With the 2012 season officially in the books, it's time for us to start looking towards next season and how the roster shakes out. While obviously nothing is set in stone and there is still work to be done on the recruiting trail, this is how we can see it shaping up. All evaluations and player ratings are prior to spring practices.
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
With the loss of Denard Robinson to graduation, Michigan is obviously looking for a replacement. Devin Gardner returns for his senior season, however scouts are questioning his throwing abilities. While is arm is very strong, his accuracy leaves a bit to be desired. That said, in his time on the field during 2012, he performed better than expected completing 62% of his passes along with 12 passing touchdowns and only 3 interceptions.
He will be challenged by two Freshman players, Kevin Jones and Bryce Weaver. Jones is the most electric player not only at QB but also in the entire class. Not only does he have good speed and running abilities, he also has excellent abilities to get away from a tackle. Added that his throwing abilities are better than expected and he stands a great chance to challenge Gardner for the starting role.
Depth Player Yr OVR SPD AGI ACC THP THA BTK ELU CAR QB1a Devin Gardner rSR 83 89 89 93 94 73 76 78 77 QB1b Kevin Jones FR 81 88 84 85 89 81 75 85 80 QB3 Bryce Weaver FR 73 88 77 86 86 74 71 43 89
Halfbacks
Fitzgerald Toussaint was the work-horse of the Michigan offense carrying the ball just over 200 times during his Junior season. While his yards didn't account for as much as the Wolverines would have hoped, he did come on late in the season giving hope that he'll be a stud in 2013.
With the loss of Vincent Smith to graduation, the backup role will be a competition. Competing for that spot will be redshirt Sophomore Thomas Rawls and Freshman Tom Davis. Rawls lacks explosive speed but is a bruising running back that can pick up yards and also has good hands to hold onto the ball. Davis comes in with questions marks surrounding him. He comes in highly touted but all the while not everything is known about him to this point. Once he gets on campus, things should be clearer for the staff.
Depth Player Yr OVR SPD AGI ACC BTK TRK ELU CAR HB1 Fitzgerald Toussaint rSR 89 89 85 90 86 76 85 86 HB2a Thomas Rawls rSO 79 86 80 89 76 84 69 81 HB2b Tom Davis FR 77 B C 87 77 B C 72
Wide Receivers
Wide Receivers saw a much expanded role late in the 2012 season as a revamped Michigan offense sought to get them the ball. Roy Roundtree became the go-to guy and rightfully so. However, with him graduation, Jeremy Gallon will have to step up into that role but appears ready to do so. Behind him Juniors Drew Dileo and Jeremy Jackson will compete for a starting role... the other of which will sit out 2013 to allow them another year on campus. For the Y, look for Justice Hayes to move from HB to WR allowing a more electric player in the slot.
Behind those three spots, it's expected to be an open competition. Perhaps the only guaranteed spot will go to Sophomore recruit Justin Austin. Outside of him, look for Sophomore newcomer Bo Thomas, redshirt Sophomore Jonathan Keizer, and redshirt Junior Jerald Robinson to all compete for a role.
Depth Player Yr Ht OVR SPD ACC CTH SPC CIT RTE REL X1 Jeremy Gallon rSR 5'8 88 92 92 85 80 80 85 73 X2 Justin Austin SO 6'1 78 84 82 75 87 83 85 83 Z1 Jeremy Jackson JR 6'3 79 85 91 81 73 73 85 74 Z2 Jonathan Keizer rFR 6'5 74 87 86 73 64 75 80 75 Y1 Justice Hayes rSO 5'10 75 91 92 71 67 65 74 73 Y2 Jerald Robinson rSO 6'1 77 89 93 71 71 61 80 62
Tight Ends
The Tight End position has become an important role in the Michigan offense and with the departure of Brandon Moore, the starting position will be up for grabs. Sophomore Devin Funchess is primed for the position, however lacks the all-important blocking abilities. As a result, he might find himself splitting time with redshirt Junior Dylan Esterline, a better blocker, though without the catching abilities of Funchess. Added, Michigan is hoping to add at least another player during the recruiting process.
Depth Player Yr OVR PBK RBK IBL CTH SPC CIT RTE TE1 Devin Funchess SO 74 67 63 64 83 80 75 82 TE2 Dylan Esterline rJR 73 69 72 72 70 71 72 71
Offensive Tackle
Assuming everyone returns, the Wolverines will be in an extremely good position at Offensive Tackle. Redshirt Seniors Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield are stud book-ends that will be clear starters in 2013. Redshirt Junior Kristian Mateus and redshirt Sophomore Chris Bryant are expected to fill out the two deep. If either senior does venture into the NFL early, redshirt Freshman Blake Bars will be called upon in a backup role.
