So what should we expect in year three? Hoke has systematically re-calibrated the culture of the Michigan program by going back to the future. He is a direct descendant of the Bo Schembechler and Lloyd Carr coaching tree and he’s drawn extensively on that lineage as he returns Michigan to all it’s glory. He has placed a major recruiting emphasis on beefing up the lines and dominating in-state recruiting.

So as Team 134 heads into the summer months, here are five key players that could help the Wolverines claim a record 43rd Big Ten Championship.

Devin Gardner

1. Devin Gardner: The elbow injury that forced Denard Robinson out of the Nebraska game and deflated the Wolverines Big Ten title hopes last year, was a blessing in disguise for this season. Had Robinson played out the season as the starting QB, Devin Gardner would have finished out the season as a wide receiver and there would be a big question mark stamped on the quarterback position right now. Instead, Gardner was given the shot he has long coveted and he ran with it. He posted some eye-popping numbers and against Iowa he became the first Wolverine to account for six touchdowns in a game since Steve Smith (1983). He ended up completing 60% of his passes for 1, 219 yards with 11 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Gardner also ran for 101 yards and another 7 TDs.

Gardner has been working hard this off-season at refining his skills and there’s absolutely no reason to think he won’t have a great season. He is poised, confident, and a team leader.

2. Taylor Lewan: When he opted to return for his final season, Michigan’s offensive line instantly became a position of strength for the 2013 season. Lewan is an All-American left tackle who will anchor Michigan’s line and help keep Devin Gardner on his feet. With another dominant season, Lewan will surely end up as one of Michigan’s all-time best offensive linemen. He will pair with fellow 5th year senior Michael Schofield to give Michigan the best set of tackles in the Big Ten. Lewan will also serve as mentor for Michigan’s bumper crop of young, talented offensive linemen.

He left millions of guaranteed dollars on the table to return to Michigan, so you can believe he has championships on his mind.

3. James Ross III: Michigan’s defense suffered a big blow when Jake Ryan tore his ACL in spring practice. Fortunately for the Wolverines they have a dynamic linebacking corps. Ross is an explosive and instinctive player. He is one of those guys that has knack for being in the right place at the right time. He was named to the Big Ten’s All-Freshmen team last year and notched a career-high 12 tackles against Iowa. Ross will be one of Michigan’s best defenders and help ease the sting of losing Ryan.

4: Frank Clark: Clark is a big, athletic player who has shown he can be a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. He had nine tackles for loss last season and could easily double that number in 2013.

5: Derrick Green: The focal point of Michigan’s rushing attack the last 4 seasons was Denard Robinson. Hoke and offensive coordinator Al Borges would prefer to feature a big, strong running back that they can feed the ball to. Well, Green is big and he’s fast. He was named by ESPN as one of 5 freshmen to watch this fall. Brady Hoke has shown no qualms about using true freshman in featured roles, so don’t be surprised if Green is an instant impact player for Michigan.

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Michigan releases 2014 schedule

Profiling Michigan recruit Jabrill Peppers

Jabrill Peppers (Photo credit: maxpreps.com)

Michigan Football recruiting target, Jabrill Peppers (Paramus, New Jersey) will announce his commitment on Sunday (5/26) at 4:30pm on ESPNU. Peppers is a 5-star recruit and ranked #2 overall by rivals.com and espn.

He has reportedly narrowed down his list to four schools; LSU, Michigan, Penn State and Stanford.

The 6-foot-1, 210 pound, Peppers is a rare talent, a once-in-a-decade type player, who can help change the face of a program. He can have a lasting impact the same way Charles Woodson has had at Michigan. In fact, Peppers has made it known that he wants to be better than Woodson. This comment was passed along to Woodson during a recent radio appearance on WTKA. “I love it man, you gotta have that,” said Michigan’s last Heisman Trophy winner.

As a junior, Peppers rushed for 1,552 yards on 172 carries (9.02 ypc) with 18 touchdowns. He caught 20 passes for another 337 yards and five more tocuhdowns. On defense, Peppers notched 70 tackles and three interceptions.

