Michigan obviously hasn't started officially practicing, but the Wolverines are hitting the gym and partaking in informal workouts in preparation for the season. Here's more of what we've picked up ...
Though workouts are "voluntary" this time of year, the players are off for a week to rejuvenate, relax and rest up in preparation for the remainder of a grueling summer heading into fall. There's been a lot of progress made on a lot of fronts — strength coach Ben Herbert has been pleased overall, from what we've heard, with a few guys in particular (more on that soon).
Last week we said we'd heard mixed reviews on the quarterbacks. Two of the most informed tell us J.J. McCarthy has really stepped it up and is learning the playbook ... that "he's the future" and will play this year, which is what he's being told. He throws a beautiful deep ball (example — in one 7-on-7 session he dropped a 60-yarder in to tight end Louis Hansen's breadbox, so perfectly that Hansen didn't have to break stride or reach) and is a natural leader.
We still expect Cade McNamara to start. He's got the experience and has shown in his short tenure to be a "gamer." But two publications, PFF.com and Phil Steele, both have Texas Tech transfer Alan Bowman projected as a starter ... we strongly disagree. As of now, we'd project him third on the depth chart.
That could change, of course, but as of today, this appears to be a two-man race.
Speaking of Hansen, we've long believed he's the most overlooked player in this class. Yes, he's a top 100 guy, but folks want to hear about the speedy running backs (the Donovan Edwards types), the playmakers ... we're telling you he's got a chance to be one of the Wolverines' top tight ends in a long time. He's got better upside as a blocker than Jake Butt, is now 254 (!) pounds and is receiving rave reviews for his work in the weight room and catching the ball.
Hansen is working through a minor lower body injury suffered during 7-on-7s, and they want him to take it easy now and cruise into fall 100 percent. Essentially, he's already proven to some he's going to play a major role this fall, and they don't want him to take any chances.
As we noted, Andrel Anthony is the top young receiver, and he'll receive playing time. He's a playmaker, and he and McCarthy have a connection. We're not going to predict a huge first year for him, but he'll see the field and has a very bright future.
On the defensive line, Mazi Smith continues to work himself into much better shape, and they're going to need him. Transfer Jordan Whittley is a body, but he really hasn't even gotten started in terms of preparation, having to clear a few more hurdles first. We're not optimistic that he'll be a big part of the rotation this year, though we're willing to be (very pleasantly) surprised.
As someone pointed out recently via a twitter post, Julius Welschof is putting up crazy numbers when it comes to sprints, agility tests, etc. That's never been his problem, though. It's about the nuances of the game and just really understanding football, and that's something he continues to work on. He had an okay spring, but still has a long way to go, and defensive line depth figures to be one of this team's biggest question marks.
We continue to love what we're hearing about the young linebackers, Nikhai Hill-Green and Junior Colson, and their work ethic and potential. Veteran Michael Barrett is the projected starter inside heading into fall, but he's going to be pushed. This is a big fall for Kalel Mullings, too — he showed promise last year but tailed off, and he needs to get his mojo back (and his "contact courage") going forward.
We'll continue to provide more as we get it ...
Though workouts are "voluntary" this time of year, the players are off for a week to rejuvenate, relax and rest up in preparation for the remainder of a grueling summer heading into fall. There's been a lot of progress made on a lot of fronts — strength coach Ben Herbert has been pleased overall, from what we've heard, with a few guys in particular (more on that soon).
Last week we said we'd heard mixed reviews on the quarterbacks. Two of the most informed tell us J.J. McCarthy has really stepped it up and is learning the playbook ... that "he's the future" and will play this year, which is what he's being told. He throws a beautiful deep ball (example — in one 7-on-7 session he dropped a 60-yarder in to tight end Louis Hansen's breadbox, so perfectly that Hansen didn't have to break stride or reach) and is a natural leader.
We still expect Cade McNamara to start. He's got the experience and has shown in his short tenure to be a "gamer." But two publications, PFF.com and Phil Steele, both have Texas Tech transfer Alan Bowman projected as a starter ... we strongly disagree. As of now, we'd project him third on the depth chart.
That could change, of course, but as of today, this appears to be a two-man race.
Speaking of Hansen, we've long believed he's the most overlooked player in this class. Yes, he's a top 100 guy, but folks want to hear about the speedy running backs (the Donovan Edwards types), the playmakers ... we're telling you he's got a chance to be one of the Wolverines' top tight ends in a long time. He's got better upside as a blocker than Jake Butt, is now 254 (!) pounds and is receiving rave reviews for his work in the weight room and catching the ball.
Hansen is working through a minor lower body injury suffered during 7-on-7s, and they want him to take it easy now and cruise into fall 100 percent. Essentially, he's already proven to some he's going to play a major role this fall, and they don't want him to take any chances.
As we noted, Andrel Anthony is the top young receiver, and he'll receive playing time. He's a playmaker, and he and McCarthy have a connection. We're not going to predict a huge first year for him, but he'll see the field and has a very bright future.
On the defensive line, Mazi Smith continues to work himself into much better shape, and they're going to need him. Transfer Jordan Whittley is a body, but he really hasn't even gotten started in terms of preparation, having to clear a few more hurdles first. We're not optimistic that he'll be a big part of the rotation this year, though we're willing to be (very pleasantly) surprised.
As someone pointed out recently via a twitter post, Julius Welschof is putting up crazy numbers when it comes to sprints, agility tests, etc. That's never been his problem, though. It's about the nuances of the game and just really understanding football, and that's something he continues to work on. He had an okay spring, but still has a long way to go, and defensive line depth figures to be one of this team's biggest question marks.
We continue to love what we're hearing about the young linebackers, Nikhai Hill-Green and Junior Colson, and their work ethic and potential. Veteran Michael Barrett is the projected starter inside heading into fall, but he's going to be pushed. This is a big fall for Kalel Mullings, too — he showed promise last year but tailed off, and he needs to get his mojo back (and his "contact courage") going forward.
We'll continue to provide more as we get it ...
