle
CURTIS GREER
1975-1979

As tough as they come, DG had the best player introduction ever before the 1973 Ohio State game.

Woody gave him the ultimate kudo, saying he was the best middle guard he’d seen.

Had size, speed, and a knack for sacking the QB.   Set the U-M TFL record in 1979.

Outside Linebacker
ROBERT THOMPSON
1978-1982

Inside Linebacker
ANDY CANNAVINO
1977-1980

Inside Linebacker
CALVIN O’NEAL
1972-1976

A force off the edge, his size and speed were too much for almost any o-line to handle.

Led what many consider the greatest defense in Michigan history, and gave Bo his first Rose Bowl victory.

Leader of the defense that kept U-M ranked #1 for 8 weeks in 1976.

Outside Linebacker
JIM HERRMANN
1979-1982

Defense Back
MARION BODY
1978-1982

Defensive Back
JIM PICKENS
1974-1977

He liked the defense so much he designed the smothering unit in 1997 that won it all.

Part of the 1980 defensive backfield that did not give up a TD in over 22 straight quarters.

Member of some of the fiercest hitting defensive backfields in Michigan history. #takethat

Defensive Back
MIKE JOLLY
1976-1979

Defensive Back
TONY GANT
1982-1986

Punter
BRYAN VIRGIL
1977-1979

Great all-around DB, Jolly could cover, tackle, return kicks and even deliver the occasional pick-six.

Member of 1985’s #1 rated  gang-tackling defense against the score, Gant also returned punts.

No truth to the rumor that Virgil shaved his ‘stache after the Bucks blocked his punt in 1979.