2016 Recruiting Class by Position (Updated)

The Committed (players in red have the best chance at getting playing time in 2016):

Brandon Peters

QB - Brandon Peters 

Outlook: Peters has continued to look like one of the best passers in the nation after making a name for himself on the summer camp circuit. He plans on enrolling early and he could be in contention for the starting job as a freshman next fall.

RB - Kareem Walker, Kingston Davis, Kiante Enis (Chris Evans)

Outlook: Walker is the one everybody wanted and he is now committed to the program after flipping from Ohio State. It's a huge win in recruiting for Harbaugh and company but it won't mean much unless they start winning championships. Davis is a solid prospect out of SEC country that looks like a throwback smash-mouth runner. He could play fullback too if needed. Enis will get some looks on offense but will most likely play defense someday for the team. Evans will also get some looks as an all-around offensive threat and he could be dangerous on third downs.

FB - (Kingston Davis)

Outllook: Davis is considered more of a fullback by a lot of programs and recruiting services, and I am sure that he will get some looks there if things do not pan out as a primary ball-carrier.

WR - Ahmir Mitchell, Nate Johnson, Brad Hawkins, Chris Evans,  (Kiante Enis, Sean McKeon)

Outlook: As talented of a group of receivers that Michigan has gathered up in a long time. Mitchell is an elite athlete. Hawkins is as tough as they come. Evans and Johnson look like they can score from anywhere. Any QB that plays for Michigan in the near future should not have trouble finding guys to throw to.

Sean McKeon

TE - Sean McKeon (Rashad Weaver) 

Outlook: McKeon played on a terrible high school team and faced double teams on both offense and defense. He was clearly their best player who didn't get many targets but he runs a 4.6 forty and holds other offers from Boston College, UConn, Harvard, Syracuse, Temple, and Virginia Tech. Weaver could be a big blocking TE with enough athleticism to make defenses pay in the redzone.

OL - Ben Bredeson, Michael Onwenu, Devery Hamilton, Erik Swenson

Outlook: Looks like one of the best groups of blockers in the entire country. Bredeson could potentially play all five positions along the line. Onwenu could start right away at guard. Hamilton looks like he could play either tackle spot. And Swenson looks like a classic right tackle. One more interior line recruit and this could be one of the best groups ever to come to AA.

DL - Jordan Elliott, Rashad Weaver (Ron Johnson, Michael Onwenu, Devery Hamilton)

Outlook: The Wolverines do not need to add a ton of talent here right now, but they are getting one of the best in Elliott. Weaver is an underrated prospect who also carries offers from Syracuse, Temple, and Illinois. If Johnson, who had offers from the likes of 'Bama, MSU, and OSU, gains more weight he could develop into a strong-side end. Onwenu and Hamilton have experience playing both ways so don't count them out of the picture either.

Carlo Kemp

Buck - Ron Johnson, Carlo Kemp

Outlook: Johnson and Kemp will boost the talent level at the weak-side end ("Buck") position, but Johnson could end up on the strong-side and Kemp could eventually play linebacker.

LB - Devin Bush Jr., Dytarious Johnson, Devin Gil (Carlo Kemp) 

Outlook: Johnson and Gil are both players that could play safety but are being recruited to play linebacker at Michigan. They may not possess the natural size that a lot of programs covet but they do have the speed. Devin Bush Jr. also has the speed and height of a safety, but he has the bulk and plays with the mentality of a linebacker. Harbaugh and company expect him to contribute next fall.

S - Josh Metellus (Ahmir Mitchell, Kiante Enis)

Outlook: Metellus looks like a scrappy defender with better overall quickness and change of direction than straight ahead speed. Mitchell's size (6'3"/206 lbs) and athleticism provide an intriguing prospect here too, as does Enis' if things don't workout on offense.

CB - Sir Patrick Scott, Antwaine Richardson 

Outlook: Scott and Richardson are solid prospects that should add depth to the secondary, but the team could use one more guy to add to the mix. Jourdan Lewis is expected to return despite getting All-American accolades this season, so there should be another year before we need anybody from this or 2014's class to step up.


