Hoke Is A ’Michigan Man’

New Michigan football coach Brady Hoke loves the school and the football program. 

Talk to enough people about Hoke and everyone says they respect him and most say they love him.

It’s his loyalty and deep passion for the players and U-M that sticks with them years later.

Hoke’s connection to Michigan is long and personal.

That’s one reason he was excited about the scheduled game this fall, bringing San Diego State to Michigan Stadium on Sept. 24. It’s a place he cares about deeply and, at the time, he didn’t know that he’d ever coach there again.

(His previous trip, with Ball State in 2006, nearly derailed Michigan’s undefeated season two weeks before the 1 vs. 2 meeting with Ohio State. Ball State entered the game 3-6, but the Wolverines barely won, 34-26. Hoke’s squad then won its last two games.)

Past Michigan players’ connection to him is not just lip service.

Last summer, Hoke attended the Griese/Hutchinson/Woodson charity golf dinner in Ann Arbor. The dinner and weekend benefited the construction of the new Mott Women and Children’s Hospital, among other U-M hospital-related charities. Most people in attendance were alums, former football players or people strongly connected to the school.

Yet Hoke, who is not an alum of the school and was eight years removed from even being an assistant coach, was there. He flew across the country to show his former players support. He stood in the back of the room at the dinner and enjoyed a Michigan moment, with no desire to be the center of attention.

This summer, though, it will be a different experience at the gala. His job title will place him in the front of the room, as the new face of Michigan football.

Read more: More signs that, even from afar, Brady remained a Michigan Man | freep.com | Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20110112/SPORTS06/110112013/More-signs-that-even-from-afar-Brady-remained-a-Michigan-Man#ixzz1AqJuIQFi