The wrap-up to Michigan spring football has observers wondering how life is shaking out on the non-existent depth chart. Here are some well-educated guesses.
As some have asserted (and other have cringed over), redshirt junior quarterback Wilton Speight goes to fall camp the leader of the pack, spring game notwithstanding. That doesn’t mean the efforts in that one make no difference. They’re just part of a much bigger picture.
Redshirt freshman QB Brandon Peters’ overall effort this spring appears to have elevated him past fifth-year senior John O’Korn for the back-up spot.
Sophomore running back Chris Evans played little in the spring game, because he’d proven a lot. He’s No. 1, followed at this point by junior Karan Higdon, fifth-year senior Ty Isaac and redshirt freshman Kareem Walker.
The outside receiver positions belong to sophomore Kekoa Crawford and freshman Tarik Black, with freshman Donovan Peoples-Jones next in. Redshirt junior wideouts Drake Harris and Maurice Ways are providing depth at this point, and keep an eye on walk-on freshman wideout Nate Schoenle, who was NOT just a one-day wonder during the spring game.
The slot receiver spot has been claimed by sophomore Eddie McDoom, with sophomore Nate Johnson drawing snaps there as well. Junior wideout Grant Perry, if he returns, has much work to do to catch up.
Redshirt junior tight end Ian Bunting comes out of spring atop that position group. Redshirt sophomore Tyrone Wheatley junior is the No. 2 at this point, although he needs to become a better blocker to solidify his standing. Sophomores Nick Eubanks and Sean McKeon are battling it out for No. 3.
The offensive line, from left tackle to right: senior Mason Cole, sophomore Ben Bredeson, fifth-year senior Pat Kugler, sophomore Michael Onwenu, and redshirt sophomore Jon Runyan. Redshirt junior Juwann Bushell-Beatty dropped behind Runyan a bit this spring, and redshirt freshman Stephen Spanellis have put himself in to position to be the first off the bench at guard or tackle.
As to the freshmen, center Cesar Ruiz is still learning, and will be strong down the road. Chuck Filiaga will get a chance to impress and earn some time come fall camp.
Defensively along the front, it’s set (no surprise): sophomore Rashan Gary, redshirt junior Bryan Mone, fifth-year senior Maurice Hurst Jr., and redshirt junior Chase Winovich. Backups are the key here, and Michigan is searching hard for a second to Winovich.
Redshirt freshman Carlo Kemp showed a lot this spring and will play behind Gary. He could also be the answer as a backup at the other end spot as well. Redshirt freshman Michael Dwumfour appears to be No. 2 behind Hurst, and when healthy, should develop nicely as a bigger/stronger version of the veteran. His technique is still lacking, though. As for Mone’s backup, pencil in freshman Aubrey Solomon, even though he’s not around yet.
Sophomore Khaleke Hudson has locked down the Viper spot, and redshirt sophomore Jordan Glasgow is backing him, as well as sophomore Josh Metellus at safety. The inside ‘backers are fifth-year senior Mike McCray and sophomore Devin Bush Jr., backed by sophomore Elysee Mbem-Bosse and fifth-year senior Michael Wroblewski.
Redshirt junior Noah Furbush will still provide plenty of snaps at outside linebacker, while Josh Uche should see some action as well.
Cornerback might be one of the bigger concerns coming out of spring football. Sophomore Levert Hill has seen limited practice time because of being nicked up, opening an opportunity for early enrollee freshman Benjamin St Juste to make a serious bid for the job. Sophomore David Long hasn’t locked the other side up, either, with redshirt sophomore Keith Washington making a push. Early enrollee freshman Ambry Thomas will be very good, but isn’t an every-snap performer yet, and will battle redshirt junior Brandon Watson for time at the nickel.
The safeties are strong, with Metellus and junior Tyree Kinnel locking down spots. As mentioned, Glasgow provides depth, and early enrollee freshman J’Marick Woods backs up Kinnel.
Despite ball security issues in the spring game, it looks like Johnson at punt returner, backed by Evans. Any of the running backs could handle kick returns, with this order offered out of spring ball: Walker, Isaac, Johnson, Evans.
Redshirt freshman Quinn Nordin will handle placekicks, with freshman Will Hart punting — at least until incoming scholarship freshman Brad Robbins shows up.