Peppers is also a track standout. Just last week he was credited with setting the New Jersey state record with a 20.79 in the 200 meter dash. That was later wiped away by a technicality. Peppers also runs a 10.2 100 meter dash, which is good enough to qualify for the olympics.

Perhaps an underrated aspect of his recruitment, is the fact that Peppers is a talented musician and Michigan has a great music program, one that has helped spawn the legend of JDK and Rey.

2014 Commitment List

Here is a list of Michigan’s current 2014 commits, 8 of who are ranked in the ESPNU 150.

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Michigan releases 2014 schedule

2014 Schedule

8/30 vs Appalachian State
9/6 at Notre Dame
9/13 vs Miami (Ohio)
9/20 vs Utah
9/27 vs Minnesota
10/4 at Rutgers
10/11 vs Penn State
10/18 bye
10/25 at Michigan State
11/1 vs Indiana
11/8 at Northwestern
11/15 bye
11/22 vs Maryland
11/29 at Ohio State

Playing at Notre Dame, at Michigan State and at Ohio State in the same season is not ideal. However, Michigan’s seven home games are not particularly daunting.

Keep in mind that in 2016, the Big Ten will go to a 9-game conference schedule. At that point, Michigan might end up hosting Michigan State in back-to-back seasons.

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Jabrill Peppers to announce commitment on May 26

Big Ten realigns football divisions

Michigan Football could receive a big recruiting boost on Sunday, May 26th. That is the day that the nation’s second ranked recruit, Jabrill Peppers, will announce his commitment live on ESPNU.

Peppers has narrowed his list down to LSU, Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State, Rutgers and Stanford. The prevailing sentiment among recruiting analysts is that Michigan is in the driver’s seat here. Yes Peppers is visiting Penn State on May 18th. No, I don’t think he will go there and not give himself a chance to play for championships. Peppers cancelled his Stanford trip and is excited about playing for a Brady Hoke/Greg Mattison defense.

As a sophomore in 2011, he was named the Air Force National Sophomore Of The Year.

As a junior, Peppers earned USA Today All-American honors while leading his team to a New Jersey state championship.

Peppers is also a track star and has clocked blazing fast times in the 100 meter dash (10.2 seconds) and the 200 meter dash (20.79).

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Lawrence Marshall commits to Michigan

Michigan’s all-time best defensive backs

A post-spring look at Michigan’s defense

espn photo

Michigan Football recruiting update. Southfield, Michigan 4-star defensive end Lawrence Marshall has committed to play for the Wolverines. He becomes the ninth member of Michigan’s 2014 recruiting class. The 6-foot-4, 230 pound Marshall is a good athlete who possesses the coveted combination of speed and power.

Marshall selected Michigan over offers from Michigan State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and others.

Marshall is ranked as the fourth best player in the state of Michigan and the 12th best defensive end by ESPNU. He ranks 107th overall on the EPSN 150. Of Michigan’s nine 2014 commitments, eight of them can be found on the ESPN 150. Not too shabby by Brady Hoke and his staff.

Jabrill Peppers

Michigan seems to be in a great position to land the nation’s #2 overall recruit Jabrill Peppers (Paramus, New Jersey). Peppers recently blazed his way to a New Jersey state record in the 200 meter dash by clocking a 20.79. He also posted a 10.2 in the 100 meter dash (the Olympics qualifying time in the 100 meter dash is 10.24) so yeah, Peppers is pretty fast.

2014 Commitment List

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Jabrill Peppers (Photo credit: maxpreps.com)

Michigan is in a prime position to land the nation’s top defensive back and #2 overall recruit, Jabrill Peppers (Paramus, New Jersey). Peppers is a beast and will make an instant impact at the college of his choice. He has narrowed his choices down to Michigan, LSU, Ohio State, Stanford and Penn State. Peppers visited LSU in April and received the full-court press from Les Miles and crew. Good for Les, but this is a battle he won’t beat the Wolverines in.

