Michigan OL Greg Crippen dishes on earning starting job, improvement up front
ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Wolverines have turned the page at center to Greg Crippen, the senior who has started the last three games at the position for the program. He was locked in battle for the job well into the season with classmate Dom Giudice but finally found his footing halfway through the year.
Crippen was considered the favorite through the job throughout the summer, but an injury towards the end of Michigan’s fall camp gave way to Giudice. Giudice would go down injured before the Washington game, returning the job to Crippen.
RELATED – WATCH: Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart on strip sack, center Greg Crippen on starting
With some stability at center and now at quarterback with Davis Warren, things finally seem a bit calmer on the Michigan offense.
“I got hurt at the end of camp,” Crippen said Tuesday night. “There was competition at the time, but you know, I felt it kind of put me back a little bit. But feeling really healthy now. We’re just, as offensive line, we’re just going to keep rolling every day and keep getting better.”
When the Michigan coaching staff informed Crippen before the season that Giudice would start, it was a tough moment. But Crippen was not going to fade away without continuing to fight.
“It’s not the best conversation, but you know, I’m gonna put my head down and keep working every day to keep getting better because that’s who I am. I believe in the coaches though. I believe in them a lot. I know they’re going to make the best decision, whatever is best for the team.
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“At the time, I was ready to prove to them that I am the guy.”
Even with a competition throughout the year, Crippen and Giudice have remained close. The relationship mirrors that of Warren and Alex Orji, who have battled at quarterback yet still support each other on and off the field.
“I think we’re really good friends,” Crippen said. “We talk a lot and it’s a little bit of a business as well. You can’t take it personal and because you’re trying to do the best for what’s best for them as well. And I think, especially with the quarterbacks and like even other positions, we all really respect each other and we’re all really close. We all care about each other and we want each other to exceed.
“I think that’s what makes Michigan so special.”
Michigan’s next text comes in the form of Oregon on Saturday afternoon on CBS at 3:30 p.m. ET. Crippen sees a stout defensive line on the other side and thinks they’ll be up for the task.
“They’re good players and they play hard,” Crippen said. “I think our game plan and just like things that we see on tape is we’re going to prepare for whatever they do. We’re going to be ready for it.”
