Michigan Football will begin spring practice on March 16. In all they will have 15 practices that will conclude with the annual spring game at Michigan Stadium on April 13.
In this series I will break down each position group and make some way too early projections on who will be starting.
Michigan’s wide receiving corps returns several key players, including last year’s leading receiver Jeremy Gallon and freshman sensation Devin Funchess at tight end. Gone is Roy Roundtree, who ranks 6th in school history with 154 career receptions.
Projected starters
Amara Darboh
WR – Jeremy Gallon (Sr) The 5-foot-8, 187 pound Gallon plays much bigger than his size and has the ability to consistently beat defenders for jump balls. He will be a go-to guy for Devin Gardner this fall. Last year, Gallon hauled in 49 passes for 829 yards and 4 TDs and was named All Big Ten honorable mention.
WR – Amara Darboh (So) As a true freshman last season the 6-foot-2, 220 pound Darboh appeared in 4 games as a back up wide receiver and 10 games on special teams. He has big play ability and would appear to have an early edge for this starting spot.
TE – Devin Funchess (So) Funchess burst onto the scene in the second game of the season last year when he caught 4 passes for 106 yards and a TD against Air Force. Funchess is big, 6-5, 230, and has good speed and playmaking ability. He finished his freshman campaign with 15 receptions for 234 yards and a team-high 5 receiving TDs. He was named All-Big Ten Honorable mention by the media.
Key reserves
Drew Dileo (Sr): Dileo has made some big catches in his career and delivered in some big games. In last year’s win over Michigan State he caught 4 passes for 94 yards, none bigger than the 20 yard pass he hauled in with 9 seconds remaining to set up the game-winning field goal. He finished the season with 20 receptions for 331 yards and 2 TDs.
AJ Williams (So) The 6-foot-6, 285 pound Williams appeared in all 13 games last year as a reserve tight end. He didn’t corral any passes, but is a good blocking tight end and serves as a 6th offensive linemen at times.
Jehu Chesson (RS Fr) At 6-foot-3, Chesson is one of Michigan’s tallest receivers. He redshirted last year, but figures to be part of the rotation at receiver this year.
Jeremy Jackson (Sr) The 6-foot-3, 204 pound son of running backs coach Fred Jackson has 11 career receptions for 122 yards.
Joe Reynolds (Sr) He caught all 3 of his career receptions in Michigan’s win over Iowa last year.
Incoming freshmen: WR – Jaron Dukes, Da’Mario Jones and Csont’e York. TE – Jake Butt and Khalid Hill. Butt is an early enrollee and will participate in spring practice.
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