Depth Player Yr
Ht Wt OVR STR RBK PBK IBL LT1 Taylor Lewan rSR 6'8 302 93 93 92 92 91 LT2 Kristian Mateus rJR 6'7 285 79 84 86 83 80 LT3 Blake Bars rFR 6'5 275 73 73 78 82 79 RT1 Michael Schofield rSR 6'7 299 88 87 93 86 85 RT2 Chris Bryant rFR 6'4 341 78 93 85 77 81
Offensive Guard
Unfortunately, the Wolverines aren't in as solid shape that Guard position as they are at Tackle. With the top two Guards leaving, unproven players will have to step in and perform. True Freshman Cornelius McCarthy appears to be the next great Michigan blocker and will undoubtedly start his first year on campus. After him, the Wolverines have solid run-blockers that struggle in the passing game. Expected to fill the other Guard spot will be redshirt Junior Erik Gunderson, however look for redshirt Sophomore Graham Glasgow to also compete or certainly contribute significantly.
Depth Player Yr Ht Wt OVR STR RBK PBK IBL LG1 Cornelius McCarthy FR 6'0 294 82 85 85 85 80 LG2 Graham Glasgow rSO 6'6 314 77 87 84 77 82 RG1 Erik Gunderson rSR 6'8 312 79 89 86 79 82 RG2 Kyle Kalis rFR 6'5 305 73 85 81 74 74
Centers
Center is another position that loses the starter as Ricky Barnum is graduating. The only returning player at the position is redshirt Junior Joey Burzynski, however due to his lack of experience, Burzynski will likely find himself in a backup role. Look for Freshman Tackle Jeff Petty to move over to provide a starter for the foreseeable future. Additionally, true Freshman Antonio Garrison comes onto campus as a solid run-blocker but leaves a lot to be desired as a pass blocker.
Depth Player Yr Ht Wt OVR STR RBK PBK IBL C1 Jeff Petty FR 6'7 269 78 86 83 80 86 C2 Joey Burzynski rJR 6'1 284 74 80 80 80 75
DEFENSE
Defensive Ends
Craig Roh leaving puts Michigan behind the eight-ball at Defensive End. Without Roh, their 3-3-5 defense loses a pass-rusher along the defensive line. As a result, likely the Wolverines will be looking at putting block-eaters in their front three. Look for Senior Jibreel Black to find himself as one of the Ends with his solid strength, however don't expect him to record very many sacks or tackles for loss. Opposite him will likely be redshirt Freshman Tom Strobel who will have to mature in a hurry but does have a raw talent to get into the backfield. Behind those two, the picture becomes murky with no one immediately ready to lead the charge. More or less by default, look for redshirt Senior Nathan Brink and redshirt Freshman Mario Ojemudia to fill out the remainder of the depth chart. That said, don't rule out the Wolverines finding a late addition to their recruiting class at Defensive End.
Depth Player Yr Ht Wt OVR STR PMV FMV TKL PUR LE1 Jibreel Black SR 6'2 260 76 84 62 62 77 73 LE2 Nathan Brink rSR 6'5 263 78 77 76 69 82 76 RE1 Tom Strobel rFR 6'5 255 71 76 83 76 70 87 RE2 Mario Ojemudia rFR 6'2 222 71 73 78 72 71 71
Defensive Tackles
Defensive Tackle also has a hole to fill as William Campbell will be gone. Expected to fill his role will be redshirt Senior Quinton Washington with his big body and good strength though don't be surprised to see redshirt Junior Richard Ash or redshirt Freshman Ondre Pipkins to provide a competition.
