Michigan's Hoke needs 'everybody in this family'

Posted: 04.18.2011 at 11:41 PM

      ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Michigan coach Brady Hoke says the
football program needs everybody in its extended family to pull in
the same direction during the good and bad days ahead.
      Hoke welcomed back more than 350 former players for a "team
meeting" the night before the spring game last weekend.
      Now, he and his staff plan to visit with ex-Wolverines around
the country to keep in touch.
      Former Michigan star Mike Hart says he always felt welcomed by
former coach Rich Rodriguez. But the Indianapolis Colts running
back says he thinks some former players stayed away the previous
three years because Rodriguez didn't value the program's tradition.
      Hoke drilled his current players on Michigan's tradition each
day he was with them during spring practice.