Michigan Football enters 2018 with talent, question marks

Questions remain, but Michigan football enters the season loaded with talent.

August 2017, training camp was intensifying as opening day drew near.  Experts had concerns about the depth of Michigan football’s young secondary.  Once again the defense looked pretty solid, the offensive line a little shaky, and nobody knew who would emerge as Michigan’s game day quarterback, who would run the Wolverines’ offense.

August 2018, training camp is intensifying, but a tested secondary returns, more than ready to take on any comers. Last season Michigan football had to invent a secondary on the fly, having lost four starters.

This season, five of the most exciting young secondary players return, including “Viper” Khaleke Hudson, safeties Josh Metellus, and Tyree Kinnel, and corners Lavert Hill, and David Long. Don Brown’s defensive magic turned an inexperienced crew into the secondary with the fewest passing yards allowed. Brown likes to put these speedsters man-on-man, with Hudson as the free-ranging Viper; what worked exceedingly well last season should be every bit as tasty this year.

The rest of the defense is equally impressive.  Devin Bush is a beast, named an All-American by Sporting News after hauling down 100 tackles last season and earning a nomination for the Butkus Award.  He’s in great company; Rashan Gary and Khaleke Hudson were both named  second-team All Americans, and Gary remains one of the most feared linemen in college football, earning Bruce Feldman’s nomination as the most athletic player in collegiate football, “the biggest freak” as reported in the Detroit Free Press:

“Gary topped college football guru Bruce Feldman’s annual list of players with outstanding physical abilities. Last year’s edition ranked former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley No. 1. The year before that, it was former Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett. This year, it’s Gary, the rising junior defensive end who started all 13 games for Michigan last fall.”

Gary’s mom tweeted her response to the accolade as reported by Orion Sang in the Detroit Free Press:

“I don’t know if I like my son being called a freak. But in this context, I can live with it.”

The defensive line is solid.  We’ll see about the offensive line.  Hopes are high, but the proof will be in the protection given Michigan’s quarterback.

The quarterback?  Ah, that one is still in the wind.  Shea Patterson has been cleared to play for Michigan this season, and as an experienced Division I quarterback at Ole Miss, Patterson did his job well.  He may have the job to lose, but there are at least four other very talented guys gunning for his place.

Those of us who had hoped Brandon Peters would acquit himself more ably in the Outback Bowl are reluctant to put him in contention for the job, but Harbaugh is nothing but loyal, and Peters has worked hard to stay near the top of the pile, a more than likely backup for Patterson, the five star recruit with experience playing in the SEC.  Coach Harbaugh has been impressed by Dylan McCaffrey and Joe Milton in the preseason, both of whom have significant abilities.  

Someone will start against the Irish and many will be waiting to take his place.  Here’s hoping competition breeds character and the will to succeed.