Michigan Wolverine Football: Competitive Situations To Watch — Part II
Apr 5, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Shane Morris (7) hands off to running back De
Posted at 9:00pm — 8/1/2014
Michigan Wolverine Football: Competitive Situations To Watch — Part II
5) Safety:
Again, as of now looks like Jarrod Wilson (22) is a starter and Delano Hill (44) is making it very tough for Dymonte Thomas (25), but because of Thomas superior athletic talent he gets a real shot in fall. Thomas could also play nickel, so although Thomas may be second on depth chart as of now there will be plenty of opportunity for him to move up this fall.
Apr 5, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesman Kyle Kalis (67) walks on the filed during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports6) Offensive Line:
Graham Glasgow (61) and Kyle Kalis (67) to me are the sure starters. Some think Erik Magnuson (78), but we have yet to see if he has any lasting effects of his injury. Kyle Bosch I think would have to lose the left guard spot. Ben Braden (71) everyone hopes he steps up and solidifies the right tackle position. David Dawson (55) is close, but the key may be Patrick Kugler (57). Kugler is the long-term answer to our offensive center situation and because of Glasgow’s versatility he could move anywhere. Right now I think we have seven with Mason Cole (52) being #8 who could see action. Notice I am not counting Jack Miller (60) in top 8, but he could be our opening day starter at offensive center.
So, the offensive line situation is where we will see the most competition. Some will argue it is because we are weak on the offensive line therefore it is hard to find 5 top players. At times I have agreed with this argument. I now believe with a new, simplified system, some maturity of certain players, the influx of really talented players like Cole and Kugler I think eventually we field a very good, tough offensive line this season.
November 10, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke and safety Jarrod Wilson (22) against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY SportsCoach Hoke claims they go into fall with the depth chart the way they ended spring that actually means Cole is a starter until Mags shows he can play. Mags situation could change things because I do not think Glasgow can play left tackle and Dawson struggled at times at left tackle in spring. So if Mags cannot play then all of a sudden the player who I project to the #8 offensive linemen all of a sudden starts which will cause a chain reaction of other changes. (Hope this makes some sense).
7) Back-up Quarterback
Shane Morris (7) is the #2 QB and will start the season as our back-up. Remember, after the first couple weeks of fall camp once they get into game prep mode it is tough for any player to pass someone on depth chart unless they do not perform on Saturday. So, I think the only way Morris loses his spot is if Gardner gets hurt and Morris does not perform once he gets the starting job. If that happens the season will be in trouble anyway.
Nov 9, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Derrick Green (27) runs the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports8) Running Back:
This year, Coach Fred Jackson if finally going to have to learn how to deal with RB by committee. I just do not see any one RB becoming the solid #1 because all of our RB bring something different to the table and at the same time all of our RB’s lack in certain areas. Don’t discount Justice Hayes (5), but I do think Derrick Green (27) or De’Veon Smith (4) (probably Green) will be the starter. However, Hayes has the most speed, is our best RB out of the backfield and despite his size is our best blocker.
9) Defensive Tackle:
Here is just no way to project starters on the interior DL. There are 6, maybe 7 players who could easily start. That will be a position where it will not be critical who the starter is, they will rotate often.
Part III will be about Players who we think make the biggest jump in fall.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — MaizeMan
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