OFFENSE: When Devin Gardner wasn't available for the bowl game because of injury, all fans of the Wolverines looked to a young southpaw quarterback with the name of Shane Morris to lead the team to victory over Kansas State. Michigan unfortunately lost and Devin Gardner and Coach Brady Hoke come into the year under heavy pressure from not only Michigan fans but fans of all of college football. The offense losses a lot of talent including: Fitz Toussaint, Jeremy Gallon, Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield. Gardner is surrounded by playmakers, however, with two capable backs in Derrick Green, who will be competing against fellow sophomore De'Veon Smith for the starting job. Junior TE/WR Devin Funchess will probably line up at wideout this year and will be accompanied by slot receiver and fellow junior Dennis Norfleet and true freshman Freddy Canteen, who, after an impressive spring became the starter. The offensive line was Michigan's biggest problem a year ago, and the case could get even worse this year as they lose first round bookend tackle Taylor Lewan and his partner on the right side Michael Schofield. Replacing Lewan is Erik Magnuson, who is making the switch to tackle after starting seven games at guard last year. At left guard, fellow sophomore Kyle Bosch will remain at guard after starting three games last year. Coach Hoke will then plug junior Graham Glasgow at center, a physical being who will be a mauler in the run game. A sophomore who started eight times at right guard, Kyle Kalis hopes to remain at his position and learn, as he's only an underclassmen. Ben Braden hopes to get the call to replace the productive Schofield, although inexperience may make Hoke look elsewhere. Hoke and all the hopeful Wolverine fans hope to get a productive season out of a very inexperienced group of offensive lineman. At kicker, Michigan will probably look to former punter Matt Wile, who after kicking 5 for 8 on FG's is the most experienced place kicker on the team.
DEFENSE: Everyone in Ann Arbor is very hopeful this year for the defense, as it is considered a strength for the team. It starts with probably the strongest part of the team which is a group of very experienced linebackers. Senior Jake Ryan is the unquestioned leader of the whole team and is joined by fellow s
enior Desmond Morgan who moves to the outside to accommodate the rise to stardom by Ryan. Junior James Ross completes the group and comes in after 85 tackles last year. The defensive line is led by two seniors at the ends in Frank Clark, who had a career-high 43 tackles last year, and Brennen Beyer, who has made astonishing plays at linebacker and end in his career in Ann Arbor. After losing big NT Quinton Washington, the interior defensive line will be reserved for sophomores Willie Henry and Chris Wormley, both long and athletic tackles that will help in pass rush and run defense. The defensive backfield returns some experience but loses starting SS Thomas Gordon from a year ago. He will most likely be replaced by sophomore Delano Hill. Starting beside him at free safety will be junior Jarrod Wilson who is a returning starter and made 50 taclkes and two interceptions last year. At cornerback, they return both starters from last year in turnover machine Blake Countess and senior leader Ray Taylor. Former Big Ten Punter of the Year Will Hagerup returns from a year long suspension last year and is ready to return to All-Big Ten form.
RECRUITING: The Wolverines hauled in the 20th best class in the country and it included one five star, eight four stars and seven three stars to complete the 16 man class. Five star Jabrill Peppers was the third best recruit in the country and the best athlete in the class and figures to not only make an impact in the secondary this year but also in a big way on special teams. He is an absolute lock down corner and is reminding people in Wolverine country of Charles Woodson. The eighth best defensive tackle recruit and four star Bryan Mone comes in and looks like a future star for Michigan as his 6-4 315 pound frame will be welcomed with open arms in Ann Arbor. Finally the freshman with the best chance to make a lasting impact come this fall, four star wideout from Maryland Freddy Canteen comes to Michigan as a dynamic and speedy presence and the 6-1 170 pounder from Elkton is ready to make an impact for new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.
2015 needs: 247Sports Steve Wiltfong: "The Wolverines did not sign a running back in 2014 after signing two touted guys in 2013, so look for Michigan to try and lure a big time back in 2015. Weakside and strong side defensive end are two more needs for the wolverines as they try to shore things up at the point of attack."
Overview: The defense should once again be strong led by Jake Ryan and Blake Countess. The offense remains a concern in my mind, as the inexperience along the line and controversy at running back and quarterback feeds the concern that this unit will struggle against the strong defenses of Ohio State and Michigan State. I don't expect an appearance in the Big Ten title game this year as Michigan is not on the level of play as Ohio State and Michigan State are on. I do expect a bowl game for them and one that is a little better than the Buffalo Wild Wings one they appeared in last year.
LB Jake Ryan
CB Blake Countess
QB Devin Gardner
WR Devin Funchess
DE Frank Clark
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