A No-Name Team, But For How Long? Comment Count

Ace



Michigan's most recognizable player spent most of 2014 in sweats. [Fuller]

Who's going to be the star?

The last time Michigan entered a season with this little in way of proven standout players, Rich Rodriguez was in his first year as head coach. This season should—will—be better, but that uncertainty lingers. We don't know who's going to start at quarterback or running back. Any attempt to fill in the starting receiver spots should be done in pencil. There's no behemoth tackle destined for NFL riches, or a Steve Hutchinson promising pain with every pull, or even a David Molk delighting line play enthusiasts with his nimble reach blocks.

The defense, down a barbarian, would be similarly faceless if not for the presence of Jabrill Peppers, whose status is still based far more on his seemingly limitless potential than anything he did in three games last season before falling to injury. Only one returning defender so much as earned all-conference honorable mention in 2014: Blake Countess, who by all accounts had a down year.

This is, admittedly, cause for concern, though the 2008 comparison doesn't hold up when accounting for depth, talent, and the like. Brady Hoke's strong recruiting has left Jim Harbaugh with plenty of potential stars to coach. Saturday's Spring Game should provide the first hints as to who will step into featured roles this year, and which numbers will grace the replica uniforms at the M Den. (The newest addition is the #4 jersey, and with all due respect to De'Veon Smith, we all know why that's the case.)

Some candidates are more obvious than others. Jourdan Lewis looked the part of a lockdown corner for much of last season, and a greater emphasis on press man coverage should play into his strengths. Taco Charlton is only getting bigger and stronger after making some eye-opening plays as a sophomore. While he won't be confused for David Harris, Desmond Morgan is a steadying presence in the middle. Practice reports have Peppers living up to his sky-high expectations.

Heck, there's even a chance Michigan finally sees one of their blue-chip offensive line recruits translate recruiting plaudits into collegiate success. And if that happens, at least one of those running backs should break out, right?

It's unusual for Michigan to be in this position. Even the Rodriguez-Hoke changeover had Denard Robinson as a comforting constant. Unlike the last couple transitions, however, there's talented depth on both sides of the ball. There may not be proven stars littering the two-deep, but the ones on the coaching staff provide a lot of hope that'll change soon. Let's hope that optimism is only bolstered this weekend.

Comments

ThadMattasagoblin

March 31st, 2015 at 2:10 PM ^

I mean I don't think we really have a star player but each area of the team is pretty solid. Desmond Morgan, Joe Bolden, Ben Gedeon are pretty solid at LB, Wayne Lyons, Peppers, Lewis, Wilson, and Hill should be a pretty good DB corp, Glasgow, Cole, Kalis, Braden etc. allowed us to rush for quite a few yards in November. Kerridge and Drake Johnson did pretty well in November. Butt was good when he was healthier later on. The question marks should be receiver, QB and the defensive tackles. It still seems we're replacing a lot less than in recent years. But yeah there's no first round pick out there yet.

RyGuy

March 31st, 2015 at 2:16 PM ^

Jim Harbaugh will be our star player when he gets mad, puts on pads and a uniform, and runs onto the field. His intense glare will dissuade the referees and officials who try to insist that he's not eligible.

GotBlueOnMyMind

March 31st, 2015 at 2:20 PM ^

I really think Joe Bolden is going to blow up this year. Everyone seems to forget that he was a top 100 recruit coming out of high school, and it really seemed to start to click for him last year.

Bodogblog

March 31st, 2015 at 3:48 PM ^

Talking about stars though.  Bolden was solid and made some nice plays, good leadership with defensive calls, but he needs to get a lot better to be a star.  He needs to punish ballcarriers, take on blocks with more authoritah - plugging holes with a quick stalemate of the O lineman (near the LOS) if not actually making the tackle -, and he needs diagnose more quickly and avoid blockers altogether to make plays in the backfield.  That's what the Ian Golds and David Harris's did.  Boldon's above average, and he certainly improved last year.  But he needs to take some big steps forward to be a star.  