Peppers cancelled his planned visit to Stanford which seems to indicate he’s not going to play his college ball in Palo Alto. He is planning a second trip to Penn State on May 18th. That has to be encouraging for the Nittany Lions, but they must know it will be tough to convince a player of Peppers’ caliber to accept the fact that he won’t get to play in any bowl games until his senior season. And let’s face it, Peppers is so talented he’s probably not playing four years of college football.

Then there’s Michigan. The Wolverines recently snagged Peppers’ teammate Juwan Bushell-Beatty, a massive 6-foot-7, 330 pound offensive lineman. Peppers loves the Michigan coaches and is intrigued by the chance to play for Greg Mattison. He recently told the Detroit News about his conversations with Mattision. ”He compared me to (Woodson) a lot actually, but my goal is that I want to be better than Charles Woodson,” . “I love the way Coach Greg Mattison uses his corners and his scheme. It absolutely fits into my style of play — aggressive (and) fearless. He wants his corners to be fearless. If he wants you to go lockup on an island, you had better lockup on that island. If he wants you to come off the edge, you better come off the edge ready to bring some pain.”

4-star DE Lawrence Marshall commits to Michigan

Peppers is an explosive athlete as well as a leader on and off the field. Most recruiting analysts believe he will ultimately commit to Michigan. This could happen as soon as the end of May. That would be a huge commitment for Brady Hoke as he continues to rebuild Michigan to all its glory. The defense has made huge improvements in the Hoke era and the best is yet to come.

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Michigan’s all-time best defensive backs

A post-spring look at Michigan’s defense

Michigan Football and the NFL Draft

Defensive Line

Mario Ojemudia

Rush End: Junior Frank Clark had a great spring and should wreak havoc against opposing offenses this year. He is backed up by Mario Ojemudia and freshman/early enrollee Taco Charlton. Charlton is going to be a star for the Wolverines.

Defensive tackle: 5th year senior Quinton Washington is better than he generally gets credit for and will man one of the starting spots along the interior of the line. He will be backed up by sophomore Ondre Pipkins, who is an impact player. Starting at the three-technique will be senior Jibreel Black. There are a talented pair of redshirt freshman vying for playing time behind Black, Chris Wormley and Willie Henry.

At strong-side defensive end there is an intense battle for playing time between Keith Heitzman (RS So), Matthew Godin (RS Fr) and Tom Strobel (RS Fr).

No matter how the battles for playing time shake out, this is going to be Michigan’s best defensive line in a long time. There are several future NFL players in this position group.

Linebackers

Desmond Morgan

SAM: This was the position to be manned by Jake Ryan, who led Michigan in tackles (88), tackles for loss (16), sacks (4.5) and forced fumbles (4) last season. He is a guy that opposing offenses had to account for on every snap and it’s a big blow for Michigan to lose his services for an extended period of time. Brennen Beyer has moved from defensive end to linebacker and will challenge 5th year senior Cam Gordon for playing time in Ryan’s absence.

MIKE: After playing two seasons at outside linebacker, Desmond Morgan has moved back to his natural position, middle linebacker. He finished third on the team last year with 81 tackles and also notched 5.5 tackles for loss. Morgan will be pushed hard by sophomore Joe Bolden, who had 31 tackles and 4 TFLs last season.

WILL: James Ross III figures to have the inside track here. He is fast, instinctive and has a nose for the football. Royce Jenkins-Stone is talented young player who will see increased playing time in this, his sophomore season.

Defensive Backs

Blake Countess (AnnArbor.com photo)

Cornerback: Blake Countess returns from his season-ending knee injury suffered against Alabama last year and should be fantastic. Senior Courtney Avery, junior Delonte Hollowell and freshman/early enrollee Dymonte Thomas will also see the field.

Corner: Raymon Taylor stepped up in Coutness’ absence last year and played well. Taylor was seventh on the team with 45 tackles and tied for the team-high with two interceptions. Freshman/early enrollee Ross Douglas had a strong spring.

Strong safety: 5th year senior Thomas Gordon was tied for third last year with 81 tackles and has playmaking ability. Gordon has started 26 games in his career and has recorded four fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

Free safety: Sophomore Jarrod Wilson is battling with senior Marvin Robinson for the starting job here.