Depth Player Yr Ht Wt OVR STR PMV TKL PUR DT1 Quinton Washington rSR 6'4 302 77 86 73 78 77 DT2 Richard Ash rJR 6'3 301 74 86 70 80 73 DT3 Ondre Pipkins rFR 6'2 325 72 88 73 76 70
Outside Linebackers
While no players will be lost to graduation, look for some fresh faces on the field at Outside Linebacker. True Freshman Seth Andrews will make his way to campus as a former Safety but will provide a much needed cover OLB for the Wolverines' 3-3-5. Opposite him, also look for a true Freshman, Thomas Cox. Cox is a prototypical hybrid DE/LB with the strength and moves of a DE but the tackling and coverage of a linebacker. Behind them, a make-shift depth chart will fill out but as well there might be a few role players to that will find playing time. Redshirt Junior Jake Ryan will return after an All-American season and play the backup Cover OLB, however expect his role to be more diminished. Redshirt Freshman Royce Jenkins-Stone will be slotted into the backup rush Linebacker and possibly look for Joe Bolden to move over from the Middle Linebacker spot, though that will likely depend on the rest of the recruiting class.
Depth Player Yr OVR SPD STR FMV MCV ZCV TKL PUR PRC LOLB1 Seth Andrews FR 79 86 67 60 74 78 82 77 70 LOLB2 Jake Ryan rJR 82 83 75 69 67 66 84 87 79 ROLB1 Thomas Cox FR 78 75 78 75 71 71 84 85 81 ROLB2 Royce Jenkins-Stone rFR 70 77 72 73 74 78 70 73 74
Middle Linebackers
Continuing the replacements story, Middle Linebacker loses a significant piece of the defense losing Kenny Demens. His replacement is expected to be Freshman Karl Brown, making the entire starting LB Corp true Freshman. Brown comes in as an all-around beast in the middle making it hard to keep him off the field. Challenging him for the starting role will be Junior Desmond Morgan who would move over from the OLB position with redshirt Senior Mike Jones providing depth at the position.
Depth Player Yr OVR SPD STR FMV MCV ZCV TKL PUR PRC MLB1 Karl Brown FR 79 85 80 73 70 63 78 85 80 MLB2 Desmond Morgan JR 84 84 73 68 59 72 87 88 78 MLB3 Mike Jones rSR 79 83 74 76 63 67 80 83 78
Cornerbacks
Looking for another replacement, Michigan loses JT Floyd at the corner position, however Junior Blake Countess returns after an excellent 2012 season. Filling Floyd's open position, expect Senior Courtney Avery to slide back over from Strong Safety to the second Cornerback and expect the defense to not miss a beat. Behind them, expect true Freshmen Thomas Torres and Brandon Thompson to contribute significantly.
Depth Player Yr OVR SPD AGI ACC MCV ZCV PRS CB1 Blake Countess JR 84 90 89 90 81 90 80 CB2 Courtney Avery SR 81 90 88 90 86 90 76 CB3 Thomas Torres FR 76 93 90 89 85 81 80 CB4 Brandon Thompson FR 74 91 92 90 80 83 83
Strong Safety
While the defense does lose Jordan Kovacs at Strong Safety and Avery moves from SS to CB, they do not have an empty cupboard for 2013. The Wolverines plan to move redshirt Senior Free Safety Thomas Gordon down to replace Kovacs as the Predator Safety. At the Cover Safety, look for Junior Raymon Taylor to get more playing time than 2012. Behind them, redshirt Junior Marvin Robinson will fill a role as a Predator and true Freshman Dominique Wilson will likely redshirt but could be called upon to contribute at the Cover.
Depth Player Yr OVR SPD AGI ACC MCV ZCV TKL PUR PRC Pred1 Thomas Gordon rSR 84 88 84 87 72 82 84 86 82 Pred2 Marvin Robinson rSR 78 88 88 87 68 77 78 84 73 Cov1 Raymon Taylor JR 77 90 92 89 82 84 71 82 74 Cov2 Dominique Wilson FR 78 94 82 93 85 84 72 75 78
Free Safety
With Gordon moving down to the Predator, Free Safety looks to find a new centerfielder. At this point, the position is up in the air depending on how the Wolverines plan play the Free Safety position. Poised to take that role will likely be redshirt Junior Josh Furman who moves over from the Strong Safety position. Furman comes ready to play, though lacks the true Zone Coverage abilities that Michigan would like. Challenging him will be true Freshman Jake Marks. Marks also is solid at the position and has the Zone Coverage needed, but lacks all manner of Man Coverage ability which would limit the Wolverines Cover 0 zone blitzes.
Depth Player Yr OVR SPD ACC MCV ZCV TKL PUR PRC FS1a Josh Furman rJR 78 88 94 65 76 80 86 70 FS1b Jake Marks FR 73 91 90 53 84 72 75 63 FS3 Al Backey rSR 65 92 92 71 76 61 59 68
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Originally Posted by ryby6969
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