WolverineHistorian

March 31st, 2015 at 2:32 PM ^

Your last sentence cracked me up, Ace. Because I don't think Michigan fans have EVER had optimism after the spring game. And ever since the BTN started televising the game, the most common comment you read online from our fans is, " OMG, we suck!"

Here on this blog, it would be funny to go back and read the reaction from the 2011 spring game. Denard looked awful, the defense looked awful, special teams was awful, etc. Complete meltdown city. And THAT team ended up going 11-2.

It's in our DNA to panic after the spring game more often than not. I usually do OK. But I admit I was close to panic level after watching the August night scrimmage last year. That certainly didn't ease my mind less than two weeks from the opener.




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AC1997

March 31st, 2015 at 2:45 PM ^

I think there's a potential for Jake Butt to be one of the stars of this team.  I realize that's hard for a TE to do, even the best ones, but I think if he pairs with whatever young/unproven QB wins the job and starts catching some TDs that there is potential there. 

 

I love Lewis and think he's going to be a star.

 

Finally, I think the stage will be set for a RB to make a name for himself.  I am less optimistic than the other two guys, but I do think the strategy, coaching, experience, and OL improvements will set the stage for someone to step forward if they really are as talented as their recruiting ratings once suggested.

mgobaran

March 31st, 2015 at 2:57 PM ^

I agree. We have three guys who were some of the top RB's in the class, all entering their 3rd year into college. If the line makes the same step forward they did the past season (I'm guessing they take a larger step this season), then I think one of these RBs explode. 

My guess is that it is Issac, and he has a better year than Toussaint in 2011.

alum96

March 31st, 2015 at 8:33 PM ^

I have no idea on Isaac - I hope he will be a star but he is currently getting the "backup QB" treatment.  The guy we have no seen is clearly better than the guy we have seen.  He was 4th string for USC as a freshman and transferred away.  And I doubt only to be close to home.

We have seen Green and Smith.  We have not seen Isaac.  Hence he is going to be "the star" because a lot of people have thrown in the towel on the other 2 or at most think they will be average.  Because they are known quantities.  Meanwhile they are very encouraged by Isaac - a guy I bet 90% of this board has never seen run 1 time in college.  Myself included.  An unknown quantity.  So they are going off HS starz again.

Again I hope he is a breakout player, we could use on one offense.  But he hasnt done anything more than Green at this point in his career.

And to the person above you - I agree 100% on Butt.  He was completely wasted last year with a middling 21 receptions.  He should be nearer to 40.

JTrain

March 31st, 2015 at 2:57 PM ^

I agree on the TE's ...but they will only be as good as our qb play. Unfortunately that's a big unknown.
If we can just get good qb play. This team could make some waves in the big ten.
One thing is for sure...they should be hungry!!




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Bodogblog

March 31st, 2015 at 2:57 PM ^

Please let the Wormley spring hype be true.  I thought he'd be a breakout last year, but it never came about. 

I think Clark could have been somewhat of a star, and a second round type NFL guy, if we had any other DL pushing the QB out of the pocket and toward him (and the off-field issues).  Or a defense that didn't allow quick and easy completions into soft zones.  That's what we need for a star this year: several things coming together which allows someone(s) to emerge.  It would be ideal to have a scheme that forced tough completions, with Charlton and Wormley coming into their own (and one of Henry/Mone/Glasgow/Godin/Hurst providing periodic inside push to the QB), with Peppers blitzing and Lewis a threat for picks on each throw to his side of the field.  Going to need to get a lot better coaching of the DB's in press man this year, as a starting point.  

alum96

March 31st, 2015 at 8:35 PM ^

I am with you on Wormley - his TFL and sack rate is pretty darn good for how many snaps he gets.  It would appear based on that production he should get more snaps but obviously he is not getting quite the reps so something else is amiss - one assumes from the whispers its a motor.  But being 2 years away from his ACL instead of 1 and having nice solid production as a RS SO and now getting to be an upperclassmen age he is one of those guys who has "breakout player" written all over him.  Hope so.  I do think he can play the end when we are doing 3-4s quite well as he is a hybrid guy with enough size to run stop while still posing a pass rush threat.

