Michigan Football: Mason Cole Gets a Look at Center

Oct 25, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) rushes Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Mason Cole (52 )during the first half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan is in need of a starting center and one guy in the running may surprise you. Mason Cole became the first true freshman in Michigan history to start the opening game of the season on the offensive line. Not only was he a starter, but he did it at left tackle. Cole went on to start all 12 games at left tackle and that was one spot that looked to be locked down on Michigan’s offensive line this year. Recent events may force Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines to switch things up.

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Last week it was announced that last seasons starting center, Jack Miller, was leaving the team. This week Michigan got more bad news as Miller’s replacement, Graham Glasglow, violated his probation by failing a Breathalyzer test. With Glasgow’s future up in the air, the center position is up for grabs. Harbaugh is an unconventional coach and he may be making an unconventional move. A video from spring practice shows Cole playing center. On the surface it seems odd to move a guy who excelled as a freshman at left tackle, but when you look at it with an open mind it could work out great.

Cole is an intelligent player and someone Harbaugh can trust at center. With his size it also may be a better fit than left tackle. Obviously if Cole moves to center permanently than Michigan will need a replacement at left tackle, but they have a couple options. One option is redshirt sophomore Logan Tuley-Tillman. He was a four star recruit in 2013 and redshirted that season. Last year he was a backup and appeared in only one game. He hasn’t produced at the college level yet but he has potential. At 6-foot-7, 309 pounds he has ideal size and Tim Drevno should be able to get the most out of him. Another option is redshirt freshman. Juwann Bushell-Beatty. He was a four star recruit in 2014 and is an absolute monster of a man at 6-foot-7, 330 pounds. He is likely a better fit at right tackle or guard but anything is possible.