For a more complete analysis of each player see the recruiting pages.

Optimistic Fan Forges Ahead: Debunking Myths and Settling Pessimistic Fan Down

With the first big game in the books - in the form of a loss to Utah Utes (#24) - the naysayers, haters, and those that like to barrow trouble are coming out of the woodwork to unleash their negativity upon Wolverine Nation. Judgement is being cast upon some obvious targets and the prognosis isn't good coming from Pessimistic Fan. However, I am here to tell the rest of you that there is nothing to fear. I saw enough from the Wolverines to actually make me feel good about some particular position groups that have been under fire of late. Although it is evident that the team has a lot of work to do, calling this start to the season a 'complete disaster' would be far-fetched drama. I don't want any part of it! Remember, I am Optimisitic Fan afterall.


Debunking Myths:

Myth #1: The O-line is a mess!

Lots of fans are harping on the O-line after that loss. Even some "analysts" have jabbed at them. I can't say it is without good reason when you look at the rushing stats; the line simply was not quite up to the task come game time. They played with too much tentativeness and not enough tenacity. Credit does need to be given in regards to who they were facing in the Utah front line. They are good every year and showed up again against the Wolverines. Everybody knows they led the nation in sacks last year and they didn't even get one against us. Couple that with the fact that our guys did settle down and actually got better in the second half. As a fan, albeit an often foolishly optimistic one, I feel we do have something to be hopeful about in the front line. I am at least willing to see what they do against Oregon State before casting too much judgement. The Beavers got all they cared to get from FCS opponent Weber State this past weekend in a 26-7 win. Needless to say to anybody in the know, it should be an easier assignment for the boys in the trenches this week. A huge increase in rushing production is expected.


Myth #2: We have no hope at quarterback!

QB Jake Rudock

I know what I saw last Thursday. I don't have to relive it again and again. Every other news outlet and blog is doing that right now. I will just say that if any of the five big negative plays (three INT's and two missed TD's) that our QB was guilty of making went our way, it's a completely different ballgame. It was that close. Before I start passing too much early judgement on Jake Rudock I will wait to see what happens in the games that we should win. The things that give me some real hope are the fact that Rudock did throw two TD's and threw for nearly 300 yards. He also kept his composure enough to lead a late scoring drive that put us within striking distance. I suppose one could say that if we would have gotten the ensuing onside kick we might be talking about a different ballgame as well. Any way you look at it, you did not see a team crumble and fold like we did so many times last year. This team believed it could win. Rudock never doubted himself and he kept fighting. That type of attitude will go a long way towards a successful season.

Myth #3: The defense looked shaky!

No, it really didn't. Utah had a few nice drives, but they were held to 17 points. By comparison, the best scoring defense in the nation last year (Clemson) only averaged 16 points allowed per game. They also held star running back Devontae Booker to 69 yards rushing. He has a total of 103 yards in two games against Michigan. That is very respectable and bodes well for the Wolverines. At any rate, most experts agree that the defense played good enough to beat Utah. Yeah, some turnovers would be nice, but beggars can't be too choosy and I'll take whatever that defense allows me right now.

Myth #4: Utah was an "average" opponent!

No, they are not. They are anything but average. They are one of the best programs in the Pac-12, period. They put a lot of players in the NFL. They are 11-1 in their last 12 bowl appearances. They have had two undefeated seasons in the last 20 years. They return 16 starters on a team that was Top 25 in 2014. They beat both UCLA and USC in SLC last year, and they will beat more good teams in 2015. Michigan has nothing to be ashamed of in regards to losing to a team like Utah, particularly in week one. While the likes of Florida and Clemson are opening up against New Mexico State and Wofford, the Wolverines faced anything but an average opponent in week one. Hell, it was no secret that the Utes were favored to win by a TD. At least Vegas knows what they are talking about!

Myth #5: Brady Hoke left the cupboard bare!