ND Sux

March 31st, 2015 at 3:27 PM ^

I'm really interested in seeing what Kerridge can do in Harbaugh's system.  I think he could have a breakout year.  Well, as much 'breakout' as fullbacks ever break out, if that makes sense.    (EDIT: who wants to upvote and put me at 10,000 MGoPoints?)

BlueMan80

March 31st, 2015 at 3:36 PM ^

The last 2 years haven't seen any consistent playmakers on the offensive side of the field.  Devin had some good games in 2013.  Gallon had some great games too, but the offense would fade into oblivion at times which was pretty much the story of 2014.  Someone or some unit (like the OL) will rise up this year.  They have to.  Harbaugh will make it so.  TE should be a point of emphasis, especially with young QBs who probably won't start the year throwing downfield bombs to the WRs.  So, Jake Butt, take center stage.  A RB will emerge because one has to.  Isaac seems like he could be the guy, but OL struggles and an impotent passing game last year have probably obscured what Green and Smith can really do.  Ty Isaac, here's your big chance to be BMOC.  Derrick Green, show us what you've got.

On defense, we've got Peppers in the secondary and he's going to produce.  We need someone to blow up on the DL.  Hopefully, it's the rush end.  It's gonna be Taco Time!  Between Ross, Bolden and Morgan, one of those guys is going to be the man.

PAproudtoGoBlue

March 31st, 2015 at 4:53 PM ^

Come on man, it's Peppers.  In the three games he did play I was excited every time he stepped on the field.   This is a top ten defensive unit with an emphasis on unit.  Team effort, top 10, nameless defense is fine with me.  With a guy named Taco you can never be truly nameless.

MichiganMAN47

March 31st, 2015 at 5:04 PM ^

Unfortunately it's looking like he's out for the year. I thought he would be a star sooner rather than later

Ron Utah

March 31st, 2015 at 5:43 PM ^

While this transition lacks a Denard-type star, it's not a question of if but rather who.

QB is the biggest question mark and potentially limiting factor on this team's ceiling.  We really have no idea who's going to start, and we won't have a much better idea after Saturday.  But I'm not too worried about any position other than QB, and possibly TE.

Here's why:

  • RB - Isaac, Green, Smith, Johnson.  All of those guys are more than capable of being successful starting RBs, and all should benefit from the new system.  My guess is that whoever can stay healthy wins the job, and looks good.
  • WR - Darboh and Chesson and are almost certainly your day one starters.  Ways is probably their biggest threat.  Norfleet, Canteen, and Dever could all come on in the slot, and Canteen might get some time outside, though he's still pretty small.  Cole probably won't redshirt, but I doubt he's ready to be an every down guy.  But even guys like Jones and Dukes that have been around for awhile could suprise.
  • TE - Might be our thinnest position.  Butt is the only proven guy here, and we have to hope he stays healthy, because the drop-off is big.  Williams is a blocker who can't block very well.  Hill is a question mark after the injury.  Bunting is still growing into his size.  Winovich was a LB.  I'm a bit concerned here.
  • FB - There will be true fullbacks.  Kerridge is primed to blow-up, and Houma should be good if he can return healthy.  Shallman is listed at RB but could make an impact here.  Pallante has the right body to make an impact as a blocker.  Harbaugh will make one of these guys (or more) into a LB-killer.
  • O-Line - Magnuson, Samuelson, Fox, LTT, Braden, Kalis, Cole, Bars, Dawson, Glasgow, Kugler, JBB.  All of those guys were either talented recruits or have demonstrated they have some ability on the field.  There's a starting five in there.  It will take some time for them to gel and really learn the scheme through experience, but this group will be good enough to compete with just about anyone by season's end.  Unfortunately, there is one team in our conference that will probably be too much for them...
  • D-Line - The new system will utilize talented players wherever it can.  Taco, Mario, Marshall, Wormley, Glasgow, Mone, Hurst, Henry--those guys all have starting potential.  Godin, Pipkins, Poggi, and Strobel are adequate depth guys, and Pip could be more if he can stay healthy for 10 minutes.
  • LB - Maybe no stars, but loads of good players: Bolden, Morgan, JRIII, Gedeon, McCray, RJS, and even Gant is getting some hype.  Furbush and Wangler could surprise.  I don't see an all-B1G guy, but there is plenty of depth and talent here.
  • CB - Lewis, Countess, and Stribling are almost certainly your top three.  Peppers might play some nickel.  That's four good options.  Richardson apparently looked good before injury, and someone like Dawson could surprise.
  • S - Peppers and Wilson?  This could very well be our best starting position group on the entire team.  Hill, Clark, and even Watson could figure in here.

