Michigan Wolverine Football: Observations — Part I

Jul 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Frank Clark addresses the media during the Big Ten football media day at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Posted at 5:30pm — 8/12/2014

Michigan Wolverine Football: Observations — Part I

It is still early in fall camp, but I keep getting these e-mails asking about certain players, why the offensive line is not good, why can’t coaches figure out who should be starting, our Cornerback’s can’t cover, and even some personal attacks on certain players like Jack Miller.

Dec 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Devin Funchess (87) against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsUnderstanding this is my opinion, but I will say shared by many who have been around the program for quite a while this has been the best first week of camp I have ever witnessed.

1) Please, do NOT pay attention who you hear is starting at any position at this point. Except Devin Gardner (QB), Devin Funchess (WR), Jake Ryan (LB), and Frank Clark (DL). You can basically say nobody has locked down a starting position at this point.

It is important to note that in the past, coaches have stated that all positions would be open and players would have to earn playing time and we all know in most cases that was just coach speak. This camp (both been told and witnessed) coaches purposely put a plan together that would give many players an opportunity to win a position which means those players would be playing with the first team.

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesmen Erik Magnuson (78) during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OExamples David Dawson. He has played with the ones in three different practices. Twice at offensive guard and once at right tackle. Jack Miller has played with ones both at offensive guard and offensive center. Erik Magnuson has played both left tackle and left guard. I could go on.

Defensively, three defensive back’s basically rotate as starters: Dymonte Thomas, Jeremy Clark, and even Brandon Watson has seen snaps with the ones as safety. Almost every position I could say the same thing (except for those players listed above).

Point is not being in the starting line-up at this stage is not a indication of a certain player not playing well. This was planned, players were told, it created some great competitive practices.

By this Saturday, when people go to the scrimmage you will have a much better indication of who is really going to start, but even then so many players are so close in talent and performance things could change during the season.

2) People need to get off Miller’s back. Is he the best offensive linemen in Michigan history? NO, but he has worked and made himself into a pretty good offensive center and the scheme they are now running fits him perfectly. I never understand how people who think they are insiders, take shots at players when they have no idea what happens on a daily basis. This version of Miller is nothing like a year ago. He may not end up starting, but he can play.

3) I have been asked about Amara Darboh, some have questioned his return. That he is showing signs of the injury lingering. We will have to wait and see once the season starts, but it has been a long time since Michigan has had a wide receiver who is so physical. In practice, he is a great blocker, and he has the best hands on the team, and he (IMO) seems faster than before his injury. He was basically cleared to practice in spring, but they held him out. I think he is not only back, but better than before the injury.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — MaizeMan

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