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Michigan recruiting update: Jabrill Peppers

Michigan Football and the NFL Draft

Michigan Football’s all-time best defensive backs

The Wolverines also picked up a commitment from wide receiver Maurice Ways from Detroit Country Day. Checking in at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Ways is another big and talented receiver, which is what Brady Hoke and his staff have been targeting. As a junior, Ways hauled in 51 passes for 950 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Jabrill Peppers

Jabrill Peppers (Photo credit: maxpreps.com)

Michigan is in a great position for the nation’s #2 ranked recruit, 5-star cornerback Jabrill Peppers (Paramus, New Jersey). The 6-foot-1, 205 Peppers, is an elite athlete and considered by most services to be the top rated cornerback in the country and one of the top two recruits nationally. He might announce his college decision as early as June and Michigan is generally thought to be the leader to receive his pledge. It certainly doesn’t hurt Michigan’s chances that Peppers’ high school teammate and friend is the above referenced, Juwan Bushell-Beatty.

Here is an excerpt from his tantalizing scouting report on ESPNU

Peppers is a playmaker with explosive speed, smooth movements and excellent athleticism. He’s very confident in his skills and he should be. This young man is a game changer…Peppers is an electric playmaker with the ball in his hands on offense. He reaches top-speed quickly and is very elusive to wrap up once he gets out in space. Shows impressive skill set as a RB and WR and also as a Wildcat QB. But his size and transitional skills as a DB will make it hard for teams not to deploy him on defense…Has the cover corner movements and length to lock down in man-to-man as well. He transitions sharply with little wasted motion. Peppers is a naturally fluid athlete who is smooth changing directions and shows ability to quickly flip hips to turn and run with receivers. Shines in tight coverage as well.

Peppers is ranked #2 overall by rivals.com and Michigan is also in a strong position with rivals #1 ranked player, defensive end Da’Shawn Hand (Woodbridge, Virginia). Hand is a 6-foot-4, 250 pound wrecking ball. If Michigan can land both of these guys it would be one heck of a recruiting coup.

Here is a look at Michigan’s 2014 commitment list

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A post-spring look at Michigan’s offense

Michigan Football’s all-time best quarterbacks

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The 2013 NFL Draft featured exactly two Michigan Football players getting their name called. Denard Robinson was the first Wolverine selected and that didn’t happen until the 5th round, when the Jacksonville Jaguars called his name. William Campbell was selected in the 6th round by the New York Jets. Last year, Michigan had three players drafted; Mike Martin (3rd round), David Molk (7th round) and Junior Hemingway (7th round). The 2011 NFL Draft saw just two Michigan players get selected; Jonas Mouton (2nd round) and Stephen Schilling (6th round). In 2010, three Wolverines were drafted Brandon Graham (1st round), Zoltan Mesko (5th round) and Stevie Brown (7th round).

[Michigan Football and the NFL Draft a History]

From 2000-2008, Michigan had 44 players drafted into the NFL, that’s an average of 4.88 players per year. From 2009-2013, Michigan had 10 players drafted, which is an average of just 2 players per year. That is, unfortunately, a sad testament to the RichRod era.

Now as we enter year three of the Brady Hoke era, the roster is once again littered with future NFL players. Starting next year, Michigan will once again be a major factor in the NFL Draft. Taylor Lewan should be a top 5 pick next year. His fellow line mate, Michael Schofield might be under-the-radar with some fans, but NFL scouts know all about him. He has the size, 6-7, 303, and all the tools to play at the next level.

Other Wolverines who are candidates to be selected in the 2014 NFL Draft include Quinton Washington, Fitz Toussaint, Will Hagerup, Jeremy Gallon and Jibreel Black.

It won’t be long before we get back to the days like 2001, when five Wolverines were selected in the first 43 picks or 2007 when four Wolverines were drafted in the first 47 picks and seven Michigan players were ultimately selected that year.

