Updated "WAY Too Early" 2015 Depth Chart
Obviously too early for multiple reasons...
- It's February 4th
- We haven't been through spring ball too get an idea of who is playing where...
- We have really have no idea what the system will be and where the personnel will fit best
This is largely based on natural progression and hope.
QB
1. Shane Morris (Jr.) / Wilton Speight (RS Fr.)
3. Brian Cleary (RS Jr.)
rs: Alex Malzone (Fr.)
rs: Zach Gentry (Fr.)
RB
1. De'Veon Smith (Jr.) / Derrick Green (Jr.) / Ty Isaac (RS So.)
4. Drake Johnson (RS Jr.)
rs: Karan Higdon (Fr.)
FB
1. Joey Kerridge (RS Sr.) / Sione Houma (Sr.)
H-Back
1. Wyatt Shallman (RS So.)
2. Khalid Hill (RS So.)
WR1
1. Amara Darboh (RS Jr.)
2. Drake Harris (RS Fr.) / Brian Cole (Fr.)
4. Jaron Dukes (RS So.)
WR2
1. Jehu Chesson (RS Jr.)
2. Da'Mario Jones (Jr.)
3. Maurice Ways (RS Fr.)
4. Jack Wangler (RS So.)
SLOT
1. Dennis Norfleet (Sr.) / Freddy Canteen (So.)
3. Bo Dever (RS Jr.)
4. Ross Douglas (RS So.)
rs: Grant Perry (Fr.)
TE
1. Jake Butt (Jr.)
2. Ian Bunting (RS Fr.) / A.J. Williams (Sr.)
4. Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (Fr.)
LT
1. Mason Cole (So.)
2. Erik Magnuson (RS Jr.)
3. Logan Tuley-Tillman (RS So.)
rs: Grant Newsome (Fr.)
LG
1. Graham Glasgow (RS Sr.)
2. Erik Magnuson (RS Jr.) / David Dawson (RS So.)
4. Dan Samuelson (RS So.)
C
1. Jack Miller (RS Sr.)
2. Graham Glasgow (RS Sr.)
3. Patrick Kugler (RS So.)
rs: Jon Runyan Jr. (Fr.)
RG
1. Kyle Kalis (RS Jr.)
2. Graham Glasgow (RS Sr.)
3. David Dawson (RS So.)
4. Blake Bars (RS Jr.)
RT
1. Ben Braden (RS Jr.)
2. Graham Glasgow (RS Sr.)
3. Chris Fox (RS So.) / Juwan Bushell-Beatty (RS Fr.)
rs: Nolan Ulizio (Fr.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DE
1. Mario Ojemudia (Sr.)
2. Lawrence Marshall (RS Fr.)
rs: Reuben Jones (Fr.)
DT
1. Ondre Pipkins (Sr.) / Bryan Mone (So.)
3. Maurice Hurst Jr. (RS So.)
4. Brady Pallante (RS Fr.)
DT
1. Willie Henry (RS Jr.)
2. Chris Wormley (RS Jr.) / Ryan Glasgow (RS Jr.)
4. Matt Godin (RS Jr.)
DE
1. Taco Charlton (Jr.)
2. Henry Poggi (RS So.)
3. Tom Strobel (RS Jr.)
rs: Shelton Johnson (Fr.)
WLB
1. Joe Bolden (Sr.)
2. Noah Furbush (RS Fr.)
3. Jared Wangler (RS Fr.)
MLB
1. Desmond Morgan (RS Sr.) / Ben Gedeon (Jr.)
3. Chase Winovich (RS Fr.)
SLB
1. James Ross III (Sr.)
2. Royce Jenkins-Stone (Sr.)
3. Michael McCray (RS So.)
4. Allen Gant (RS Jr.)
WCB
1. Jourdan Lewis (Jr.)
2. Terry Richardson (RS Jr.) / Brandon Watson (RS Fr.)
SCB
1. Blake Countess (RS Sr.)
2. Channing Stribling (Jr.)
3. Reon Dawson (RS So.)
rs: Keith Washington (Fr.)
NB
1. Blake Countess (RS Sr.)
2. Jabrill Peppers (RS Fr.) / Brandon Watson (RS Fr.)
FS
1. Jabrill Peppers (RS Fr.)
2. Jeremy Clark (RS Jr.)
rs: Tyree Kinnel (Fr.)
SS
1. Jarrod Wilson (Sr.)
2. Delano Hill (Jr.) / Dymonte Thomas (Jr.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
K
1. Andrew David (Fr.)
P
1. Kenny Allen (RS Jr.)
KO
1. Kenny Allen (RS Jr.)
...note: now tear it apart, I'll make changes if enough people agree with the suggested opinion.