If the Wolverines land any grad transfers, the likely locations are offensive line and safety. They're looking.
As some have asserted (and other have cringed over), redshirt junior quarterback Wilton Speight goes to fall camp the leader of the pack, spring game notwithstanding. That doesn’t mean the efforts in that one make no difference. They’re just part of a much bigger picture.
Redshirt freshman QB Brandon Peters’ overall effort this spring appears to have elevated him past fifth-year senior John O’Korn for the back-up spot.
Sophomore running back Chris Evans played little in the spring game, because he’d proven a lot. He’s No. 1, followed at this point by junior Karan Higdon, fifth-year senior Ty Isaac and redshirt freshman Kareem Walker.
The outside receiver positions belong to sophomore Kekoa Crawford and freshman Tarik Black, with freshman Donovan Peoples-Jones next in. Redshirt junior wideouts Drake Harris and Maurice Ways are providing depth at this point, and keep an eye on walk-on freshman wideout Nate Schoenle, who was NOT just a one-day wonder during the spring game.
The slot receiver spot has been claimed by sophomore Eddie McDoom, with sophomore Nate Johnson drawing snaps there as well. Junior wideout Grant Perry, if he returns, has much work to do to catch up.
Redshirt junior tight end Ian Bunting comes out of spring atop that position group. Redshirt sophomore Tyrone Wheatley junior is the No. 2 at this point, although he needs to become a better blocker to solidify his standing. Sophomores Nick Eubanks and Sean McKeon are battling it out for No. 3.
The offensive line, from left tackle to right: senior Mason Cole, sophomore Ben Bredeson, fifth-year senior Pat Kugler, sophomore Michael Onwenu, and redshirt sophomore Jon Runyan. Redshirt junior Juwann Bushell-Beatty dropped behind Runyan a bit this spring, and redshirt freshman Stephen Spanellis have put himself in to position to be the first off the bench at guard or tackle.
As to the freshmen, center Cesar Ruiz is still learning, and will be strong down the road. Chuck Filiaga will get a chance to impress and earn some time come fall camp.
Defensively along the front, it’s set (no surprise): sophomore Rashan Gary, redshirt junior Bryan Mone, fifth-year senior Maurice Hurst Jr., and redshirt junior Chase Winovich. Backups are the key here, and Michigan is searching hard for a second to Winovich.
Redshirt freshman Carlo Kemp showed a lot this spring and will play behind Gary. He could also be the answer as a backup at the other end spot as well. Redshirt freshman Michael Dwumfour appears to be No. 2 behind Hurst, and when healthy, should develop nicely as a bigger/stronger version of the veteran. His technique is still lacking, though. As for Mone’s backup, pencil in freshman Aubrey Solomon, even though he’s not around yet.
Sophomore Khaleke Hudson has locked down the Viper spot, and redshirt sophomore Jordan Glasgow is backing him, as well as sophomore Josh Metellus at safety. The inside ‘backers are fifth-year senior Mike McCray and sophomore Devin Bush Jr., backed by sophomore Elysee Mbem-Bosse and fifth-year senior Michael Wroblewski.
Redshirt junior Noah Furbush will still provide plenty of snaps at outside linebacker, while Josh Uche should see some action as well.
Cornerback might be one of the bigger concerns coming out of spring football. Sophomore Levert Hill has seen limited practice time because of being nicked up, opening an opportunity for early enrollee freshman Benjamin St Juste to make a serious bid for the job. Sophomore David Long hasn’t locked the other side up, either, with redshirt sophomore Keith Washington making a push. Early enrollee freshman Ambry Thomas will be very good, but isn’t an every-snap performer yet, and will battle redshirt junior Brandon Watson for time at the nickel.
The safeties are strong, with Metellus and junior Tyree Kinnel locking down spots. As mentioned, Glasgow provides depth, and early enrollee freshman J’Marick Woods backs up Kinnel.
Despite ball security issues in the spring game, it looks like Johnson at punt returner, backed by Evans. Any of the running backs could handle kick returns, with this order offered out of spring ball: Walker, Isaac, Johnson, Evans.
Redshirt freshman Quinn Nordin will handle placekicks, with freshman Will Hart punting — at least until incoming scholarship freshman Brad Robbins shows up.
If the Wolverines land any grad transfers, the likely locations are offensive line and safety. They're looking.
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