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Ian Bunting (espn photo)

Michigan Football picked up their sixth commitment from the 2014 class on Tuesday when Ian Bunting (Hinsdale, Illinois) pledged to the Wolverines. Bunting is a long, tall tight end who checks in at 6-foot-7, 210 pounds. He is ranked the #5 tight end in the 2014 class by ESPNU and is a member of the ESPNU 150 watch list. In fact, all six members of Michigan’s 2014 recruiting class are on the ESPNU 150 watch list.

Bunting chose the Wolverines over offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon and USC, among others.

Here is a look at Michigan’s six commitments from the 2014 recruiting class

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A post-spring look at Michigan’s offense

Michigan Football’s all-time best quarterbacks

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Quarterback

Devin Gardner has assumed a leadership role on this team. He was already one of the most revered players on the roster. Last year at media day he was the runaway leader for the funniest guy on the team and the best-dressed Wolverine. Gardner started at quarterback for the last five games of the 2012 season and was a revelation. He was twice named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. Against Iowa, Gardner became the first Wolverine to account for six touchdowns since Steve Smith (1983). He finished the season with 1,219 yards passing with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 101 yards and seven TDs. Gardner is poised for a breakout season.

Russell Bellomy was slated to back up Gardner, but he suffered a torn ACL in spring practice. Now that duty will likely fall to true freshman Shane Morris. Preferred walk-on Brian Cleary could also factor into the mix at the back up position.

Running backs

Fitzgerald Toussaint is making good progress as he recovers from a broken leg that he suffered six months ago in the Iowa game. If he isn’t ready to go look for one of Michigan’s freshman backs to take the reins. Derrick Green, who was considered by many the top high school running back in the nation last year, figures to get plenty of carries this fall. The 6-foot, 215 pound Green recently tweeted that he is running the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds. Don’t count out DeVeon Smith, like his fellow frosh Green, he is a big, powerful back who fits Michigan’s preferred running scheme perfectly. The coaches are also high on redshirt freshman Drake Johnson and Thomas Rawls is still battling for playing time.

Wide Receivers/Tight ends

Amara Darboh

Jeremy Gallon will be the grizzled veteran of Michigan’s young receiving corps. Last year, Gallon led Michigan in receptions (49) and receiving yards (829). He also hauled in 4 touchdowns and has a good rapport with Gardner. Drew Dileo has made some clutch catches for the Wolverines and is an underrated member of this group. Sophomore Amara Darboh and redshirt freshman Jehu Chesson both performed well in the spring and one or both of them could have breakout seasons.

Devin Funchess was very impressive last year and showed a penchant for making big plays. His star should continue to rise this year. AJ Williams is a tremendous blocking tight end and true freshman and early enrollee Jake Butt caught a TD pass in the spring game. This should be a position of strength for years to come under Hoke and Borges.

Offensive line

The line will be book-ended by a pair of future NFL linemen in seniors Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield. Lewan of course turned down the NFL to return for his fifth season of eligibility and should establish himself as one of Michigan’s all-time best offensive linemen by the end of the season. Schofield is a very good lineman as well and combined with Lewan gives Michigan the best set of tackles in the Big Ten.

The interior of the line will be manned by three new starters. The guards are likely to be a pair of highly touted redshirt freshmen, Kyle Kalis and Ben Braden. Both of those players are going to be four year starters for the Wolverines. Braden may move to tackle next year. The center position is up for grabs. Jack Miller and Graham Glasgow saw most of the action there in the spring game.

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Drake Harris commits to Michigan

McGary and Robinson III to return for sophomore season

Big Ten to realign divisions

Drake Harris (Detroit Free Press photo)

Michigan Football’s 2014 recruiting class just picked up a major commitment from WR Drake Harris (Grand Rapids, Michigan). Harris, who checks in at 6-foot-4, 185, is ranked the #4 wide receiver in the country by rivals.

Just officially committed to The University Of Michigan!

— Drake Harris™ (@drizzygetbusy01) April 14, 2013

Harris had previously been committed to Michigan State to play football and basketball. However, when he realized his future was on the gridiron, he de-commited from MSU and ultimately landed in Ann Arbor. Harris becomes the fifth member of Michigan Football’s 2014 recruiting class (see the complete list below).

