Brady Hoke says Michigan football team has shown great chemistry during offseason

Ann Arbor The way Brady Hoke looks at it, nothing is different this offseason in terms of pressure and urgency coming off a 7-6 season than it was after an 11-win record and Sugar Bowl victory his first year as Michigans head coach.

Hoke spoke to reporters Friday afternoon outside his office at Schembechler Hall and touched on a number of subjects nearly two weeks after the conclusion of spring practice. He discussed personnel issues, defensive strides and new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. He also focused on team chemistry.

He was asked if there is a sense of urgency on his part this offseason after the Wolverines struggled in 2013. Is he sensing a different pressure?

No, he said, flatly. Pressure for those 115 kids. Do it right for them. Be there for them. Grow them. Thats what this is all about.

A year ago he talked publicly about how much he liked his team.

He has stayed away from that theme this offseason, but has praised the chemistry of this group, painting a picture of cohesiveness and respect.

I think they like each other, he said.

From a chemistry standpoint, from talking to the players, theres a really good chemistry. Theyre great young men. Are we any kind of good football team yet? No. Their willingness and what theyve accomplished so far has been real positive.

The danger of saying this team likes each other is the suggestion that last years team was missing that. Hoke was clear that he couldnt put a finger on what was missing from last seasons 7-6 team.

I dont know if I could say it was a bad culture or a bad chemistry, he said. To be honest with you, you really find out about your team through what they do from now until August. Its a wait and see.

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Brady Hoke says Michigan football team has shown great chemistry during offseason