February 4th, 2015 at 9:40 PM ^
I expected as much to get corrected grammatically in this blog.. Its just a sad part of this blog, and really all blogs. Overall, if someone just posts an interesting topic, forms it as a question, to get the opinions of fellow bloggers in a quick, non-reviewed way, why then do DB's (that's douche bags as it pertains to Ask Jeeves) have to come in and dissect the English.. Hey, just to help out with your ridiculous hobby of trying to look cool, I also used the wrong form of here/hear in my post.. I double and triple check my deliverables at work, if I make a mistake here or there in a blog just trying to create discussion, I really don't need a know-it-all coming in and editing it.. But if you enjoy that.. Here you go.. have at this one, there are at least 3 things grammatically wrong with THIS post assuming you dont include my blogging type triple periods at the end of a thought... Go ahead and Ask Jeeves about how cool you are for being the internets best blog editor.. Wow, people amaze me...
Thanks to everyone with a thought out response, all good points.
February 5th, 2015 at 12:22 AM ^
Negged for complaining about negging. First rule of mgoblog.
February 5th, 2015 at 1:48 AM ^
Sorry, I thought the Jeeves dialogue was pretty funny. Wodehouse probably did, too.
I hope, if it ever happens to me (and it probably would if I posted more), that I'll feel honored to be negged in such a clever way.
February 4th, 2015 at 5:23 PM ^
How are we at TE depth now that we ended up landing Wheatley? Any chance someone from another position moves over? I don't know how much the H-back is utilized in the Harbaugh offense (the guys who know their X's and O's can maybe answer this), but if need be, could there be a situation where Shallman might get moved to TE to help with depth?
February 4th, 2015 at 6:54 PM ^
Depth is pretty thin when it comes to pass catching TEs. Khalid Hill was sorta showing well towards the end of the year before he got hurt. Hopefully he provides the additional depth we lack.
February 4th, 2015 at 5:25 PM ^
those wasted redshirts hurt
February 4th, 2015 at 5:26 PM ^
starts. The defense was much better against the run when he was playing.
February 4th, 2015 at 5:26 PM ^
Looking at this I can say:
1) Great decisions by our two DE commits.
2) Poor decision by Clark
3) Getting zero LBs in this class on the heels of losing Ferns is no bueno.
4) Come on down Roquan Smith
5) We are good at DT and OL
6) Holy shit, Norfleet will be a Senior!!!!
February 4th, 2015 at 5:27 PM ^
Defensively Michigan looks pretty solid. Lots of upper classmen with talent and experience. The secondary looks like it could be something special with better coaching.
Offensively the two biggest issues are quarterback and offensive line. This is where Harbaugh and Drevno need to work some magic.
Unfortunately on offense there doesn't appear to be any "lights out" playmakers or go-to receivers or backs.
Can't wait to see the new system and better coached performance.
February 4th, 2015 at 5:29 PM ^
Has QB Garrett Moores left the team or was he inadvertently left off of your roster? Would think he'd be an emergency QB option along with Cleary if Speight/Morris were to go down....
February 4th, 2015 at 8:14 PM ^
February 4th, 2015 at 5:38 PM ^
Look for Smith or Green to flip to fullback, Neither have the speed or elusiveness to be an effective tailback........................that and Ty will be dominant.
February 4th, 2015 at 8:19 PM ^
February 5th, 2015 at 1:24 PM ^
February 4th, 2015 at 5:39 PM ^
with Peppers moving to safety we need an other big bodied corner. I like Countess in zone but he gets killed in man/press coverage.
February 4th, 2015 at 5:41 PM ^
Drake Johnson listed as RB4. He was very impressive in the end of last year, hopefully he comes back strong.
February 4th, 2015 at 5:50 PM ^
He was also pretty dang impressive prior to his first injury. I may get some backfire for this, but in a game situation, from a fan perspective, he has been the most impressive back I have seen here since Hart.. Small sample size, so take it with a full spoon of salt.
February 4th, 2015 at 8:23 PM ^
February 4th, 2015 at 6:06 PM ^
1. Malzone will not redshirt and be in the running for day 1 starter until Sept. 3
2. Isaac is #1 RB. There's no 1a or 1b there's barely a 2. Spring practice number one he is the first second and third option.
3. Mo Ways will be top 3 in WR snaps
Anyone up for a parlay?
February 4th, 2015 at 7:03 PM ^
February 4th, 2015 at 7:07 PM ^
I'm going to have to disagree with you on those points. It's really difficult to project players who have yet to see the field for Michigan (more so for malzone, hasn't even practiced yet, Mo Ways didn't play last year, isaac played a little for USC).
1. I think that Malzone and Gentry will have an equal shot at winning the spot in the Spring, but I don't see either one of them winning QB1, let alone competing for QB1 in the fall. Both Shane Morris and Wilton Speight have more experience and have pedigrees that are equal to or greater than Malzone and Gentry. I've seen a lot of people write off Morris and I don't really understand why. Hoke's staff clearly didn't have a ton of luck developing QBs and that shouldn't be a reflection of Morris' ability. I think he'll win the start and Malzone and Gentry will both redshirt (one later than the other because of depth purposes).
2. I agree that Ty Isaac is very talented and can eventually become a great RB for Michigan, but it's not like Derrick Green, Deveon Smith, or Drake Johnson have been bad, in fact they've been decent to good. Again, Hoke's staff didn't show much talent in developing their offensive players and I think that this race will be a lot closer than you think.
