Michigan Coach Says Junior Defensive Back Could Take "The Next Step" For Wink Martindale's Defense

The Michigan football team is coming off of its first national championship since 1997, and the common thread between the two title teams has been defense.

Michigan must break in several new defensive starters and coaches this fall including defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.

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On Wednesday, Coach Morgan's pick for player who could take "the next step" was revealed, and it's someone who most Michigan and Big Ten fans have never really focused on: Junior safety Zeke Berry.

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Berry is a former four-star prospect who fits the profile of the type of defensive back Michigan has dominated opposing receiving corps with in recent years.

Berry is versatile and capable of playing several positions ranging from cornerback to free safety and strong safety. Morgan feels the 5-foot-11,  192 pound defensive back from Pittsburg, California may hold the keys to success for Michigan's defense this coming season.

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"He had a really good spring, and I'm excited about him taking the next step," Morgan said according to 247Sports.com.

"We'll be better if he takes the next step."

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