Michigan's Troy Bowles on new 'run and hit' defense, coach Alex Whittingham's NFL impact

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- While the Michigan football team will have a lot of new looks in terms of coaching staff and schematics, there is still a fair share of returning players from last year's team. One of the more reliable players on defense a year ago was linebacker Troy Bowles, the transfer from Georgia, who played a big role as a reserve player, particularly in the latter half of the season.

Now, Bowles is seen as a leader and was mentioned by defensive coordinator Jay Hill as one of the playmakers among his position group. So, what is Bowles' estimation of this new-look defense? "Definitely a run and hit and a lot of physicality," Bowles said.

"The room is definitely new, but I like all the guys we brought in, personality-wise and playing-wise. And the new system with Coach Hill, I like it a lot. Put us in the right position to make plays, everybody on the field.

That's what I believe, and you can see it in our practices. " Not only does Michigan have a new head coach and a new scheme, but there's a new linebackers coach this year in Alex Whittingham. The son of the head coach had spent the previous eight years in the Kansas City Chiefs organization, working his way up from defensive assistant and quality control to being the assistant defensive line coach.