Poor Brady. He gets no credit for anything. While he wasn't putting the type of classes together that they were hauling in at Florida State and Alabama, he was no slouch on the recruiting trail by any means. Unfortunately, he will probably remain known more for the surge of decommitments and big whiffs on some top talent near the end of his regime rather than him being one of the best scouts of defensive talent in the Big Ten. His first class was thin at the top, but produced some gems in Desmond Morgan, Blake Countess, Brennen Beyer, and Frank Clark. His following two classes were ranked #6 (2012) and #4 (2013) respectively, and the bulk of the current two-deep is primarily made up from these two classes. Brady's last haul in 2014 had it's ups and downs. It finished ranked at #20, but only consisted of 17 players - the lowest number of recruits in the top 25! It's safe to say that we haven't even begun to see the talent from that class emerge yet. Overall, Hoke's classes averaged a #14 ranking over those four years, which puts it right in the mix with  the likes of Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Georgia, USC, Oklahoma, and even LSU in regards to talent recruited. I wouldn't sleep on Michigan's talent if I were you, Buckeye fan.

A Legitimately Bold, Fearless, and Maybe a Little Too Optimistic Prediction for the Utah Game

Michigan 21 Utah 16

There are a couple major reasons why Michigan will win this game tonight. While Utah has the clear and present capabilities to beat the Wolverines in the kicking game, Michigan has at least one clear advantage over the Utes in its defense. How good are they? Well, This D returns more than a dozen players with at least one start and several others with loads of quality playing time, and they ranked 7th nationally in yards allowed per game. By comparison, the Utes were not even ranked in the top 50 in that same category. The Wolverines kept the Utes' offense in check most of the game last year, only allowing 81 rushing yards and putting a TD on the board with a returned INT by Willie Henry. While Utah running back Davontae Booker will provide a solid challenge, it will take a monster game from him to really expose this unit. I for one am willing to bet that will not happen tonight. Just as much, QB Travis Wilson will have to be better than his 172 yards passing that he produced last year if they are really hoping to get Michigan's back against the wall.

The single-biggest issue for the team in last year's game was the sheer ineptitude of the quarterback. Neither guy (Devin Gardner/Shane Morris) could get a rhythm going and they left the defense hanging on a short field all day long. There was actually zero threat in the passing game which led to the Utes teeing up on the backs and holding them to 118 yards rushing. The two stats that really jump out at me from that game (besides the three points forced) are Devin Gardner's 27.3 QBR and the three INT's. I am confident that that will NOT happen under Harbaugh. I don't care who is under center, they will not puke up a game like that under his watch. Combine that with an O-line finally coming of age under Drevno and it would not surprise me to see three TD's on the board when it's all said and done. If we would have had just two TD's from the offense last year I would bet we win that game (just saying...).

The single most important factor here is the coaches themselves. This staff is much better than the one under Hoke. You will see a more disciplined Michigan team tonight, mark my words. You will also see better clock management and a more engaged sideline. I am not saying it will be mistake-free football. I'm just saying you won't see five turnovers in the stat sheet, unless it's on the defensive side of the ball.

Go Blue!

Top Five Fall Camp Developments

The wire has been mostly silent in regards to Michigan football over the last month with the program in lock-down as it prepares to compete in the upcoming season. Taking what we've seen so far in media reports and one well-guarded students-only preseason warm-up, along with some rumors that have consistently been swarming around campus, and we've got some things that are worth talking about.

Drake Johnson (#20) returns.

5. No starting running back has emerged. While it is true that nobody has really separated himself from the pack just yet, there is no real cause for alarm. The state of the competition here is not really an indictment on how bad this position group has performed; it just shows how tough the competition is right now. Four different guys have just cause to vie for the starting job and the coaching staff is going to give everybody a chance to show 'em what they've got. Drake Johnson and Derrick Green both averaged around six yards per carry last season, while Ty Isaac did the same his freshman year at USC (2013). De'Veon Smith actually led the team in rushing yards and TD's last year and has reportedly been the most consistent, if unspectacular, player out of the group this off-season. Many fans and writers in the media keep expecting a guy to jump ahead of everyone else, but I am comfortable with what is occurring here. Having a stable of backs isn't the worse thing to ever happen. Besides, running the treads off one guy's tires like Ohio State did to Maurice Clarett doesn't interest me too much. Personally, I would prefer a running back-by-committee approach for much of the first half of the season so we can see what we've actually got in all those guys before we go into the toughest part of the schedule. The competition to be the starter here is going to be a marathon - it' not a sprint. We've got a long season ahead of us so let's not get too caught up in the depth chart just yet.