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The University of Michigan has announced an agreement with the University of Cincinnati. The Wolverines and Bearcats will match up in football and basketball in the coming years.

Cincinnati will play Michigan in football on September 9, 2017. The game will be played at Michigan Stadium.

Additionally, the two schools will meet twice on the basketball court between the 2015-16 and 2018-19 seasons.

“Ohio is a state that all our sports programs recruit heavily, and the Cincinnati area has been terrific recruiting territory for Michigan Athletics through the years,” said Michigan athletic director David Brandon. “We are excited to host the Bearcats and their fans at Michigan Stadium and Crisler Center in the coming years and look forward to making a visit to Cincinnati for basketball.”

This will be the first-ever meeting between the Bearcats and Wolverines in football, while the two schools have met in men’s basketball four times previously but never in Ann Arbor.

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Once a weakness, the defensive line is now a position of strength for Michigan Football. Thanks to a recruiting emphasis on defensive linemen, the Wolverines have a deep and talented group of players competing for starting assignments. There are so many promising players that there are numerous potential combinations for how the starting unit could shake out.

Defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery left the staff for a job at Oklahoma. Now Brady Hoke will coach the tackles, Greg Mattison the ends and Roy Manning was added to the staff, he will coach the SAM linebackers.

Here are the 4 positions and who is competing for playing time at each spot

DE: Last year as a true freshman, Chris Wormley was very impressive in camp and was on track to play before his season was prematurely ended by injury. Wormley is still impressing and figures to see a lot of action this year. Fellow redshirt freshmen Matt Godin and Tom Strobel are also talented players who will compete for playing time. Redshirt sophomore Keith Heitzman is also in the mix and has some playing experience under his belt.

Ondre Pipkins

DT: Quinton Washington started 10 games last year and was one of Michigan’s best defenders. He is a load at 6-foot-4, 305 pounds and should create havoc on the interior for the Wolverines. Ondre Pipkins played as a true freshman last year and is only going to get better. He will push Washington and should see plenty of reps.

DT: Jibreel Black has appeared in 39 games throughout his career and should start next to Washington on the inside of the line. 6-foot-2, 306 pound redshirt freshman Willie Henry is yet another talented young player on this defense. He should see playing time this fall.

DE: Now is the time for junior Frank Clark to shine. He has beefed up to 277 pounds and is a tremendous athlete. Last year, Clark was second on the team with 9 tackles for loss. Mario Ojemudia received a lot of playing time last season as a true freshman and looks like a future star. Freshman Taco Charlton is an early enrollee and by all accounts a freak athlete. Don’t be surprised if he forces his way into the rotation this fall.

This group of defensive linemen is very deep and loaded with talent. The competition for playing time will be intense and that will bring out the best in these players. Games are won and lost in the trenches and this is particularly true in the Big Ten. Michigan is now in a position where they will have a dominant defensive line.

Big Ten Network analyst Gerry DiNardo observed a recent Michigan practice and came away impressed with the defensive line.

BTN Spring Tour Stop 6 #WolverinesWatched one of the best and toughest defensive line pass rush drills ever.

— Gerry DiNardo (@gerrydinardo) March 27, 2013

BTN Spring Tour Stop 6 #Wolverines Best competition between offensive & defensive lines we’ve seen this spring They were smashing each other

— Gerry DiNardo (@gerrydinardo) March 27, 2013

In addition to Charlton, Michigan has two more freshman defensive linemen set to join the team this summer, Maurice Hurst Jr and Henry Poggi.

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The aftermath of the Jake Ryan injury

Michigan Football’s all-time best defensive linemen

Michigan Football lost their best defensive player, Jake Ryan, to a likely season ending knee injury. Last year, Ryan, who was injured early in spring practice, led Michigan in tackles (88), tackles for loss (16), sacks (4.5) and forced fumbles (4). Where do things stand in the wake of this most unfortunate injury? The good news is that linebacker is one of the deepest position groups on the team.

Here is a look at each of the linebacker positions and who will compete for playing time.

