Michigan returns every QB from its 2013 roster for the upcoming season, with 5th year senior Devin Gardner (Detroit, MI) leading the way. Despite an offensive line that failed to adequately protect him during a large portion of the schedule, Gardner threw for almost 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns, as he led the Big Ten in YPA at 8.6 Y/A. Brady Hoke has been adamant throughout the spring and early part of the summer that Gardner had to earn his starting spot, but he is in reality the only option for a team that needs to have a bounce-back year. Expect to see Gardner more comfortable in the pocket this year under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, a proven QB guru who should get the most out of Gardner's potential. 2nd on the depth chart appears to be sophomore Shane Morris (Warren, MI), who started one game last year (Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Kansas State). While he performed admirably in filling in for the injured Gardner, Morris failed to go through his progressions downfield, as he often settled for his first receiver or tucking the ball and running. I would expect to see him get significant game action this year, to prepare him to take over the QB reins for the 2015 season. Rounding out the depth chart are redshirt junior Russell Bellomy (Arlington, TX) and true freshman Wilton Speight (Richmond, VA).
Senior QB Devin Gardner
Running Backs
Perhaps the toughest spot to project on the roster (aside from the offensive line), the running backs are looking for a bounce back year. While the offensive line was historically bad in 2013, youth and poor play overall contributed to a rushing attack that ranked near the bottom of the FBS. Michigan returns two large contributors, sophomores De'Veon Smith (Warren, Ohio) and Derrick Green (Richmond, VA). Derrick Green came to Ann Arbor last fall as a consensus 5-star recruit and prep All-American, but was plagued by weight issues from the start of fall camp until the bowl game. After dropping 20 pounds this offseason, he figures to see significant playing time this fall. However, my guess is that Smith is named the opening day starter, barring a strong preseason camp from Green. Redshirt sophomore Drake Johnson (Ann Arbor, MI) is coming off an ACL injury and also is looking for playing time, as he was one of Michigan's top options at RB last season before his injury suffered in the home opener against Central Michigan. USC transfer Ty Isaac (Shorewood, Ill), also a prep superstar and consensus 5-star recruit, hopes to receive a hardship waiver from the NCAA to make him immediately eligible to play this fall. If he is granted that waiver, look for him to possibly start the opener, as his combination of size (6'3", 225) and speed give offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier an ideal option at running back.
Sophomore RB Derrick Green
Wide Receivers
Despite losing All-Big Ten receiver Jeremy Gallon, Michigan enters this fall with loads of talent at the receiver position. Led by junior Devin Funchess (Farmington Hills, MI) and redshirt sohopomore Amara Darboh (Des Moines, Iowa), Michigan should have no shortage of options on the outside. Funchess completes his move from tight end to receiver this fall, as his inability to block effectively as a tight end, coupled with his elite size and speed, made this move to receiver a no-brainer. Darboh returns after an achilles injury in preseason camp last fall, and figures to be a precise route-runner, as well as another deep threat opposite Funchess, giving the QB a reliable target on the outside. True freshman Freddy Canteen (Wilmington, DE) has impressed as an early enrollee, as his time learning the playbook from spring practice as him listed as number one on the depth chart at the slot. Redshirt sophomore Jehu Chesson (St. Louis, MO) and sophomore Da'Mario Jones (Westland, MI) also figure to see playing time. Heralded freshman Drake Harris (Grand Rapids, MI) continues to be plagued by hamstring issues, and is currently not participating in contact drills in practice.
Junior Receiver Devin Funchess
Tight End
Before the injury to stud sophomore Jake Butt (Pickerington, OH), Michigan had both depth and versatility at tight end. Butt tore his ACL in spring practice, which will prevent him from seeing game action until at least early October. Butt came into his own in the Ohio State game, as he proved himself to be both a downfield threat and a reliable blocker when needed. Taking his place as number one on the depth char will most likely be junior A.J. Williams (Cincinnati, OH), known for his blocking but unproven as a pass-catcher. Behind him on the depth chart are redshirt junior Keith Heitzman (Hilliard, Ohio) and redshirt freshman Khalid Hill (Detroit, MI). A wild-card for playing time could be true freshman Ian Bunting (Hinsdale, Ill), and elite pass-catcher from high school that needs to fill out his frame before being considered a realistic option to play as an every-down tight end. However, the raw ability is there, and could give Michigan another pass catching option.
Offensive Line
Finally, the much-maligned Michigan offensive line. Often the scapegoat of last year's disastrous running attack, offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier has simplified the schemes and plans to use a zone-rushing attack, as opposed to last year when Michigan bounced between different blocking styles. Despite losing first team All-American Taylor Lewan (left tackle) and All-Big Ten right tackle Michael Schoefield, both coaches and fans expect improvement. Early reports out of preseason camp are positive, as last year's woes have produced an increase in intensity and competition. Locks to start are redshirt sophomore Eric Magnuson (San Diego, CA) and redshirt junior Graham Glasgow (Aurora, Ill). Magnuson, originally recruited as a left tackle, has been rumored as the starter at left guard (more on this in a bit). Glasgow was Michigan's starter at center last year, and was inconsistent. He is currently suspended for the opener against Appalachian State, but he is a lock to start at either center or right guard. At left tackle, true freshman Mason Cole (Tarpon Springs, FL) has impressed Michigan's coaching staff from the moment he stepped on campus as an early enrollee in January. There are still two weeks until the opener, but don't be surprised to see Michigan start a true freshman at left tackle. At center, expect redshirt junior Jack Miller (Perrysburg, OH) to start the opener in Glasgow's place. If he performs well, he could become a full time starter, sliding Glasgow to right guard. If Glasgow remains at center, expect one of the trio of Kyle Bosch (St. Charles, Ill), Kyle Kalis (Lakewood, OH) or David Dawson (Detroit, MI) to win the job at right guard. Kalis was the starter a year ago, and despite his massive size, he often had trouble picking up correct blocking assignments. At right tackle, redshirt sophomore Ben Braden (Rockwood, MI) should be your opening day starter, as he possesses both long arms and quick feet to lock down the position. Michigan should be much improved on the offensive line this year, but we need to see results on the field.
As always, Go Blue!