4. Bryan Mone is out with a broken ankle. This is one of those injuries that hurts at first and continues nagging you a little bit, but in the end it is one that the team is able to work through. Mone has a ton of promise and potential as a big-bodied defender at the nose, but it just so happens that the team is loaded up front on defense with Chris Wormley, Ryan Glasgow, and Willie Henry all returning as starters at tackle. We should expect to see more out of Maurice Hurst Jr and Mathew Godin as well. Both of those guys appear to be ready to contribute in major ways. Any way you slice it, this position is in good shape with or without Mone in the lineup. It is possible that he could return before the season is over, but it might be in everybody's best interest if he takes a medical redshirt. There is no real need to rush him.

Jake Rudock brings experience.

3. Jake Rudock is taking control of the offense. It's really of no surprise to anyone if Rudock eventually wins this competition and earns the start in week one. Although Morris has seemed to improve under Harbaugh and company, he still seems a little too erratic yet and could stand to gain more from standing on the sideline - at least for a couple games anyway. Playing quarterback is all about rhythm and having an ability to shake off bad plays. Devin Gardner couldn't dance and everything seemed to go straight to his head and remain therefor weeks. Needless to say, it cost the team a lot last season. Morris has the physical ability to do it all, but he doesn't seem to have all the confidence needed to pull off the moves in front of a hostile audience. Rudock is the safer pick going into Utah and I think most people would actually be shocked if Morris enters the first game as the starter. If he does, it's because Harbaugh truly knows something that the rest of us don't. While that could be true, when playing the odds it's a safe bet to say that Michigan will be trying to control the game in Salt Lake City with their offensive and defensive lines. The QB just has to not throw the game away and Rudock wasn't anything if he wasn't efficient last year, throwing 18 TD's to only five INT's.

2. Jeremy Clark is playing cornerback. While it isn't unusual to see coaches move guys like this around in an attempt to see what they've got in terms of talent and ability, this move is intriguing in a number of ways. First, consider Clark's size at 6'4" and 205 lbs. Those are extraordinary measurables for a corner, but it is fad that is gaining popularity with the success of guys like Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner, Antonio Cromartie, and Champ Bailey over the last decade or so in the NFL. It's a logical progression for the position considering how big receivers are getting these days. Clark himself proved last year that he can indeed compete in the Big Ten, having started six games at safety. I've praised him myself in past blog posts (Top Five Luxuries on the Wolverine's Roster - crazy4maizeandblue.blogspot.com) and consider him one of the top 25 returning players on the team. His switch to corner is of no real surprise to anybody in the know. The guy has skills and these coaches will get the most out of him.

Drake Harris (#14) is on the rise.

1. Some new names emerging out of the wide receiver group. Most of us fans are pretty confident with Amara Darboh projected to be the number one receiver this fall, but who exactly is going to fill the next few spots after him is a question that has been lingering all off-season. Alas, fall camp is over and we enter the first game week with Harbaugh throwing praise at former four-star prospect and one-time MSU commit Drake Harris. Nobody has ever really argued against Harris' elite athleticism and potential as a player. The biggest question thus far has been durability. If the weight he has gained this past year to get above 180 lbs is solid and he manages to avoid any more major injuries, the redshirt freshman out of Grand Rapids could have a break-out year. Lord knows we could use it! Another name that has risen this fall is Grant Perry. Perry, a true freshman, has shown the type of route-running and concentration they want at the slot position. He will get some opportunities to prove himself early on this season. Freddy Canteen's name has popped up again to cause some buzz around campus as he has apparently had a very good off-season. He could be the first guy in the slot. The most intriguing thing about Canteen, however, is the fact that he has been splitting time equally between corner back and receiver. His close bond with fellow second-year player Jabrill Peppers coupled with the emergence of Grant Perry is helping to facilitate such a move.

