Chase Winovich was recognized Monday as the Big Ten’s co-defensive player of the week. And through five games, his recognition as Michigan football…
Chase Winovich was recognized Monday as the Big Ten’s co-defensive player of the week.
And through five games, his recognition as Michigan football’s best defensive football player in 2018 is hard to ignore.
The fifth-year senior from Jefferson Hills, Pa., leads the Big Ten and is tied for the national lead with 10½ tackles for loss this season. He leads the Wolverines with three sacks. He’s second on the team in tackles with 32.
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«Chase is playing at a really high level,» Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday. «He’s gaining a lot of attention.»
Winovich finished last season No. 1 in the Big Ten with 18½ tackles for loss and No. 3 with eight sacks.
He’s on pace to get close to a Michigan single-season record.
In 2007, former Wolverines linebacker Shawn Crable put together one of the best single-season performances in NCAA history with 28½ tackles for loss. The NCAA record, also set that year, belongs to former South Florida defensive lineman George Selvie, who posted 32.
Winovich’s current pace, assuming Michigan gets to a bowl game, would put him at 27 tackles for loss in 13 games. That’ll be difficult to keep up, of course, as the better he plays the more attention he will receive.
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Teams spent plenty of time a year ago doubling linemate Rashan Gary. This year, Winovich is facing his share of extra blockers.
«Sometimes it’s a blocker and someone that’s chipping or there are two,» Harbaugh said. «There was one time (Saturday) where he had three guys paying him attention. That’s ultimate respect for a defensive end or pass rusher and he’s earned it. He’s all over the field. He was our player of the game again this week. (Teams will) cut, try to hold, chip, double team, all those things.
«But those are ultimate compliments to a defensive end, a pass rusher. Just keep doing what you’re doing, Chase. Marvelous job. A sensational start to the first quarter of the season.»
Winovich, who came to Michigan as a linebacker before moving to tight end, back to linebacker and eventually defensive end in 2016, is tied for No. 11 (per U-M’s official record book) on the program’s all-time TFL list with 39. Nine more will push him in front of former linebacker Victor Hobson for No. 5.
Winovich has a chance to get as high as No. 3 on the list this season, as LaMarr Woodley’s career number of 52½ could be in reach. Mark Messner is the all-time career leader in tackles for loss with 70.
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«I told a lot of the guys when we were down (Saturday), I looked each person in the eye and said ‘this is the point where we have to double down with all the work we’ve done,’ » Winovich said after Saturday’s win at Northwestern. «That was our game. There’s nothing they could do. I’m just so fired up about that win.»
Winovich, who became a full-time starter last season, is now approaching the top 100 on Michigan’s career total tackles list. He posted 79 as a defensive end last season and has 148 for his career. If Winovich equals his 2017 production this year, he’ll finish tied with former All-American defensive back Marlin Jackson at No. 41.
«Chase is not going to get beat and everything he does is a competition,» Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison said last week. «If every player had that kind of drive, it would be scary. But that’s his deal. He’s going to win any chance he can.
«And that’s what makes him the player he is.»
Updated: Big Ten football standings
Contact Nick Baumgardner: nbaumgardn@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickBaumgardner.
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