The point is that other than QB, we have starting talent and even adequate depth (other than TE).  There will be stars...we just don't know who yet.  I'm excited to see who rises to the top of the meritocracy.

TheJuiceman

March 31st, 2015 at 6:02 PM ^

Desmond Morgan?? Ummmm. IMO the guys most likely to reach Studhood on D are Bolden, Lewis, Peppers, Henry, and maybe Biggs Ross/ Blake if they can find themselves in the new system. 

alum96

March 31st, 2015 at 8:26 PM ^

Nice sober comments by Ace here that on the main message boards would be met with some disdain and showered immediately with maize kool aid.  I have Butt, Henry, and Lewis as UM's 3 upperclassmen "stars".  By that guys who actually could get drafted in rounds 1 thru 4 when they graduate.  Peppers is the obvious underclassmen.   We'll see on Mason Cole.

A lot of other guys are solid college players but not "difference makers".  Which is an issue.  Team lost half of what I'd consider "sure NFL talent" this year with Funchess, Ryan, and Clark.

It drops off from there in terms of star talent but we'll see on some others - a lot of guys are potential but not yet production.  Based on how well Hoke recruited on paper the 2012-2013 classes should be brimming with guys who are NFL talent but here we are trying to find a 5th ot 6th guy on the entire roster.  Guys like Green, Morrris, Thomas, and Pipkins on paper should have been trending to future NFL 1st thru 4th rounders by year 2 - we are not seeing it. 

What will be interesting is how many Josh Furman's there are - a guy who looked "poor to average" here then went to another school with a serious coaching staff, moved to a correct position for his skill set and did well.  Not NFL well but well above what was accomplished here.

The lack of NFL players is what has me quite cautious on 2015 still.  Especially in the SR and JR classes.   Our OL should have 3 of them in the huge hauls of 2012-2013.  Right now the only one seems to be a 2014 player.

Richard75

March 31st, 2015 at 9:34 PM ^

Bingo.
As alum96 says, the number of standouts from the 2012-13 classes is a major head-scratcher. But, in a weird way, this is precisely why there's hope for the immediate future. The fact that two full, supposedly strong classes are almost devoid of standouts suggests something was fundamentally wrong with the entire operation. It could just be that the hype was all misplaced, but that doesn't seem logical.




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kstevens26

April 1st, 2015 at 10:02 AM ^

Lewis was the the one returning constant from our D last season. You always knew what you were going to get from him on a daily basis.

However, I am really pumped about the revamped D Line. Taco seemed like he needed to be on the field more last season, was always disruptive whenever he was in the game. Between Taco and Mone, this D Line could surprisingly be the strong point of the D.

Offense, I am still calling for Malzone to win the job unless Speight balls in the spring game. Malzone seems to have the kind of swagger and leadership you'd expect from your QB. He and Cole are going to be a deadly combo for the next few years to come. Also, with the RB's, let's not forget Wheat is going to work some magic. Green and Isaac could be a lethal 1-2 combo.

We have, in my mind, the best and most complete coaching staff of any CFB team. The results will show on the field bc the players will play harder than ever. Brady Hoke did not leave the cupboard exactly empty before Harbaugh came in, he brought it good talent. Harbaugh and his staff are just going to take the next step with that talent and turn it into progression/results.