gschwendt
12-12-2012, 07:30 PM
In 2015, Michigan was screwed out of an opportunity to compete in the National Championship. In 2016, The Wolverines return most of the pieces of that team, just bigger, faster, smarter, and stronger. Let's take a look at the team to see how they shake out for the upcoming season.
Quarterbacks
Quarterback Kevin Jones returns for his senior campaign and learned from a 2015 season that saw a one loss team narrowly miss out on the national title game. In 2015, Jones proved he can do it all throwing for over 2500 yards and rushing for just shy of 600. Providing relief will be Michael Coleman and Bryce Weaver. Coleman's elusiveness and throwing accuracy put him just above Weaver, however as an upper classman plus the ability to always hold onto the ball, Weaver could challenge, especially depending on spring practice. Either way, the Wolverines have a trio of reliable QBs.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
THP
THA
SPD
AGI
ACC
BTK
ELU
CAR
QB
Kevin Jones
Sr
89
91
87
90
86
87
78
87
82
QB
Michael Coleman
SoRS
79
80
87
92
81
86
70
71
67
QB
Bryce Weaver
JrRS
82
88
80
90
79
88
74
45
91
Halfbacks
At Halfback, Jake Marks leads the way returning after a 2015 season with just over 1000 yards during the regular season to go along with 10 touchdowns. Marks is a fast yet bruising HB that can not only run between the tackles but also bust it outside to pick up extra yards. Behind him are backs that are more than capable to fill his shoes. First off the bench is Tom Davis... Davis is more of a between the tackles runner always able to pick up a few more yards after he's first hit. Freshman Reggie Stallings will be fun to watch as he hits the field for the first time. He's more like Davis in that he'll hit the hole and carry tacklers with him. Andrew Childs will fill the Slotback role for the Wolverines that will see him split out wide but also motion into the backfield to carry the ball, most of which will be outside runs to utilize his speed and elusiveness.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
SPD
AGI
ACC
BTK
TRK
ELU
CAR
SPM
JKM
HB
Jake Marks
JrRS
87
93
88
95
85
75
92
73
88
83
HB
Tom Davis
JrRS
88
91
85
91
86
91
72
78
91
89
HB
Reggie Stallings
FrRS
80
90
90
92
77
92
61
76
74
72
SB
Andrew Childs
SoRS
76
96
88
89
71
57
95
75
80
97
Fullbacks
The Fullback in the Michigan offense is not a traditional blocking back. Sometimes the FB needs to line up as a H-Back, others he's lined up beside the QB to either lead block or even get a carry here & there. For the blocking role, both Andrew Johnson and Kellen Smith fill that slot, however each have their strengths. Johnson is a more traditional FB that can block but also catch a pass here & there. However, Smith is more like a Offensive Lineman that doesn't like to put his hand in the dirt, though when he gets the ball, he's able to run over players. Adding into the mix will be Doug Herron, a JuCo transfer that played Tight End. Herron's speed and running abilities lead to exciting possibilities for the Michigan offense. More than likely, in the end, only two will be retained.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
SPD
STR
BTK
TRK
CTH
PBK
RBK
IBL
FB
Andrew Johnson
SoRS
75
71
75
67
62
76
76
74
81
FB
Kellen Smith
SoRS
73
62
85
66
77
65
77
77
75
FB
Doug Herron
Jr
72
84
74
78
77
80
65
67
66
Wide Receivers