Pre-Season Primer: Positional Analysis

Team Position Group Rankings:


1. Defensive Tackle

Arguably the most loaded position on the team, the interior of the D-line has the ability to set the tone early in the season for this team. There are four guys with starting experience and lots of playing time that will be competing among the two-deep at the two tackle spots. Chris Wormley, Willie Henry, Ryan Glasgow, and Bryan Mone all played well last year while leading the 15th best rushing defense in the nation. They will all be back and they are all prepped for a big campaign in 2015. Maurice Hurst Jr. and Mathew Godin also got some playing time last year and both allow this group to legitimately run three-deep. With all the depth here the line should hold strong late in games and should be quite healthy later in the season, and some of the guys will also get a lot of time out at end too (Wormley and Godin). And IF this team is going to beat Utah on September 3rd, it needs these guys to show up in a big way. Note: It appears that Bryan Mone broke his ankle in the first week of fall practice and may miss the entire season.

Expected 2015 Grade: A-


2. Linebackers

Another deep group that is expected to win a lot of battles this fall, the linebackers have five guys with a lot of good experience under their belts. In good I actually mean great, as they lead the defense to being ranked 7th best in the nation in yards allowed last year. A lack of turnovers and complete ineptitude on offense really overshadowed the work these guys did game in and game out, and that was after losing three-year starter Desmond Morgan before the season even really got started. Now Morgan is back, and he joins Joe Bolden and James Ross III as returning senior starters. Bolden should lead the team in total tackles after collecting 102 last season. Ben Gedeon will also get a lot of action once again. He is one of the most athletic guys at the position and will probably be used in a number of different ways under Coach Durkin. Royce Jenkins-Stone and Mike McCray II will both find a way to get PT as well, so this group will run a strong two-deep overall.

Expected 2015 Grade: B+


3. Safety

With the Jabrill Peppers moving over to safety last winter, this position not only returns as one of the deepest on the team, but it also is one with the most star potential. Senior Jarrod Wilson is a steady senior that should start opposite Peppers, but Delano Hill, Jeremy Clark, and Dymonte Thomas will all vie for playing time again too. This group did not play poorly last year, but there was a complete lack of turnovers. That has to change in order for this defense to take a step up this year. Having Peppers, who has all the makings of an All-American-type player, should help improve that drastically. Although, opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers might start avoiding them altogether very early in the season, which could put a damper on their opportunities to make splash plays. If that happens though, expect to start seeing Peppers being used some on offense as the coaches do not want to waste an opportunity to utilize his tremendous speed and athleticism.

Expected 2015 Grade: B


4. Defensive End

Both starters from last year are gone, but the group should actually be better as whole in 2015. Chris Wormley, Taco Charlton, and Mario Ojemudia all have started games and all possess extensive game experience on their respective resumes. Redshirt freshman Lawrence Marshall also appears ready to break into the game day lineup as well. He was singled out by Harbaugh in the spring and could be the team's best pure pass-rusher. There is a chance that he could play the "Buck" linebacker position that is so important in this defense. Tom Strobel, Matt Godin, and true freshman Shelton Johnson all could get snaps too.

Expected 2015 Grade: B-


5. Cornerback

The loss of Blake Countess really hurts the overall depth of the position, but it is not a complete game-changer for the Wolverines. Wayne Lyons, a graduate transfer from Stanford, and Jourdan Lewis, who returns as one of the best overall players from last season, were probably the most-likely to start in this defense anyway, with Countess being the guy who comes in when the defense is running nickel schemes. However, Jabrill Peppers has been the guy that shifts over to become the nickel-backer, so it is highly probable that we will be seeing the coaches utilizing the depth at safety to fill any voids. 6'2" Channing Stribling will be the top backup at corner now. Terry Richardson, Brandon Watson, Reon Dawson, and true freshman Tyree Kinnel, who was recruited as a safety but can play corner, could all get opportunities to play very early. There will be at least three newcomers in the 2016 class as well.

