2013 MICHIGAN WOLVERINES SEASON PREVIEW
There are a lot of questions surrounding the 2013 University of Michigan football team. How will it replace it's leading rusher, Denard Robinson, one of the most dynamic players in NCAA history. How will the offensive line perform, with three new starters, all on the interior, and all young, and relatively inexperienced? Can Fitz Toussaint recover from a broken leg, and return to his 1000 yard form of a couple years ago? Will someone step up and become that 20-25 carry machine that Al Borges desperately wants? How will the team replace unquestioned defensive leader Jake Ryan, who was lost for the season to a torn ACL? All these, and more need to be answered.
OFFENSE
Gone is Denard Robinson, and his 2500 all purpose yards. Devin Gardner will lead the offense in 2013. Gardner stepped in for an injured Robinson in the second half of the season, and performed admirably. He looked real good in the spring, and Head Coach Brady Hoke feels comfortable with him at the helm of Michigan's new Pro-Style offense. Gardner is better equipped to run that type of offense. Gardner performed well, and looked the part of a good quarterback last season. The problem is that there is no experienced depth behind him. Backup Russell Bellomy was lost for the year to a torn ACL. True Freshman Shane Morris figures to be the backup, and should get playing time in the opener against Central Michigan, provided the game goes as expected, and Michigan gets an early lead. Morris has a great arm, but his accuracy is sometimes erratic. Still, he was a highly sought after recruit, and should develop into a good player. Brian Cleary is the third string.
Michigan's returning tailbacks combined for just 839 yards on 205 carries last season. Fitz Toussaint broke his leg last season, and after that, Michigan got virtually zero production from the position. Toussaint is back to almost 100%, but figures to be challenged by freshman Derrick Green. Green is a bruising runner, who can hit the holes, and run over defenders. It remains to be seen if he knows enough of the offense to challenge for a starting spot. Thomas Rawls, and Justice Hayes will provide depth, and should get a bunch of carries in the opener. Offensive coordinator Al Borges hopes that one of the 4 steps up and takes the position, as he prefers having a back that can carry the ball 20 to 25 times a game.
The receiving corps should be the strength of the offense, even though Roy Roundtree is gone. Jeremy Gallon lead the Wolverines last year with 49 catches and 829 yards. He is a reliable receiver, and has a good rapport with Gardner. Freshman Amara Darboh won the other starting spot, and has been described as the next big thing. Drew Dileo will likely play the slot. Joe Reynolds, Jeremy Jackson, and Jehu Chesson will provide depth, and all should see playing time. At tight end, Devin Funchess is back. he caught just 15 passes last season, but lead the team with 5 TD catches. Look for his numbers to go way up.
The offensive line is anchored by tackles Taylor Lewan, one of the best in the NCAA, and Michael Schofield. There are three new starters on the interior, however. Freshmen Ben Braden, and Kyle Kalis will start at guard. Kalis, an Ohio native, was highly recruited, and turned down an offer from Ohio State to join the Woverines. He redshirted last season, but was a beast in the spring. Braden is another redshirt freshman who impressed so much that he won the starting spot over Joey Burzynski. Sophomore Jack Miller will start at center, but will likely be pushed by true freshman Patrick Kluger.
DEFENSE
Michigan's defense last year was 13th in the nation, including 5th against the pass. Things might be a little harder this season, as unquestioned leader Jake Ryan is out for the season.
The Defensive line should be the strength of the unit. Frank Clark and Chris Wormley will start at defensive end. Expect Keith Heitzman, and freshman Taco Charlton to see extended time though. Jibreel Black and Quinton Washington will play on the inside, but expect sophomore Ondre Pipkins to push for playing time.
With Jake Ryan out, Cameron Gordon is thrust into the starting spot at LOLB. Gordon isn't Ryan, but is a capable defender. James "Big" Ross will start at weakside linebacker. Ross lead all reserves with 36 tackles last season, and should see his numbers go up with the starting nod. Desmond Morgan moves from the weakside to the middle. Joe Bolden will backup in the 4-3, and play some when Mattison makes the switch to the 3-4, as he does at times during games.
Cornerbacks Raymond Taylor, and Blake Countess return. Both fared well last season, as Michigan ranked 5th in the nation against the pass. Freshman Dymonte Thomas pushed nickel back Courtney Avery, and overtook him at the nickel position, but Avery will still get plenty of playing time. Senior Thomas Gordon will start at free safety, while sophomore Jarrod Wilson will start at strong safety. Josh Furman is expected to back up at both positions.
Brendan Gibbons has shaken off early career shakiness, and had become one of the more dependable kickers. Wil Hagerup was kicked off the team, so Matt Wile will do the punting.
Dennis Norfleet will do the kick returning, while Jeremy Gallon will return most punts.
07-15-2013, 02:26 AM