3. Of your predictions this may have the best chance of working out if simply because of the lack of WR depth. But that fact remains that Darboh and Chesson are returning starters, and while I don't think too much of Chesson, I think that Darboh will be Michigan's best receiver along with Jake Butt. Harbaughs teams have traditionally run the ball a lot and I expect that continue at Michigan. While the oline is not great they do have experience and Harbaugh will take advantage of it. On the passing end I expect Harbaugh to spread it around, a lot, just like he did at Stanford and SF, this should be exacerbated by the fact that none of the WRs may be ready for a prime time role. In the end, Ways may be in the top 3 in terms of snaps, but if it happens, it'll likely be because there are 4-5 guys all of whom will have a similar number with someone like darboh getting the most.
February 4th, 2015 at 8:34 PM ^
February 4th, 2015 at 9:10 PM ^
February 4th, 2015 at 11:21 PM ^
Yea, that's my bad on Gentry being able to compete in the spring. What I meant is that the coaches will at least give him a chance to show what he can do before narrowing the competition to Morris, Speight, and to a lesser extent Malzone (in my opinion).
I'm excited to see the prospects of Green and Isaac in the backfield. While Green is more of a north-south guy, Isaac is an all-purpose back, and the combination of the two combined with an experienced line could carry this team to 6 or 7 wins alone. Could be slightly similar to the TJ Yeldon/Derrick Henry combo at Alabama (the two-headed monster backfield that some of excpected from Green and Smith under Nussmeier).
Regarding the WRs, I think that under Harbaugh's west coast offense, a lot of them can thrive because of their ability to catch in space (Canteen, Darboh and Chesson were all lauded for their hands coming in).
February 4th, 2015 at 11:32 PM ^
Green is very bad, do not let his YPC fool you. He was at 13 ypc against App State and did not play the whole season. Check his numbers against even decent run defending teams. His vision is terrible and he crumples on minimal contact. He may get reps because of Johnson's injury, but all at full health I'd fully expect him to be 4th string. I agree that something happened to Smith. When Green was the starter, Smith was clearly our best back. Stevie Wonder could watch film and tell you that. However, once he was taken out of the backup role (probably chip removed from the shoulder) he began to run softer, the opposite of how he stood out in comparison to Green. At their best last year, Smith was miles ahead of Green, making him look like a D3 caliber player at times. At their averages you have two players who each have to improve significantly if they want to sniff playing time once Johnson is healthy. Neither will be able to challenge Isaac.
February 5th, 2015 at 1:20 PM ^
February 5th, 2015 at 2:32 PM ^
Amen brother, I see someone else has studied Higdon's film. I am not sure why his only elite offers came late, this kid runs like a top 15 back in the class. If he buys in during the summer S&C period and gets to ~200 pounds he could easily become our #2 with Johnson on the mend.
February 4th, 2015 at 11:25 PM ^
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.
February 4th, 2015 at 6:22 PM ^
De'Veon Smith has some work to do if he is going to run with the 1's. Kid seemed to lose that chip on his shoulder in 2014. He seemed pretty blue-collared when he came in, then 2014 he shows up "blonde." Reminded me of Green in HS until he got that wake up call at Michigan. Here is to hoping he comes back with an attitude in 2015.
February 4th, 2015 at 6:35 PM ^
I'm sticking with my earlier thread. Malzone to start, no red shirt. I like Ty Issac at #1.
February 4th, 2015 at 8:45 PM ^
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February 4th, 2015 at 11:01 PM ^
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.
February 4th, 2015 at 11:40 PM ^
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.
February 4th, 2015 at 6:41 PM ^
Nice work, as always, Mr. Yost.
February 4th, 2015 at 6:49 PM ^
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February 4th, 2015 at 6:47 PM ^
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February 5th, 2015 at 12:24 AM ^
It seems like only yesterday when he was doing Hoke impressions.
February 4th, 2015 at 7:02 PM ^
We seem to always be thin at a few positions but I love the overall age we're starting to see along the front lines. I just wish we didn't have those "green" years every 3 years or so...
Also, speaking of age and depth, I added up the commitments of the U of M and OSU classes over the past four recruiting cycles (including 2015).
OSU - 106 commitments
UM - 82 commitments
Would be nice to have an entire extra class of players to develop and compete for starting roles...
February 4th, 2015 at 11:08 PM ^
February 4th, 2015 at 8:29 PM ^
I don't know how I missed us having 4 guys all named Graham Glasgow on the team ?!!
February 4th, 2015 at 8:40 PM ^
Dline is terrifying.
I hope taco makes the great leap this year.
We had sure as hell better get a few dts ready to play (well ) young in 2016.
February 4th, 2015 at 8:57 PM ^
February 4th, 2015 at 9:15 PM ^
how difficult it has to be for a lot of these kids to redshirt their freshman year. For the most part they've been stars since they were in grade school. Finding yourself 4 or 5th on the depth chart, and then finding that you aren't going to play in any games that first year, and maybe a couple more after that has got to be difficult to deal with. David Dawson is a prime example for me.
February 4th, 2015 at 11:02 PM ^
February 5th, 2015 at 2:45 AM ^
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