|
|
|
RB
Michael Hart (PHOTO CREDIT: Eric Bronson /
Wolverine Photo) |
|
2004
Statistics |
Coach:
Lloyd Carr
95-29,
10 years |
2004
Record: 9-3 |
|
MIAMI
OH |
WON
43-10 |
at
Notre Dame |
LOST
20-28 |
SAN
DIEGO STATE |
WON
24-21 |
IOWA |
WON
30-17 |
at
Indiana |
WON
35-14 |
MINNESOTA |
WON
27-24 |
at
Illinois |
WON
30-19 |
at
Purdue |
WON
16-14 |
MICHIGAN
STATE |
WON
45-37 |
NORTHWESTERN |
WON
42-20 |
at
Ohio State |
LOST
21-37 |
ROSE
BOWL |
vs.
Texas |
LOST
37-38 |
|
2004 Final Rankings
AP-14, Coaches-12, BCS-13
|
2005
Outlook |
Let's
just cut right to the chase; fans
are beginning to grow impatient with
losses in September. For a team that
will be prepped as one of the top
five nationally by many (including
ourselves), non-conference losses
just won't due for the Ann Arbor faithful
or national title hopes. There isn't
a single road game in these first
three. But a thin defense looks vulnerable
early, and how UM handles a resurgent
Notre Dame will say much about how
the stopping unit will perform, and
therefore the entire team's direction
for '05.
For
the past 40 years, Michigan has arguably
been the nation's most consistent
program. The Wolverines, although
rarely getting over the proverbial
hump in terms of national supremacy,
have been a staple in the nation's
top ten teams since Schembechler took
over in 1969. Fans in the capital
genuinely expect such, and they won't
be satisfied until they hit the top.
Realization of yet another top five
team has created as much pressure
as ever, and, therefore, another 3-loss
season likely won't sit well. Such
pressures will adversely affect these
18-22 year olds. Being an underdog
always bodes better to spawn the competitive
fires - starting so near the top means
there is only place to go. But that
itself isn't always bad, for enduring
an early loss to then win out gets
you back to the top quicker than a
week seven or week eight loss the
same way. Michigan got help last year
to win the Big Ten, and just ask Ohio
State if playing Notre Dame helps
luck rubs off onto them. Just when
counted out, the Wolverines always
seem to surprise, so we will cover
our butts by stating this, thank you.
For
a team with so much youth in its two-deep
charts on defense, areas of turnover
could actually spell improvement over
2004's (uncharacteristically) marginal
areas of performance (33rd in total
defense, 42nd in scoring defense,
and 39th at run-stopping). Even in
light of great (skill position) offensive
talent, Michigan's entire campaign
will lie on the backs of incoming
freshman throughout. In a proverbial
flip-flop of last season's storyline,
the 2005 Wolverines will rely on offense
to carry them through the first half
of the season. Look for UM to drop
to around No.15 before ascending again
into the top ten. Once the youth is
able to develop through experience,
Michigan will progress into a dominant
force come mid-October. OSU's Big
House visit will decide the conference
title, so follow the mystery of Michigan
til then to see "who-done-it"
in the end for the Maize-and Blue.
Like last year, you'll be surprised,
we promise.
Projected
2005 record: 9-2
|
|
MICHIGAN
*POWER RATINGS |
Offense |
Defense |
QB
- 3.5 |
DL
- 4 |
RB
- 4.5 |
LB
- 3.5 |
WR
- 4.5 |
DB
- 3 |
OL
- 5 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS |
Passing:
Chad Henne, 399-240-12, 2743 yds.,
25 TD
Rushing: Michael Hart, 282
att., 1455 yds., 9 TD
Receiving: Jason Avant, 38
rec., 447 yds., 3 TD
Scoring: Garrett Rivas, 19-24
FG, 37-41 PAT, 94 pts.