SAM: This is the spot that would have been occupied by Jake Ryan. Now Cam Gordon and converted rush end Brennen Beyer will compete for the starting assignment. Gordon is a 5th year senior, who has impressed Greg Mattison. “I made the comment to some of the coaches that maybe I got him out too fast sometimes,” Mattison explained. ” As we watch the film when you’re sitting in your chair, you keep saying, ‘he did pretty good job on that play. He continuously gets better.”

Beyer is a talented player that the coaching staff is also high on. He started 8 games last year at defensive end and racked up 18 tackles and 1 forced fumble.

MIKE: Desmond Morgan has been moved from the weak side spot, where he started 11 games last season. He finished third on the team with 78 tackles. He will compete with Joe Bolden. A sophomore, Bolden showed flashes of great potential last year.

James Ross III

WILL: Sophomores James Ross III and Royce Jenkins-Stone will battle for the starting position. Ross III started two games last season and displayed good speed and instincts as he totaled 34 tackles. Jenkins-Stone played primarily on special teams last year, but is a very talented player.

Greg Mattison likes what he has seen from James Ross. “He’s a very instinctive, smart football player that can run and is not afraid to hit,” he said. “You’ve hit three pretty good components for a linebacker and he gets better and better every day, too. Joe Bolden, Royce Jenkins-Stone, too. What we need now is for them to keeping coming on to add depth.”

No matter how you slice it, losing Ryan will hurt. However, Michigan does have a talented group of linebackers and the competition for playing time will be fierce, which is good. The Wolverines have two freshman linebackers coming in for fall camp; Ben Gedeon and Mike McCray II. Freshmen linebackers have received a lot of playing time in the first two years of the Hoke regime, so don’t be surprised if you see Gedeon or McCray in the mix during fall camp.

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Michigan Football’s all-time best linebackers

Michigan Football spring preview: running backs

Michigan Football spring preview: wide receivers

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.

The injury Denard Robinson suffered last year was a blessing in disguise for the future of Michigan Football because it resulted in Devin Gardner getting extended playing time at QB. He of course excelled in that role and there is no question who the job belongs to as the team heads into spring practice. Highly touted recruit Shane Morris will join the team in the summer.

Projected starter

Devin Gardner (RS Jr) Gardner has been granted a medical hardship for the 2010 season and now has two seasons of eligibility remaining. That’s important because he was a revelation when he took over at quarterback last year. He completed 59.5% of his passes for 1,219 yards with 11 TDs and 5 interceptions. Gardner also rushed for 101 yards and 7 touchdowns. He is very well respected by his teammates and one of the team leaders. He will now have a full off season to prepare as the team’s starting QB and his days of playing wide receiver are long gone.

Key reserves

Shane Morris (Fr) Morris will finally don the winged helmet this summer and the charismatic young quarterback will battle for playing time, but in an ideal world he would be able to redshirt. A lefty, Morris is a natural leader and has a cannon arm.

Russell Bellomy (RS So) When Denard Robinson was hurt at Nebraska the coaches turned to Bellomy and he had a disastrous debut, completing just 3 of 16 passes with 3 interceptions. Part of the problem that night was that receivers were dropping catchable passes and the team panicked with Robinson out. The coaching staff really likes Bellomy.

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Michigan Football spring preview: running backs

Michigan Football spring preview: wide receivers

Michigan Football all-time best quarterbacks

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.

The running back position will remain clouded well into fall camp. It’s unclear when Fitz Toussaint will return from a major knee injury he suffered late last season. Michigan does have a good crop of young backs including incoming freshmen Derrick Green and De’Veon Smith.

Projected starters

RB Fitz Toussaint (Sr) He started 10 games last year, missing the opener due to suspension and the final 3 games because of injury. He was Michigan’s second leading rusher with 514 yards and 5 TDs. Toussaint rushed for 1,014 yards two years ago and is also a good receiver out of the backfield. If healthy, and it sounds like he is making good progress, Toussaint will start.

FB Sione Houma (So) He appeared in all 13 games last year on special teams and also made a few appearances at fullback.

