Updated "WAY Too Early" 2015 Depth Chart

But I'd look at UFRs and game-by-game performance with Green. His App. St. numbers really distort his YPC.

I disagree with point 1. Gentry has ZERO chance of even COMPETING for QB1 in spring, as he isn't an early enrollee and thus, cannot compete for the job until he arrives on campus in late summer. I agree with point 2 to an extent. Green was averaging 5.7 yards a carry prior to his injury and was a solid back. Smith however, was unable to take advantage of being the lead back with Green out. As for Johnson, he has now torn the same ACL twice while at Michigan, and I'm not confident in predicting that he will return as the same back (similar to Fitz post ACL). I think the job will come down to Green/Isaac with Smith getting a few carries. Johnson could throw himself in there too if he has a solid recovery. Point 3 I agree. But the offensive line was much better than people give them credit for. They were victims of a bad QB that held onto the ball too long and running backs that struggled to find the holes that were there. Still, the unit cut down on sacks, seriously cut down the number of negative plays, and allowed the backs to average 4.9 yards per carry. They all return, and should mold into a solid unit, and under Drevno could even be considered a strength of this team. With the WRs, I think they were better than most give them credit for. Again, victims of a bad QB. But down the stretch, I would argue Darboh was better than Funchess at WR.

1. Like someone else already pointed out Gentry won't be here in the spring. This will give Malzone an even further head start, as Gentry's mechanics may be worse than freshman Ryan Mallet even though his athleticism is greater. Speight and Morris have size on Malzone but outside of that, with all three starting with the same base knowledge of the offense (zero) I see this as a battle between Speight and Malzone come august. Malzone wins based off a little more mobility, accuracy, and "moxy" as some would say. Going off film he looks better and he plays with chip on his shoulder that JH will love. I'd put chance of Morris being starter against Utah at 75/1 barring injury.

2. Derrick Green will transfer by the end of the season. Had we gotten Weber, DG would have been 5th string come september. Deveon Smith was our best running back while DG was the starter. Don't get caught up in Green's numbers, the best of which came against abismal App State. When Green wasn't hitting the hole softer than a jumbo cotton candy at comerica park (if he hit the hole in the line and not the hole in Kali's butt) he was missing obvious cuts. He has had terribly subpar vision for a top 10 recruit. He lacks the willingness or desire for contact that Harbaugh preaches, he's 225 but plays like he is 160. Deveon ran hard with a chip on his should and made good cuts when he was #1b/2 and then when he was promoted to starter he stopped doing so, presumably do to either complacency or injury. Drake ran extremely well when he got carries, and for the time he was allotted, was our best back last year. However, his injury will set him back in terms of S&C, learning the playbook, and reps. Also, he is more of a slasher and does not fit Harbaugh's favorite type of back (Gerhart), which is much more in the mold of Ty Isaac. Ty Isaac ran for over 5 ypc at USC (contradicting my stance on Green's misleading stats) against better competition. Isaac is 6'3 230 lbs, the intimidating, one-cut, downhill runner that Harbaugh and Drevno drool over. He will be afforded every opportunity to start and it will help that he is the most talented. 

3. Yes I think Darboh and Butt are our best receivers. Strictly within the WR position however, I believe Ways will be 2nd or 3rd in playing time. Returning starters mean little to nothing nowadays. With a new staff everyone is on the same level with the offense. Darboh is the most talented followed by I believe Canteen. Canteen's role may be diminished when we are winning, as Harbaugh wil spread teams out but his slot receivers often become Tight Ends used for blocking. That's why Ways will see the field often. He is every bit the receiver that Chesson is and more, on top of this he is 6'5 and over 210 lbs. He is a matchup nightmare down the field with tight end height and presents much better blocking prospects than Chesson's 6'3 180 lb wire-frame. Chesson is a demon on special teams, I just see his role becoming quite diminished, especially considering Cole is more explosive and will have a level playing field come spring ball. This is all excluding tight ends. If Bunting can get up to 240 lbs he may play the 3rd most reps of WR's and TE's combined.

I have not seen anything yet out of Morris that would suggest he is remotely ready to take over at QB.  He has a strong arm, but he locks in on his primary receiver.  

I personally don't think Harbaugh cares whether the kid is a true Freshman or not.  They are all in the same boat with regard to the offensive system that will be implemented and the coaches will likely select the QB that looks the most capable.

I think too many on this board are doubting Malzone because of his slow rise.  He is a very accurate passer and can extend plays with his legs.  He keeps his eyes downfield and will not lock in on the primary receiver.  If he can master the playbook early he has as good a shot as the others.  We are not talking experienced 5th year seniors here, they are all young. 

Paraphrasing, I have heard Sam Webb also comment that he thinks Malzone will be competing late for the starter position.  The kid is a winner.  

You might end up being right, but I'd say this is a coin toss. On top of his myriad of actual issues with playing the position of quarterback (locking on to receivers worse than Devin, no touch, can't read defenses whether that is the fault of previous coaching or not...doubtful since he had Nussmeier), Morris is a lefty. Harbaugh is on record saying how much harder it is to coach and have your team adjust to lefties (mechanics, center exchange, spin for receivers). I think this narrows it down to Speight-Malzone. With a gun to my head I may choose Speight, but with no confidence. Malzone is slightly more mobile and accurate. Speight is larger and puts better trajectory on his balls. It will be a dog fight and I know Harbaugh will love Malzone. It might be the biggest cliche in sports, but Alex has the "it factor". He wins. Along with being a lifelong Michigan fan, he has always been told he wasn't good enough and all he ever did was win. I think there are two options with even odds and I think either will lead us to a successful year after 7 months of competition and Jim tutelage. Can't wait to watch it.