Punting: None
Kicking: None
Tackles: LaMarr Woodley, 70
tot., 58 solo; Lawrence Reid, 70 tot.,53
solo
Sacks: Patrick Massey, 5 sacks
Interceptions: Scott McClintock,
2 for 24 yds.; Leon Hall, 2 for 0
yds.; Ryan Mundy, 2 for 38 yds
Kickoff Returns: Steve Breaston,
28 ret., 24.6 avg., 0 TD
Punt Returns: Steve Breaston,
24 ret., 12.2 avg., 1 TD
|
|
|
DT
Gabe Watson (PHOTO CREDIT: Amir Gamzu / Wolverine
Photo) |
|
|
|
|
MICHIGAN
|
|
|
OFFENSE
- 8 |
----RETURNING
STARTERS---- |
DEFENSE
- 6 |
|
KEY
LOSSES |
OFFENSE:
Kevin Dudley-FB, David Underwood-TB,
Braylon Edwards-WR, David Baas-C, Clayton
Richard-QB (baseball) |
DEFENSE:
Roy
Manning-OLB, Marlin Jackson-CB, Markus
Curry-CB, Adam Finley-P, Ernest Shazor-SS
(NFL), Lawrence Reid-ILB (medical),
Larry Harrison-DE (susp.) |
|
|
|
2005
OFFENSE |
Quarterback
It
is safe to say that no one in Ann Arbor
saw the impacting emergence of true freshman
Chad Henne coming. After leading the Wolverines
to a 9-3 record, and a second consecutive
Big Ten title (by default, earning it only
through other's losses), Henne has consequently
placed himself in Michigan's infamous quarterback
trap. The lack of depth behind the sophomore
seems somewhat alarming, though. Whether
or not redshirt junior Matt Gutierrez will
be fully recovered from shoulder surgery
is still an unknown, and redshirt sophomore
Clayton Richard has already elected not
to participate in spring practice(s). This
means that another true freshman, Jason
Forcier, would be thrust into a starting
role should Henne go down early on. Forcier
is a dual threat with a quick first three
steps. Despite a year of wisdom and experience,
don't expect Chad Henne's numbers to improve
dramatically. Without the high-flying antics
of Braylon Edwards, some of the off-target
throws saved by '#1' will now likely become
incompletions. Henne will remain a steady
enough pocket sitter (132.56 passer rating),
but his continued development is crucial
for the team to take any next steps.
Running
Back
As
for the other UM true freshman 'coming-out'
party, Michael Hart has placed himself amongst
the nation's premier backs. The sophomore
fits Michigan's offensive play-calling perfectly,
an inside vision-skilled runner with a consistent
ability to make plays in the passing game
(26 catches). Expect Hart (NC.net third-team
all-American) to be used more in this twin-role.
Unfortunately, a crop of inexperienced talent
lurks just behind Hart's 282 totes at tailback.
The next closest ball carrier, sophomore
Max Martin, had a mere 32 tries with the
pigskin. Frosh blue-chipper Kevin Grady
(Rivals.com ranked him 4th for all incoming
RBs) is, too, expected to contribute. When
indeed conjured, Grady's power running style
and size will be used as a one-two punch
with Michael Hart. Michigan's lone backfield
loss, FB Kevin Dudley, may create a case
of situational usage. Senior Brian Thompson
is more of a traditional hard-nosed blocker,
whereas redshirt freshman Roger Allison
(4.54-40 speed) has been praised for bringing
great athleticism to the spot. When Allison
is in, look for him to get the rock early,
which will keep LBs/blitzers honest. Expect
more production from the position in 2005.
Receiver
Despite
the return of two-thirds of Michigan's "triple
threat", the loss of Biletnikoff Award-winner
Braylon Edwards could leave Michigan's WR
struggling with an identity crisis. Now,
with the apparent lack of a consistent deep
threat, the Wolverines need a big play man
to emerge. Jason Avant, now taking the place
of Edwards, brings great hands to the table,
but also lacks the breakaway speed needed
for a dominant senior season. Redshirt junior
Steve Breaston had previously been used
for his YAC (yards after catch) capacity,
but his role this season will likely be
as that deeper threat. Breaston's lack of
size, along with Avant's apparent lack of
game speed, creates a need for a 'go to'
receiver to emerge. The likely candidate
to replace Edwards this way is sophomore
Adrian Arrington. In spite of limited action,
Arrington has all the physical skills necessary
to take on a larger role in 2005. His optimal
size and speed make him ideal for the flanker
spot. Michigan has plenty of youthful talent,
but a new "big man" becomes a
definite necessity that could, if not found,
affect the teams win total.
Tight
End
Tim
Massaquoi responded to Michigan's TE hiccups
by placing himself as a unanimous first
team all-Big Ten selection, albeit via hauling
in just 18 catches. Massaquoi's WR background
makes him a mismatch (for LBs and safeties)
with tight end size and wideout speed. He
and fellow tight end Tyler Ecker had a combined
35 catches last season, but we would expect
that number to soar as Michigan adapts its
ever-changing offensive philosophy to suit
new personnel (especially at WR).