Key reserves

Derrick Green (Fr) Green is a load at 6-foot, 220 and he is an ideal fit for the type of power running scheme Michigan wants to run. He was considered by many the top high school running back in the nation last year. Michigan has featured freshman backs before. Mike Hart took control of the RB position early in his freshman season and this Michigan staff will play the best players regardless of class.

Drake Johnson (RS Fr) He is a big back at 6-foot, 210 pounds. As a senior in high school he rushed for 2,805 yards and 37 touchdowns. The coaching staff likes his skill set and he impressed on the scout team last year.

Thomas Rawls (Jr): When Toussaint went down last year, Rawls wasn’t able to seize control of the job and he could get lost in the shuffle with all of Michigan’s big backs.

De’Veon Smith (Fr) Don’t sleep on Smith he is a very talented back and at 5-11, 218 he is yet another big, powerful running back that Coach Hoke covets.

Joe Kerridge (RS So) He is a very good blocking fullback and will see a lot of action this fall.

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Michigan Football spring preview: wide receivers

Michigan Football spring preview: offensive line

Michigan Football’s all-time best running backs

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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Michigan Spring Preview: The Offensive Line

Michigan Football’s all-time best wide receivers

Michigan Football received a commitment from 4-star offensive lineman Mason Cole (Tarpon Springs, Florida) on Monday afternoon. Cole is commit #4 for Michigan’s 2014 recruiting class. He checks in at 6-foot-5, 285 and is ranked 109th by rivals.com. Cole is also on the ESPNU 150 watch list.

Cole visited Michigan this past weekend, for the third time, and committed shortly after returning home from the trip.

Michigan is also recruiting two of Cole’s East Lake High School teammates; 2014 wide receiver Artavis Scott (ranked #93 by rivals) and 2015 standout WR George Campbell.

Below is Michigan’s complete 2014 commitment list.

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Michigan Football spring preview: the offensive line

Michigan’s offensive line is going to be bookended by two outstanding and very experienced tackles, Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield, who have as combined 58 starts in their careers. The interior of Michigan’s line is wide-open and will be manned by 3 players with a combined zero career starts.

Thanks to some tremendous recruiting in the last few years, Michigan has an abundance of impressive young offensive linemen in the program.

Offensive line coach Darrell Funk has said many times that the best 5 players will play. If that means they have to move guys around and make some position switches, then that is what they will do. Here is an early guess at how things will shake out along the offensive line.

Projected starters

LT – Taylor Lewan (Sr): Lewan’s decision to return for his senior season gives Brady Hoke and Darrell Funk an All-American to anchor their offensive line. With another stellar season, Lewan will cement himself a place on this list: Michigan’s all-time best offensive linemen

LG – Kyle Kalis (RS Fr): Kalis is renowned for playing with a nasty streak and lining him up next to Lewan will give the Wolverines a fierce left side of the line. Kalis is one of the guys who will be a 4 year starter. Expect the coaches to take a look at him for the center position as well.

Jack Miller will get a long look at center

C- Jack Miller (RS So) or Joey Burzynksi (RS Jr): Miller is a pure center, but has yet to stake his claim to the starting position. Expect many players to get a look here including Joey Burzynski who has appeared in 12 games as a reserve offensive linemen in his career.

RG – Ben Braden (RS Fr): Braden is a natural tackle, but he is so good and the coaches like him so much that I won’t be surprised to see him plugged into the line up at guard this year before sliding over to tackle next season.

RT – Michael Schofield (SR): Schofield is very underrated and has the size, 6-7, 300, and skills to play on Sundays. He pairs with Lewan to give Michigan the best set of tackles in the Big Ten.

Key reserves

Blake Bars (RS Fr): Projects as a guard at Michigan

Erik Magnuson (RS Fr): Is a tackle that the coaches like a lot.

Dan Gibbs (RS Fr): Is a tackle.

Chris Bryant (RS So): Will play guard.

Graham Glasgow (So): A walk-on, Glasgow will be in the mix at guard and center.

Incoming freshmen: Kyle Bosch, David Dawson, Chris Fox, Patrick Kugler, Dan Samuelson, Logan Tuley-Tillman. Bosch and Tuley-Tillman are both early enrollees and will be participating in spring practice.