Expected 2015 Grade: B-


6. Tight End

Jake Butt is a First Team All-Big Ten candidate going into his third season on the team and he is expected to see opportunity knock on his door quite often this fall if he stays healthy. 50-plus catches and double digit touchdowns are a possibility for him. Kahlid Hill, A.J. Williams, Ian Bunting, freshman Tyrone Wheatley will compete for time. There is enough raw talent to run three or four-deep here, but one or two injuries could spell disaster.

Expected 2015 Grade: B-


7. Running Back

There is ton of depth here with Derrick Green, DeVeon Smith, and Drake Johnson all returning with starting experience. Ty Isaac, who transferred from USC last year, will also be in the mix. Any four of these guys could start for the Wolverines this fall. They all bring something a little different to the table, so a committee approach could be utilized. Though the coaches are hoping that one of them separates himself from the pack and gives the team a strong shoulder to lean on when the going gets tough.

Expected 2015 Grade: B-


8. Fullback

5th-year senior Joe Kerridge is a fan favorite after earning a scholarship as a walk-on. He should be a team leader in the locker room and should do a lot of dirty work on the field after seeing his overall production continue to increase the last couple years. Sione Houma is another senior that provides that decent depth at the position. Brady Pallante (6'1", 270 lbs!) was moved over here in the winter but he still got reps at defensive tackle in the spring game. Former linebacker Chase Winovich is also being tried out here as well as at tight end. Both guys could challenge for a starting spot in 2016 if they show significant improvement in the next 12 months. There are several recruits committed for the 2016 class that who could play fullback as well, including RB/FB Kingston Davis, LB/FB David Reese, and QB/ATH Victor Viramontes.

Expected 2015 Grade: B-


9. Offensive Line

We all know the story here. When you get down to it there is simply a load of raw talent and experience coming back this season. Considering the struggles over the last couple years though, that might not mean much to a lot of fans. However, all those freshmen and sophomores that started games over the last two years under former line coach Darrell Funk, as well as offensive coordinators Al Borges and Doug Nussmeier, will have a lot of knowledge in the well to draw from this fall as we step into a new era. New line coach and offensive coordinator Tim Drevno could be the guy that gets the most out of this group. He has a proven track record and brings a tougher attitude to the job, and he will find the best guys to help the offense run the ball, period. Right guard Kyle Kalis and left tackle Mason Cole both look like All-Conference candidates, while left guard Ben Braden and right tackle Erik Magnusson both should be solid starters too. Center could see some shakeup with redshirt sophomore Patrick Kugler apparently ready to win the job. That would make returning starter Graham Glasgow the top backup along the interior of the line. The fact that Glasgow has been one of the more consistent starters the last two seasons and he is in jeopardy of losing his job tells me that all that highly-recruited talent from the 2012 and 2013 classes is starting to rise along the front line. Logan Tuley-Tillman and Juwann Bushell-Beaty will fill the backup tackle spots. Both of them are in the 6'6" 320 lbs range and turned some heads in the spring. Of all the position groups on the team, the O-line has the most riding on it being able to take that next step in their collective development. This group has played a lot of football together already. Mind you, most of it was not very good football, but it's not hard to see enough things finally coming together to make dramatic improvements in their overall production. At the very least, I do not see this position as being as much of a weakness as it has been over the last few years. And as they improve, so will every other offensive position.

Expected 2015 Grade: C+


10. Kicking

Graduate transfer Blake O'neill, a former "Australian rules" football player from Melbourne (Australia), was the sixth best punter in the nation at Weber State last year. Expect him to be one of the best in the Big Ten and an improvement over Will Hagerup. Freshman kicker Andrew David will battle senior Kenny Allen for field goal duties, with David having a slight edge in raw ability. Allen will be the backup punter too. The coverage units weren't very good last year but it wasn't for a lack of athletes. Their struggles were more due to a lack of experience and quality coaching. I expect a dramatic improvement overall on special teams.