Offensive
Line
The
lack of continuity and an abundance of youth
(especially on the offensive front) showed
last campaign in the form of poor communication,
missed assignments, and confusion during
secondary/linebacker blitzes (see OSU game).
The Wolverines allowed a marginal 29 sacks
on the year, the most for a Michigan team
since 2001, and paved the way for an un-glorified
3.8 YPC. Michigan still returns four of
five big eaters up front. Seniors Adam Stenovich
(LT) and Matt Lentz (G), both third-team
all-Americans in our opinion, will ground
this crew well. Transplant guard Leo Henige
will battle with Mark Bihl for the crucial
center position, a competition which bodes
well (both men have starting experience
and excellent footwork). Sophomore starting
guard Jake Long has surpassed expectations
- his continued development says much, too,
about this line's status. Barring injuries,
a year of experience, along with stellar
backs, should lead this unit to its most
productive effort in quite some time.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
Even
in light of losing two first team all-Americans
on this side of the ball, Michigan has an
abundance of skill position talent that
shouldn't be doubted by foes. There aren't
any major weaknesses at first glance, and
playmakers dot the horizon in every unit.
Expect the young duo of Chad Henne and Mike
Hart to decimate defenses early and often
with great balance. Be sure to watch out
for how offensive coordinator Terry Malone
utilizes his other backs and tight ends
in a shorter passing game now without any
home-run hitters (yet) at WR. Once such
a methodical approach is in place, then
look for Henne to establish the deep ball.
If no deep threat emerges, the second half
of the season could be that much tougher
as the underneath routes are easily anticipated
by foes. And even if this happens, the running
game is strong and deep enough that UM's
backs could carry them through such adversity
and keep Ann Arbor a winning town.
|
|
OT
Adam Stenavich (PHOTO CREDIT: Eric
Bronson / Wolverine Photo)
|
|
|
MICHIGAN
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
OFFENSE |
QB |
Chad
Henne-So (6-2, 225) |
Matt
Gutierrez-Jr (6-4, 232) |
FB |
Brian
Thompson-Jr (6-2, 230) |
Obianna
Oluigbo-Jr (6-0, 237)
Roger Allison-Fr (6-1, 233) |
TB |
Michael
Hart-So (5-9, 185) |
Max
Martin-So (6-1, 215)
Kevin Grady-Fr (5-11, 228) |
WR |
Steve
Breaston-Jr (6-1, 179) |
Adrian
Arrington-So (6-3, 184) |
WR |
Jason
Avant-Sr (6-1, 210) |
Carl
Tabb-Jr (6-2, 192)
Doug Dutch-Fr (6-0, 190) |
TE |
Tim
Massaquoi-Sr (6-4, 248) |
Tyler
Ecker-Jr (6-6, 247) |
OT |
Adam
Stenavich-Sr (6-5, 317) |
Mike
Kolodziej-Jr (6-7, 328) |
OG |
Adam
Kraus-So (6-6, 311) |
Alex
Mitchell-Fr (6-5, 319) |
C |
Rueben
Riley-Jr (6-3, 304) |
Adam
Kraus-So (6-6, 311)
Mark Bihl-Jr (6-4, 297) |
OG |
Matt
Lentz-Sr (6-6, 305) |
Leo
Henige-Sr (6-4, 339) |
OT |
Jake
Long-So (6-7, 338) |
Brett
Gallimore-Fr (6-4, 302) |
K |
Garrett
Rivas-Jr (5-9, 216) |
Ross
Ryan-Jr (6-0, 206) (KO) |
|
|
2005
DEFENSE |
Defensive
Line
First-team
all-Big Ten defensive tackle Gabe Watson,
and senior Patrick Massey will anchor a
razor-thin defensive front for the Wolverines.
The sudden lack of depth, due to losses
of starting DE Larry Harrison (legal) and
second-string DT Alex Ofili (NFL Draft),
has left the Wolverines scrounging for younger
players willing to fill the void. Such a
task will be likely left to outside "swing-players"
Pierre Woods and LaMarr Woodley should UM
go with a 4-3. But this may also constitute
a stay of the 3-4. Both Woods and Woodley
are listed at outside linebacker, but both
had played defensive end early in their
college careers. Look for both to be on
the line, though often in menacing two-point
stances. In a 3-4 base, the Wolverines will
need to find a "tweener"-DE/DT
who is large enough to play the strongside
end spot. The vacated end spot should wind
up in the hands of second-year man Alan
Branch. Branch has shown great explosiveness
off the ball in the strongside spot, and
has occupied it well for noticeable stints.