At the Wide Receiver position, Michigan isn't as interested in speed as they are just making sure their players can make the catch and keep the chains moving. Jonathan Keizer departs as the leading receiver and his 6'5 height is a significant loss. However, Justin Austin returns after nearly matching Keiser's contributions and is ready to lead the way for receivers with his excellent ability to catch the uncatchable ball whether it's thrown too high or thrown into traffic. Tim Pittman will be thrust into a starting role after contributing well in 2015; he also has the ability to make excellent catches and will be a player on the field that defenses will have to worry about. Rounding out the starters at WR will be Brandon Thompson. With his speed and athleticism, he fills the role that Justice Hayes was in 2015, that is a mix of a Slotback and Y-Receiver. Behind those three will be a mixture of players that aren't quite ready to be significant contributors. Perhaps the most intriguing is Senior WR Bo Thomas. Thomas' 6'7 height combined with top-level speed make him a player that just has to find a role in the offense. In 2015 he didn't have a large number of catches, however those that he caught were for large yardage allowing him to rack up 326 yards in a limited role which could expand further in 2016.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
Ht
SPD
AGI
ACC
CTH
SPC
CIT
RTE
REL
WR
Justin Austin
SrRS
85
6'1
84
85
85
82
93
91
92
89
WR
Tim Pittman
Jr
83
6'1
87
79
89
89
83
87
91
76
WR
Brandon Thompson
JrRS
80
6'0
93
93
93
77
79
79
70
67
WR
Tom Simmons
SrRS
82
6'1
91
80
93
81
73
73
81
81
WR
Sean Garrett
FrRS
78
6'2
93
78
93
77
69
67
85
74
WR
Bo Thomas
SrRS
76
6'7
96
81
80
69
78
73
82
74
Tight Ends
At the Tight End position, Devin Funchess departs as the final starter, though returning TE Joe Maxwell started the beginning of the season. Maxwell lost his starting role due to Funchess receiving ability, however Maxwell's blocking abilities make him the clear starter in 2016. Coaches are hopeful that in spring practice, Maxwell's catching abilities will develop to make him a more well-rounded player. Backing him up will be TE/WR Frank Wiggins. Wiggins has exceptional ability to be a pass-catching TE but needed at least another year to develop his blocking skills. Wiggins will fill the gap that Funchess leaves open but has even more speed than Funchess ever did which will create significant matchup advantage against defenses. Backing them up will be Eric Capps who is more of a player similar to Maxwell with the ability to become a significant blocking tight end. Look for FB Doug Herron to also see some playing time at TE as needed.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
Ht
SPD
STR
CTH
SPC
CIT
RTE
REL
PBK
RBK
IBL
TE
Joe Maxwell
JrRS
82
6'5
83
72
69
79
75
76
73
78
79
71
TE
Frank Wiggins
FrRS
71
6'5
90
70
77
70
67
87
75
60
63
71
TE
Eric Capps
So
74
6'5
75
77
70
69
71
72
75
72
74
75
Offensive Line
At the Tackle Positions, Jeff Petty and Blake Bars return as bookends that will only get better with another year under their belt. Petty is more well-rounded at the blind-side Tackle and uses his strength and height to dominate Ends. Bars is an excellent pass blocker and uses excellent footwork to keep in front of his defender. Inside, at the Guard positions, Michigan will have to replace two departing seniors that were monster run blockers. At both Guard spots, the Wolverines will have excellent run blockers with excellent strength; at the Left Guard will be John Hunt and the Right Guard will be Kyle Kalis. Returning at Center is Cornelius McCarthy. McCarthy has been a full-time starter since his Freshman year and returns for his senior year as the anchor in the middle. McCarthy really has no holes in his game as he has excellent strength excellent pass & run blocking, and has surprising agility and acceleration. Behind the starters will be a mix of players that are waiting for their chance to start. Most importantly though is the fact that Michigan coaches were able to sign four true freshman for the future of the offensive line.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
Ht
Wt
STR
AGI
ACC
PBK
RBK
IBL
LT
Jeff Petty
JrRS
83
6'7
278
90
60
91
84
87
90
LT
Mike James
So
77
6'3
273
81
60
91
86
81
78
LG
John Hunt
SoRS
84
6'1
300
89
64
93
82
89
82
LG
Kevin Gray
Fr
79
6'3
285
B
70
87
78
83
80
C
Cornelius McCarthy
Sr
93
6'0
304
89
69
92
92
91
85
C
Trey Hall
So
81
6'4
298
90
69
89
82
84
75
RG
Kyle Kalis
SrRS
