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| DeVeon Smith (image via The Wolverine) |
Quarterbacks. Devin Gardner looks like the clear starter even if he did go 2/9 for 55 yards and 1 interception. The defense is bound to be ahead of the offense at this point, and the change from a 4-3 Under to a 4-3 Over (if that's truly what Michigan does) doesn't really affect the coverage much. Shane Morris (4/8, 65 yards) looked pretty solid with a plenty strong arm, but he doesn't have the athleticism or the feel for the game that Gardner does. Morris will be good down the road, though. I do not see Wilton Speight or Russell Bellomy as legitimate options for the upcoming season.
Running backs. I have never been impressed with DeVeon Smith's speed (10 carries, 32 yards), but he looks like the #1 back right now. He runs harder than anyone else, he carries out his fakes better than anyone else, and he looks like he's in great shape. Derrick Green (5 carries, 14 yards) can be tackled pretty easily down low because he doesn't have great balance, and while he looks quicker than he did last fall - and quicker than Smith - it really seems like the coaches trust Smith more. Justice Hayes (6 carries, 33 yards) seems to be sensing an opportunity to play, and he looks more physically ready than he did last season. I like Sione Houma's potential as an H-back much more than Joe Kerridge's; Houma is a better athlete, and Michigan needs as many athletes as it can get on the field. Kerridge is a decent old school fullback, but that's about it.
Wide receivers. I believe the Freddy Canteen (1 catch, 45 yards) hype. He doesn't understand what he's doing, but he has the physical skills to be very good - and let's face it, that's a huge part of playing wide receiver. Canteen will be on the field in some capacity this fall, whether it's in the slot or on the outside. Even if he doesn't start, he'll play. Devin Funchess (1 catch, 10 yards) had some drops but we've seen him succeed in the past. He will probably continue to suffer from lapses in his concentration. Braylon Edwards had the same issue . . . until he was a senior. Funchess will be good when it's time to shine. Bo Dever (2 catches, 34 yards) had a couple nice catches, and he looks like a guy who could play situationally, but I'm not going to go overboard with what we saw out of him. I'd take him over Jeremy Jackson, though. Jehu Chesson (2 catches, 29 yards) is a good complementary receiver who can hurt you if you forget about him, and he's a very aggressive blocker. Dennis Norfleet can make some plays with the ball in his hands, but Canteen is already a better option in the slot. If the Wolverines go four wide, I wouldn't mind seeing Canteen and Norfleet working in the slots.
Tight ends. Keith Heitzman looks like he's ready to play at tight end this year after switching from defensive end. He and A.J. Williams are too slow to be receiving threats unless there's some misdirection or a broken play, but they are what they are. Wyatt Shallman was working with the tight ends, which is where I expect him to play - as a tight end or H-back.
Offensive line. Michigan is in a world of hurt on the offensive line right now. I think it's going to be another fairly ugly season, although I doubt it will be as bad as last year. They need Chad Lindsay, the transfer center from Alabama, in the worst way. I still believe the offensive line will develop in the coming years because there's too much talent for that not to happen, but it's not happening yet. Michigan needs Erik Magnuson back on the left side. Mason Cole was the starting left tackle, and he didn't look any worse than the other guys . . . but that in itself is a problem. I do think Kyle Kalis has taken a step forward at right guard. I didn't like what I saw out of Logan Tuley-Tillman (who has been limited due to a wrist injury). In a reversal of last year, I think the interior might be better than the tackles this spring, although Magnuson's return should help. In my opinion, Michigan's best five (not counting Lindsay) right now are Magnuson, Bosch, Glasgow, Kalis, and Braden, from left to right.
Hit the jump for my thoughts on the defense.