Development of incoming freshman talent
is promising, and a few will emerge from
spring ball to meaningfully impact any needs.
The loss of line coach Bill Sheridan will
only be a minor bump here.
Linebacker
News
of starting MLB Lawrence Reid's career-ending
nerve condition has left Michigan thin on
starting talent here, too. The Wolverines,
now without two starters from 2004, will
make adjustments up front to compensate
for a lack of starting experience. The starting
talent is adequate, but not overly appealing.
Should they elect to stick with a 3-4, capable
linebackers at every position will be tough
to find, and injuries would prove decimating.
The Wolverines seem to have stocked up with
a modest crop of quick linebackers in the
past three recruiting classes. The spring
developments of the incoming youth here
will most determine the Wolverine's defensive
scheme choice. Movement within the depth
charts all throughout the front seven will
tell all, so keep your eyes peeled here.
Defensive
Back
After
losing most of a shaky secondary, it seems
as if the current backs could still be the
weakest link of them all on this side of
the ball. Michigan has just two corners
with meaningful experience, and will be
tested depth-wise against opposing three-
and four-receiver sets. The Wolverines will
rely on junior Leon Hall to blanket opposing
studs. Hall's 12 career starts make him
the most experienced in a thin defensive
backfield. Opposite Hall will be fifth-year
senior Grant Mason, who has just a single
start in his career. Ryan Mundy is the free
safety as of now, but five-star ILB-recruit
Prescott Burgess came in as the nation's
highest-rated safety and is a prime candidate
to bolster underneath coverages.
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
With
such an immense lack of depth up front,
it seems inevitable that Michigan will elect
to stay with the 3-4 base. This would keep
the play in front of the newbies until they
can match-up one-on-one and not get (the
team) burned. Until such an aggressive effort
is put forth, Michigan will continue to
struggle on the defensive side of the ball.
The Wolverines allowed 23.2 PPG, their highest
tally since the 1962 campaign. The loss
of two all-Americans in the secondary provides
a basis for disaster. With so much youth
in the defensive backfield, Michigan can
no longer rely on secondary players to come
up and make tackles in the box. Accordingly,
the front seven has to stop most activity
as it develops. In allowing 37 (to Ohio
State) and 38 (to Texas) points in their
last two outings, this crew has its work
cut out just to prove to themselves they
are still viable. The first few games will
tell much about all of these character issues.
|
|
LB
LaMarr Woodley (PHOTO CREDIT: Eric
Bronson / Wolverine Photo)
|
|
|
MICHIGAN
2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
DEFENSE |
DE |
Jeremy
Van Alstyne-Jr (6-4, 262) |
Tim
Jamison-Fr (6-3, 250) |
DT |
Gabe
Watson-Sr (6-4, 331) |
Alan
Branch-So (6-6, 323) |
DT |
Pat
Massey-Sr (6-8, 284) |
Will
Johnson-Fr (6-4, 287)
Marques Walton-Fr (6-0, 280) |
DE |
LaMarr
Woodley-Jr (6-2, 268) |
Pierre
Woods-Sr (6-5, 247) |
SLB |
Prescott
Burgess-Jr (6-3, 236) |
Shawn
Crable-So (6-5, 247) |
MLB |
David
Harris-Jr (6-2, 246) |
John
Thompson-Fr (6-0, 229) |
WLB |
Chris
Graham-So (5-11, 225) |
Scott
McClintock-Sr (6-2, 246) |
CB |
Grant
Mason-Sr (6-0, 196) |
Morgan
Trent-Fr (6-0, 185)
Darnell Hood-Jr (5-11, 190) |
CB |
Leon
Hall-Jr (5-11, 191) |
Charles
Stewart-Fr (6-1, 194) |
SS |
Brandent
Englemon-So (5-11, 199) |
Jamar
Adams-So (6-2, 207) |
FS |
Ryan
Mundy-Jr (6-1, 204) |
Willis
Barringer-Jr (6-0, 202) |
P |
Zoltan
Mesko-Fr (6-4, 225) |
Garrett
Rivas-Jr (5-9, 216)
Mark Spencer-Sr (6-0, 223) |
|
|
|
2005
SPECIAL TEAMS |
Kicker
Placekicker
Garrett Rivas, who has often been criticized for
a lack of leg strength, has yet to handle the
kickoff duties as a Wolverine, despite going 19-of-24
in FGs. Our early guess is that the aforementioned
Mesko could step in and contribute as a kickoff
specialist as well.
Punter
The
Wolverines now look towards incoming freshman
sensation Zoltan Mesko out of Twinsburg, Ohio.