85
6'5
324
90
63
90
81
91
80
RG
Ryan Martin
Fr
80
6'8
293
B
57
92
85
83
84
RT
Blake Bars
SrRS
84
6'5
291
79
70
93
90
83
85
RT
Derek Edwards
Fr
83
6'0
279
83
60
88
B
81
79
Quarterbacks
Quarterback Kevin Jones returns for his senior campaign and learned from a 2015 season that saw a one loss team narrowly miss out on the national title game. In 2015, Jones proved he can do it all throwing for over 2500 yards and rushing for just shy of 600. Providing relief will be Michael Coleman and Bryce Weaver. Coleman's elusiveness and throwing accuracy put him just above Weaver, however as an upper classman plus the ability to always hold onto the ball, Weaver could challenge, especially depending on spring practice. Either way, the Wolverines have a trio of reliable QBs.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
THP
THA
SPD
AGI
ACC
BTK
ELU
CAR
QB
Kevin Jones
Sr
89
91
87
90
86
87
78
87
82
QB
Michael Coleman
SoRS
79
80
87
92
81
86
70
71
67
QB
Bryce Weaver
JrRS
82
88
80
90
79
88
74
45
91
Halfbacks
At Halfback, Jake Marks leads the way returning after a 2015 season with just over 1000 yards during the regular season to go along with 10 touchdowns. Marks is a fast yet bruising HB that can not only run between the tackles but also bust it outside to pick up extra yards. Behind him are backs that are more than capable to fill his shoes. First off the bench is Tom Davis... Davis is more of a between the tackles runner always able to pick up a few more yards after he's first hit. Freshman Reggie Stallings will be fun to watch as he hits the field for the first time. He's more like Davis in that he'll hit the hole and carry tacklers with him. Andrew Childs will fill the Slotback role for the Wolverines that will see him split out wide but also motion into the backfield to carry the ball, most of which will be outside runs to utilize his speed and elusiveness.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
SPD
AGI
ACC
BTK
TRK
ELU
CAR
SPM
JKM
HB
Jake Marks
JrRS
87
93
88
95
85
75
92
73
88
83
HB
Tom Davis
JrRS
88
91
85
91
86
91
72
78
91
89
HB
Reggie Stallings
FrRS
80
90
90
92
77
92
61
76
74
72
SB
Andrew Childs
SoRS
76
96
88
89
71
57
95
75
80
97
Fullbacks
The Fullback in the Michigan offense is not a traditional blocking back. Sometimes the FB needs to line up as a H-Back, others he's lined up beside the QB to either lead block or even get a carry here & there. For the blocking role, both Andrew Johnson and Kellen Smith fill that slot, however each have their strengths. Johnson is a more traditional FB that can block but also catch a pass here & there. However, Smith is more like a Offensive Lineman that doesn't like to put his hand in the dirt, though when he gets the ball, he's able to run over players. Adding into the mix will be Doug Herron, a JuCo transfer that played Tight End. Herron's speed and running abilities lead to exciting possibilities for the Michigan offense. More than likely, in the end, only two will be retained.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
SPD
STR
BTK
TRK
CTH
PBK
RBK
IBL
FB
Andrew Johnson
SoRS
75
71
75
67
62
76
76
74
81
FB
Kellen Smith
SoRS
73
62
85
66
77
65
77
77
75
FB
Doug Herron
Jr
72
84
74
78
77
80
65
67
66
Wide Receivers
At the Wide Receiver position, Michigan isn't as interested in speed as they are just making sure their players can make the catch and keep the chains moving. Jonathan Keizer departs as the leading receiver and his 6'5 height is a significant loss. However, Justin Austin returns after nearly matching Keiser's contributions and is ready to lead the way for receivers with his excellent ability to catch the uncatchable ball whether it's thrown too high or thrown into traffic. Tim Pittman will be thrust into a starting role after contributing well in 2015; he also has the ability to make excellent catches and will be a player on the field that defenses will have to worry about. Rounding out the starters