Mitch Sherman, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Spring breakout player: Michigan Wolverines

With shop closed on spring practice at programs around the Big Ten, we’re looking back this week at one breakout player on each roster who enjoyed a strong spring and looks set in the fall to handle an increased role.

Up next, the Michigan Wolverines.

Spring breakout player: DE Chris Wormley

Michigan lost Frank Clark and Brennen Beyer, its top playmakers on the defensive line in 2014. Wormley, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound junior, showed this spring he’s ready to slide into a leadership role after starting six of 12 games last season on a defense that ranked seventh nationally in yardage allowed per game.

Wormley collected five tackles and recovered a fumble in the Wolverines’ spring game while playing an active role throughout the scrimmage.

Defensive line coach Greg Mattison and new coordinator D.J. Durkin tried Wormley at various spots among the front four. He played primarily on the interior last season and likely fits on the edge in 2015.

Wormley arrived at Michigan as the No. 6-rated prospect out of Ohio in the Class of 2012. He suffered a knee injury in August before his first season and was forced to redshirt.

“He seems every day to take another step to being the Chris Wormley that we recruited and the Chris Wormley you really expected to see before he had the knee,” said Mattison, the former defensive coordinator for the Wolverines. “I’m really happy with the way he’s working. He’s very physical. He’s totally into it. He’s been a leader by example.”

Wormley credits the new scheme for aiding in his recent growth.

“Coach Durkin comes in with a little bit of an edge to him and an enthusiasm that we all feed off of and all love," Wormley said. "With all the enthusiasm the new coaches bring, it excites everyone. It’s all about energy and coming with that enthusiasm. When you have that, it’s hard to stop.”

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