Expected 2015 Grade: C+


11. Wide Receiver

No other position group on the team is loaded with as much talent but remains as big of a question mark as receiver. Amara Darboh is the closest player to a sure-thing after he caught 36 passes as a sophomore last year. He looked great in the spring and should be the team's number one target on the outside. Jehu Chesson has a lot of game experience too (24 games/7 starts) with 29 catches and one TD in two years. Freddy Canteen has shown a lot of promise during the past two springs but hasn't put it all together on Saturdays yet. Many are expecting a huge leap in production from him in the slot, but he could play out wide at the X or Z positions too. Mo' Ways and Drake Harris are a couple of redshirt freshman that could turn out to be real difference-makers some day, but they have a lot of work to do before getting any game day nods. Bo Dever, Jaron Dukes, and Da'Mario Jones will all be backups that might get a few snaps per game apiece, but they haven't done much thus far in their careers. True freshman Brian Cole, who is one of the better pure athletes at the position, could break into the game day lineup if he has actually learned how to play the position over the summer.

Expected 2015 Grade: C


12. Quarterback

Unless you are a Michigan football fan that has been stuck under a rock the last several years, you know everything there is to know about the downfall of the program. For those of you that might not know specifically what I am talking about let me just say that it isn't rocket science; you don't have to be genius to figure it out. And in case you just didn't know, I will let you in on a not-so-well-kept secret that has somehow avoided you: the Wolverines haven't been very good at quarterback. Yes, the defense was also abysmal under Rich Rod, often placing near the bottom of the national rankings in every major defensive category. While the offense ranked among the best in the Big Ten, Wolverine Nation was never quite sold on the style of play, period. Things improved drastically under Hoke and company, but the QB position never really improved. And that alone has been the bane of the Wolverine's respective existence over the last seven years. That will change under Harbaugh, no matter who is starting. My money is going on Shane Morris to win the job, but I would be stupid to count 5th-year senior and Big Ten vet Jake Rudock  out of the equation. Both guys have talent and both seem to be poised for the job. I am willing to bet that either one of them is better than 50% of the starting QB's in the entire FBS. Redshirt freshman Wilton Speight, along with true freshmen Alex Malzone and Zach Gentry, make the situation a lot more interesting than it has been in a long time. In my opinion, I believe this position will be drastically improved. Enough so that the team can get to 10 wins again. Hoke did it with less talent in 2011 - when they beat Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl to go 11-2. Harbuagh can do it again (and then some) with a roster that is more talented overall and a depth chart that is a lot deeper than most of the country realizes. The Quarterback doesn't have to be great in this offense. He just has to keep the ball from going to the other team in Michigan territory so easily.

Expected 2015 Grade: C


In Conclusion:

This team is actually built to win a lot sooner than most people think. The nation seems to be fixated on proven offensive fire-power, but those that have been around the game enough know that a very good defense, a bruising rushing attack, and solid special teams play can get you in a good position to win the conference. Again, this isn't rocket science. The best running game and defenses have the best chances of winning games in the Big Ten. Just look at all the championship teams of the last decade and you will see that they all had that in common. In fact, you would be pretty hard pressed to find a Big Ten Championship team that didn't do any of those things well. When looking at the roster and considering the coaching staff, I just don't know how anybody can honestly think this team is not capable of reaching the over in wins (The line is 7.5 on the season).

Future Bets: Predictions for the 2015 season.

There are very few weaknesses
in the Wolverine defense.

5. You can bet on Michigan having a Top Ten Defense. This might actually be one of the harder accomplishments to achieve on this list, but it is also probably the most-likely to happen. There is a ton of experience on this side of the ball with 16 guys returning who have at least one start on their resume. There are also several more guys that have received extensive action in numerous game appearances. As young as the unit was last year, and as pitiful as the offense was all season, the D still managed to rank seventh in the nation overall (15th against the rush). They kept us in a lot of games that we should have been getting blown out in by 30 points or more. Now, having survived the most agonizing season ever as a Wolverine fan, it's hard not to have some high expectations. Nearly every position runs three-deep, provided the first and second year players are indeed developing as well as it appears. This should keep the unit well stocked with fresh legs over the course of the season, particularly late in close games when we need a defensive stand or two. Also - as a bonus bet - I believe Michigan will triple the amount of INT's it collects as they did in 2014 when they only had five while Gardner tossed up 15 by himself! If there is one thing to know about football is that the higher your turnover ration is, the greater your chances of winning become. It's pretty simple. It's not rocket science - it's football.

