Spring practice is winding down, with the spring game coming up Saturday night. We've heard from a number of coaches and players, and the big picture seems to be shaping up in a number of ways ... although it could change dramatically by the fall.
Plenty of folks we've talked to are impressed with transfer quarterback Shea Patterson, and while most are careful to mention all of Michigan's QBs when they speak, it's obvious that if Patterson is made eligible immediately by the NCAA, he has what it takes to lead the Wolverines. Nobody needs to say it. Watch the videos of him operating in the SEC the past couple of years.
He's simply a playmaker, and confirming it in spring ball. If he's cleared in 2018, Michigan will have to adapt and adjust and make sure he's REALLY cleared. In other words, if he breaks out of the pocket as he's so good at doing, U-M linemen can't be caught flat-footed. They'll need to react and make sure Patterson's moves are maximized. It's reasonable to assume there are preparations taking place for such situations.
Even last year, Michigan's quarterbacks broke from the pocket some, and the linemen didn't always react well to it, getting caught standing. That can't happen, regardless of who is behind center, but you can bet that with Patterson's mobility, the awareness has been heightened.
We've heard from any number of players (and Jim Harbaugh himself) about the positive energy and forcefulness of new coaches such as offensive line coach Ed Warinner, wideouts coach Jim McElwain and tight ends coach Sherrone Moore. They're all high-energy, positive, easily heard and understood mentors who are making a difference on the field. There appears to be a greater intensity at play.
Harbaugh hasn't designated an offensive coordinator, but quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton may have a big hand in the direction of the ball movers. McElwain will certainly have a hand in developing the passing game, and it's safe to assume Hamilton and McElwain will work together on one that will be different (and an upgrade) over last season. Old friend Roy Roundtree is on staff now, the former U-M wideout bringing his extensive knowledge of that position into the mix.
Former offensive lineman after former offensive lineman has said it, and Harbaugh has stated it as well: the Wolverines need to be more physical, particularly up front. That's been on display in the spring, Warinner directing the show and simultaneously calling out individuals while teaching on the spot and making corrections. The expectations for this group are high, and there's no allowance for "too young," or "still growing." It's time to step up and get it done.
Michigan's best two offensive linemen — left guard Ben Bredeson and sophomore center Cesar Ruiz — are doing just that. They're going to be very solid in the middle of the Michigan offensive line. Elsewhere, there are tight battles, with redshirt sophomore Stephen Spanellis pushing junior Michael Onwenu hard at right guard. Right now, fifth-year senior Juwann Bushell-Beatty and redshirt junior Jon Runyan look like the lead dogs at left and right tackle, respectively, but players such as redshirt freshmen Andrew Steuber, James Hudson and Chuck Filiaga are pushing very hard. Bushell-Beatty could eventually wind up back at right tackle, and some of these fights will extend into the fall.
Wideout Oliver Martin is being talked up by his teammates and continues to stand out on the practice field. He'll give senior Grant Perry a huge battle when Perry gets back up to speed from injury. We've heard tons about the wideouts, with sophomores Tarik Black, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins all continuing to be very impressive.
Not much change at running back, with senior Karan Higdon and junior Chris Evans clearly the top two, and sophomore fullback Ben Mason continuing to punish people. Finding depth at those spots is a priority.
The offense clearly broke down last season, for a number of reasons, including injuries, various personnel situations, and schematic mixes that failed at various times. Some have observed Michigan played well when on script (see early in the Ohio State game) and not so well when the Wolverines were adjusting to what the defense brought in scheme changes.
U-M has made its own changes in a variety of ways, looking for an offense that will be effective and complement a strong Don Brown defense. Patterson is a huge key, but this offense is prepping to be better, regardless.
Plenty of folks we've talked to are impressed with transfer quarterback Shea Patterson, and while most are careful to mention all of Michigan's QBs when they speak, it's obvious that if Patterson is made eligible immediately by the NCAA, he has what it takes to lead the Wolverines. Nobody needs to say it. Watch the videos of him operating in the SEC the past couple of years.
He's simply a playmaker, and confirming it in spring ball. If he's cleared in 2018, Michigan will have to adapt and adjust and make sure he's REALLY cleared. In other words, if he breaks out of the pocket as he's so good at doing, U-M linemen can't be caught flat-footed. They'll need to react and make sure Patterson's moves are maximized. It's reasonable to assume there are preparations taking place for such situations.
Even last year, Michigan's quarterbacks broke from the pocket some, and the linemen didn't always react well to it, getting caught standing. That can't happen, regardless of who is behind center, but you can bet that with Patterson's mobility, the awareness has been heightened.
We've heard from any number of players (and Jim Harbaugh himself) about the positive energy and forcefulness of new coaches such as offensive line coach Ed Warinner, wideouts coach Jim McElwain and tight ends coach Sherrone Moore. They're all high-energy, positive, easily heard and understood mentors who are making a difference on the field. There appears to be a greater intensity at play.
Harbaugh hasn't designated an offensive coordinator, but quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton may have a big hand in the direction of the ball movers. McElwain will certainly have a hand in developing the passing game, and it's safe to assume Hamilton and McElwain will work together on one that will be different (and an upgrade) over last season. Old friend Roy Roundtree is on staff now, the former U-M wideout bringing his extensive knowledge of that position into the mix.
Former offensive lineman after former offensive lineman has said it, and Harbaugh has stated it as well: the Wolverines need to be more physical, particularly up front. That's been on display in the spring, Warinner directing the show and simultaneously calling out individuals while teaching on the spot and making corrections. The expectations for this group are high, and there's no allowance for "too young," or "still growing." It's time to step up and get it done.
Michigan's best two offensive linemen — left guard Ben Bredeson and sophomore center Cesar Ruiz — are doing just that. They're going to be very solid in the middle of the Michigan offensive line. Elsewhere, there are tight battles, with redshirt sophomore Stephen Spanellis pushing junior Michael Onwenu hard at right guard. Right now, fifth-year senior Juwann Bushell-Beatty and redshirt junior Jon Runyan look like the lead dogs at left and right tackle, respectively, but players such as redshirt freshmen Andrew Steuber, James Hudson and Chuck Filiaga are pushing very hard. Bushell-Beatty could eventually wind up back at right tackle, and some of these fights will extend into the fall.
Wideout Oliver Martin is being talked up by his teammates and continues to stand out on the practice field. He'll give senior Grant Perry a huge battle when Perry gets back up to speed from injury. We've heard tons about the wideouts, with sophomores Tarik Black, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins all continuing to be very impressive.
Not much change at running back, with senior Karan Higdon and junior Chris Evans clearly the top two, and sophomore fullback Ben Mason continuing to punish people. Finding depth at those spots is a priority.
The offense clearly broke down last season, for a number of reasons, including injuries, various personnel situations, and schematic mixes that failed at various times. Some have observed Michigan played well when on script (see early in the Ohio State game) and not so well when the Wolverines were adjusting to what the defense brought in scheme changes.
U-M has made its own changes in a variety of ways, looking for an offense that will be effective and complement a strong Don Brown defense. Patterson is a huge key, but this offense is prepping to be better, regardless.