Mesko, rated the second highest kicker (Rivals.com)
of his recruiting class, is expected to take over
the punting duties at Michigan from day one. The
Wolverines' net punting ranked 77th, but youth
in the defensive units means this should improve
as they compete for playing time through coverage
of both types of kicks.
Return
Game
Receiver
Steve Breaston stuffed out any rumblings in this
unit with a Rose Bowl record-setting 221 return
yards (on six touches). Breaston, who also has
three punt return TDs in his Michigan career,
will handle well both return roles.
|
|
|
|
|
|
QB
The job is still Henne's to lose. His legs have
gotten stronger and he still throws a dart. Matt
Gutierrez is coming back from a severe shoulder
injury and subsequent surgery, and he will not be
back to 100% until fall, but the redshirt junior's
arm has shown remarkable recovery in limited play
under the spring "no hit the QB rule".
He is considered way ahead of rehab schedule. Gutierrez
is by far a better leader and has an unmatched knowledge
of the system. The concern at this position is a
severe lack of depth. Clayton Richard will forego
the rest of his college career to play professional
baseball, which now forces incoming freshman Jason
Forcier into a "get ready" situation.
RB
Michigan could be using a form of the "Triple
Crown" this fall as three RBs are likely
to see a good deal of carries. Mike Hart is still
No. 1 and has become an even better pass receiver
this spring, and he is still the better of the
three at finding the hole. His receiving dimension
will make him that much more of a weapon. Max
Martin is the fastest, and he had a great April.
The best news is that Martin did not fumble the
ball the last three weeks of spring practice,
a problem that has kept him off the field in the
past. The third back, freshman Kevin Grady, has
been labeled a bowling ball because taking him
to the turf has proven difficult.
FB
This was one of the biggest question marks coming
out of spring. Many feel Roger Allison is/was
the first option. But there is a good chance he
will miss the season due to a nerve condition
he suffered via a neck injury last fall; it's
a tough blow if this is the case, given the praise
he has received since coming to Ann Arbor. He
can run, block and catch, and he would see solid
playing time if he becomes available. Brian Thompson
is the next option and has proven ability as a
receiver, but he also sat out spring while walking
on crutches. Thompson should be able to resume
practice before August arrives. With the injuries,
Obi Oluigbo stepped up but has some ways to go
before being counted on as a starter. Another
option was attempted with Mike Massey (Pat's younger
brother) playing the FB role. Using tight ends
as fullback hybrids is not something new to this
coaching staff, and is a proven, viable option.
Massey apparently has great hands and could play
a role.
WR
Redshirt freshman Doug Dutch can fly and has lost
a bit of weight. His speed makes things happen.
Look for Dutch to see quality time as he stretches
the field. Adrian Arrington was limited much of
spring with a hamstring injury and is another
quality recruit coaches are counting on to provide
depth. Morgan Trent has moved to the secondary,
but did see some action at WR in some two-minute
drills.
OL
Injuries haunted this unit all spring and made
it impossible to secure players in an exact location.
It also made it difficult to run plays against
the experienced Michigan defensive line. The good
news is that all players are expected back in
time for fall. Guys were forced into double-time
(at multiple OL positions). At center, Rueben
Riley looks to be the starter after moving over
from guard, but was unable to go 100 percent this
spring, which did not allow coaches to secure
this spot. Adam Kraus, who sat out spring with
a shoulder injury, is the likely backup. Mark
Bihl and (top newcomer) Alex Mitchell will battle
into the fall for depth at center, too. Alex Mitchell
can play any of the three inside positions and
will surely contribute. He was the most impressive
of the younger linemen, having dropped a good
deal of weight. Bihl lined up anywhere from center
to left tackle but needs a big summer in the strength
department to regain playing time. Adam Stenavich
shifted from left to right tackle at times since
RT Jake Long also sat out spring with a shoulder
injury. When all return, it will just be a matter
of finding the right combination - then things
will gel.
DL
This is the deepest group in years. Gabe Watson
has the potential to be the most dominant defensive
linemen to ever play at Michigan, despite the
fact he entered spring overweight and out of shape
(to the dismay of coaches). He still needs to
work hard to become an every down guy. Despite
his condition, he dominated during spring ball.
New defensive line coach Steve Stripling has been
a major asset according to head coach Carr, and
he has/will continue(d) to work hard at increasing
last season's poor sack total. In short, Pat Massey
had and unbelievable spring. When Jeremy Van Alstyne
comes back, this group will be extremely deep.