4. You can bet on Michigan increasing it's offensive production by 100 yards per game. In 2014, behind a miscast Devin Gardner at QB and a very young O-line made up of one junior, three sophomores, and a true freshman, the Wolverines barely scraped together 333 yards per game. That was good enough to be ranked 115th in the country out of 128 teams. With Harbaugh now on the sidelines and the most experienced roster in the country returning, Michigan is looking for a fairly quick turnaround and a significant increase in overall offensive production. In the end, I expect them to finish ranked around 40th in the country in total offense (430 total yards per game), which would be a huge leap in production. To break it down even further, I see an increase of about 30 yards per game rushing and 70 yards per game passing. Those aren't unreasonable numbers at all when you consider how awful the offensive stat lines were last year.

3. You can bet on Michigan having a Top 25 rushing offense. Again, the rushing offense was put on the shoulders of a young O-line and a young corps of backs the last two years. The results were all over the place - inconsistent at best. Three sophomores split the majority of the time in the backfield, each with varied levels of success. The injuries that derailed both Derrick Green's and Drake Johnson's respective seasons left the offense without much continuity. Green was averaging 5.7 yards per carry and Johnson 6.0 yards per carry before they each went down. With everybody coming back, along with the addition of former USC Trojan Ty Isaac, it appears we have the makings of a very good run game. Look for an increase of around one yard per carry as a team (5.6) and an overall increase of at least 700 rushing yards on the season. Getting to 3,000 as a team is by no means out of the question when you wager in the fact that Harbaugh and Drevno will give it all they got. 

Expect players like Amara Darboh to
increase their production in 2015.

2. You can bet on Michigan increasing it's passing production by at least 65 yards per game. Michigan ranked 112th in the country, averaging 170 yards through the air and producing twice as many turnovers as it did touchdowns. You can bet that will change under Harbaugh, no matter who is playing quarterback. The QB position itself is actually stocked with more raw talent right now than it has had since Chad Henne and Ryan Mallet were both on the roster. There is a lot of youth though. Senior graduate-transfer Jake Rudock holds the most game experience with 25 starts at Iowa and junior Shane Morris is the most experienced returning QB with two starts and a concussion on his resume. Rudock is many fan's favorite to win the job but I have a strong feeling in my gut that Morris is going to rise to the challenge. There is no doubt he has the strong arm to put the ball anywhere on the field, but he really needs a boost in confidence. If Harbaugh is as good as his record indicates, Morris should surprise a lot of people this fall. He is actually a lot faster than most people realize too, which possibly makes him a threat to run it himself sometimes. Overall, the most important thing to remember about Morris is that he has barely been on campus for two years and is already on his third Offensive Coordinator and QB coach. The environment hasn't been there for him to mature properly. I am willing to bet that Harbaugh, Drevno, and Fisch are all better than what was here before them, and they will get the most out of what they got right now.

1. You can bet on Michigan winning eight games in 2015. The Over/Under on Michigan's win total for this season is 7.5 wins. I would have no problem taking the over and betting that Michigan can make it through the 12 game schedule with at least eight wins. Utah, Penn State, Michigan State, and Ohio State all look like the toughest opponents, although there are very few creampuffs that will be sharing the field with the Wolverines this fall. They currently own the 31st toughest schedule in the FBS for 2015, but this is the most experienced roster in the country. They will get a very early test when they travel to Salt Lake City to open up the season in a night game against the 21st ranked Utes. Do not be surprised to see them upset at least one opponent (possibly the Utes in week one) if not two or three before it's all said and done though. High hopes? No, I don't think so. There is more talent on the roster than most people think too. It consists of two top ten recruiting classes (2012, 2013) and two others that were in the top 30 (2011, 2014). Harbaugh is actually walking into a great situation in regards to talent, and, as I've said before, it is the most experienced roster in the country. Yes, there were a lot of bad experiences along the way, but there is always hope that players will learn from their early mistakes. In fact, I am betting on it, and I am so confident in this team that I would be willing to put some money on them winning nine.