at WR will be Brandon Thompson. With his speed and athleticism, he fills the role that Justice Hayes was in 2015, that is a mix of a Slotback and Y-Receiver. Behind those three will be a mixture of players that aren't quite ready to be significant contributors. Perhaps the most intriguing is Senior WR Bo Thomas. Thomas' 6'7 height combined with top-level speed make him a player that just has to find a role in the offense. In 2015 he didn't have a large number of catches, however those that he caught were for large yardage allowing him to rack up 326 yards in a limited role which could expand further in 2016.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
Ht
SPD
AGI
ACC
CTH
SPC
CIT
RTE
REL
WR
Justin Austin
SrRS
85
6'1
84
85
85
82
93
91
92
89
WR
Tim Pittman
Jr
83
6'1
87
79
89
89
83
87
91
76
WR
Brandon Thompson
JrRS
80
6'0
93
93
93
77
79
79
70
67
WR
Tom Simmons
SrRS
82
6'1
91
80
93
81
73
73
81
81
WR
Sean Garrett
FrRS
78
6'2
93
78
93
77
69
67
85
74
WR
Bo Thomas
SrRS
76
6'7
96
81
80
69
78
73
82
74
Tight Ends
At the Tight End position, Devin Funchess departs as the final starter, though returning TE Joe Maxwell started the beginning of the season. Maxwell lost his starting role due to Funchess receiving ability, however Maxwell's blocking abilities make him the clear starter in 2016. Coaches are hopeful that in spring practice, Maxwell's catching abilities will develop to make him a more well-rounded player. Backing him up will be TE/WR Frank Wiggins. Wiggins has exceptional ability to be a pass-catching TE but needed at least another year to develop his blocking skills. Wiggins will fill the gap that Funchess leaves open but has even more speed than Funchess ever did which will create significant matchup advantage against defenses. Backing them up will be Eric Capps who is more of a player similar to Maxwell with the ability to become a significant blocking tight end. Look for FB Doug Herron to also see some playing time at TE as needed.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
Ht
SPD
STR
CTH
SPC
CIT
RTE
REL
PBK
RBK
IBL
TE
Joe Maxwell
JrRS
82
6'5
83
72
69
79
75
76
73
78
79
71
TE
Frank Wiggins
FrRS
71
6'5
90
70
77
70
67
87
75
60
63
71
TE
Eric Capps
So
74
6'5
75
77
70
69
71
72
75
72
74
75
Offensive Line
At the Tackle Positions, Jeff Petty and Blake Bars return as bookends that will only get better with another year under their belt. Petty is more well-rounded at the blind-side Tackle and uses his strength and height to dominate Ends. Bars is an excellent pass blocker and uses excellent footwork to keep in front of his defender. Inside, at the Guard positions, Michigan will have to replace two departing seniors that were monster run blockers. At both Guard spots, the Wolverines will have excellent run blockers with excellent strength; at the Left Guard will be John Hunt and the Right Guard will be Kyle Kalis. Returning at Center is Cornelius McCarthy. McCarthy has been a full-time starter since his Freshman year and returns for his senior year as the anchor in the middle. McCarthy really has no holes in his game as he has excellent strength excellent pass & run blocking, and has surprising agility and acceleration. Behind the starters will be a mix of players that are waiting for their chance to start. Most importantly though is the fact that Michigan coaches were able to sign four true freshman for the future of the offensive line.
Pos
Player Name
Yr
OVR
Ht
Wt
STR
AGI
ACC
PBK
RBK
IBL
LT
Jeff Petty
JrRS
83
6'7
278
90
60
91
84
87
90
LT
Mike James
So
77
6'3
273
81
60
91
86
81
78
LG
John Hunt
SoRS
84
6'1
300
89
64
93
82
89
82
LG
Kevin Gray
Fr
79
6'3
285
B
70
87
78
83
80
C
Cornelius McCarthy
Sr
93
6'0
304
89
69
92
92
91
85
C
Trey Hall
So
81
6'4
298
90
69
89
82
84
75
RG
Kyle Kalis
SrRS
85
6'5
324
90
63
90
81
91
80
RG
Ryan Martin
Fr
80
6'8
293
B
57
92
85
83
84
RT
Blake Bars
SrRS
84
6'5
291
79
70
93
90
83
85
RT
Derek Edwards
Fr
83
6'0
279
83
60
88
B
81
79