This summer, Donovan Warren ate one of the best hamburgers since he’s been in Ann Arbor.

To Warren’s preference, it was well done.

And instead of ordering from a gourmet hamburger restaurant like Grizzly Peak, it came from Ryan Van Bergen’s backyard.

Over the summer, the redshirt sophomore defensive tackle entertained teammates Warren, David Molk and Steve Watson and showcased his grilling skills.

“He knows how to cook good hamburgers,” Warren said, smiling at the thought.

And when Van Bergen made the switch from defensive end to defensive tackle this season, the burgers were good enough to add 10 pounds to his 261-pound frame.

Of course, all the weight didn’t come from sampling his handiwork, but at his new position, Van Bergen is beginning to hit his stride. The Whitehall native has started every game at defensive tackle this year, tallying a career-high four tackles and assisting on a sack last Saturday against Eastern Michigan.

Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez has praised Van Bergen as one of the team’s hardest workers.

“You can just tell, his passion, every practice,” Rich Rodriguez said. “He's on special teams, and he'll do anything we want. He would play on every special team we want him to.”

What makes Van Bergen so versatile is his speed — with a time of 4.9 in the 40-yard dash, Van Bergen can compete at any spot on the line.

Despite losing three starters to graduation, the defensive line has shown marked improvements from last season. After three games, the defensive line has tallied 53 tackles, compared to 45 at this time last season.

Some of that extra explosiveness comes from better off-field preparation, and Van Bergen says he feels more conditioned than at this time last year. Whether it’s defending a short slant play, out route or screen pass, Van Bergen said the defensive line has made running to the football a priority.

“You see a lot of clips at the end of film where there’s 11 hats on the ball, and something (defensive coordinator Greg) Robinson really preaches and I think we’re doing a good job so far,” Van Bergen said.

With senior Brandon Graham having the status he does, opposing offenses definitely take notice, often giving the star defensive end double coverage. Playing No. 2 behind Graham last season was a learning experience for Van Bergen on and off the field. A year later, Van Bergen is taking charge in his new role.

“I'm just trying to complement Brandon Graham,” Van Bergen said during fall camp. “As a senior, he's a leader by actions, and words aren't really his best aspect of leadership. I try to fill that gap and try to motivate the team and the defense, along with Obi (Ezeh) and Donovan Warren. Everybody is just trying to play a little bit bigger role, leadership-wise.”

Notes: Redshirt sophomore safety Mike Williams wore a red jersey during Wednesday’s practice and rode a training bike. Redshirt freshman and former walk-on Jordan Kovacs took reps with the No. 1 offense in Williams’ place. … With redshirt sophomore center David Molk sidelined for four to six weeks with a broken foot, Rodriguez said fifth-year senior David Moosman will start at center against Indiana. Filling Moosman’s spot at right guard will either be redshirt junior John Ferrara with redshirt sophomore Mark Huyge at right tackle or Huyge at guard and redshirt junior Perry Dorrestein at tackle. At Wednesday’s practice, Hugye and Dorrestein took reps with the No. 1 offense.