Did we mention that already? LB Shawn Crable has
been seen taking snaps at DE, a position currently
held by a disappointing Pierre Woods, (coaches
had hoped would elevate his game). The move opens
up questions in terms of Woods anticipated production,
which really fell off in '04. He has potential
but seems content to rest on his 2003 accomplishments.
LaMarr Woodley and Tim Jamison could do a position
switch in uncertain terms - their moves from OLB
to playing with their hands down most of spring
were warranted. (See more below on the 3-4 defense).
LB
Receiving the most praise this spring were WLB
Chris Graham and MLB David Harris. Graham is much
bigger and stronger. His play so far has received
rave reviews from coaches and players. Harris
was set to become a sure starting MLB two years
ago (before he blew out his knee), and he now
appears to be strong. He would likely be the starter
if the season began today, which would demonstrate
how far he has come since the injury. He is primed
for a breakout season. Veteran Scott McClintock
has been banged up but can/will contribute time
in either the middle or on the weakside as needed.
Shawn Crable and his explosive speed will be used
in many ways it appears, in an effort to take
advantage of his athleticism. In addition to playing
SLB, he also lined up at DE as already mentioned
to help the pass rush. Another young LB who is
expected to contribute this fall is Prescott Burgess.
Depending on the alignment, any of these players
could be used as the starting three.
CB
To quote Lloyd Carr, "Leon Hall has a chance
to be one of the better cornerbacks we've ever
had here." This is quite a statement to be
compared with the likes of Ty Law and Charles
Woodson. Marlin Jackson's departure will not be
so missed. Hall has been a leader on the field,
too. He has struggled at times trying to cover
Steve Breaston, but that is quite common for most
corners. Work against Breaston will only make
him better. Grant Mason holds down the other side,
and he has both the tools and the swagger needed
for success. Can he do it on every snap is the
question. Charles Stewart, Darnell Hood, and at
least one of the freshman will likely battle for
time, as well. There hasn't been much talk of
Hood this spring, and reviews on Stewart are mixed.
The big move was WR Morgan Trent to CB in an effort
to secure a deeper secondary. It's just a matter
of time before the knowledgeable Trent is a significant
contributor. He is the most physically gifted
of all the corners.
SAFETY
By far, safety is the biggest question mark on
defense with all of the departures. The spring
surprise here was that Brandent Englemon was running
primarily with the first team instead of Jamar
Adams. No matter what, Adams will play regardless
of who is named first team. Competition here will
continue into the fall. Englemon appears to have
picked up the system more quickly after having
learned much while redshirting in '03. Luckily,
Ryan Mundy has really shown up this spring at
free safety. Other possibilities include Willis
Barringer or Anton Campbell stepping in at either
strong or free safety, and providing much needed
depth.
SPECIAL
TEAMS
Look for Ross Ryan to handle kickoff duties, although
Garrett Rivas has continued to improve this spring.
True freshman Zoltan Mesko is expected to take
over as starting punter after raising eyebrows
with his booming kicks in the U.S. Army all-American
Bowl this past January. Mesko is reported to have
a cannon for a leg, but he needs some work with
consistency. He better come in ready, and that's
simply due to the fact that Michigan has nobody
else. Last year's backups to Adam Finley were
two walk-ons and both struggled. If Mesko cannot
assume the duties, Garrett Rivas will likely serve
double- time as a punter/kicker. Mesko will also
compete for kickoff duties.
INJURIES
Michigan fought through the injury bug this spring.
Optimism abounds, though, in that everyone should
be ready to go, with the exception of FB Roger
Allison, who is a question mark with his nerve
condition. Offensive lineman Leo Henige is still
not where he needs to be. Brian Thompson, Reuben
Riley Jake Long, Adam Kraus and Jeremy Van Alstyne
are all expected back in full health.
DEFENSIVE
ALIGNMENT (3-4 vs. 4-3)
The spring showed that coaches are going to utilize
both a 3-4 and a 4-3 alignment on defense depending
on the situation. The staff likes the flexibility
which allows them to get the best 11 players on
the field depending on down and distance. Four
guys are capable of playing in either a two- or
three-point stance, especially after spending
a good deal of time practicing in the 3-4 for
over a year now. If successful, this could create
some confusing situations for opponents' assignments.
Look for the four-man front to take priority,
seeing how QB pressure will be the key given their
lack of any surge this way last fall, and the
fact the secondary is not as experienced. For
certain, fans will see some of the 3-4, too. |
|
|
|
|
|
|