Michigan Football: Week 3 Spring Practice Stock Report

Thursday was a bad day for two Michigan offensive lineman.

Prior to practice Michigan released a statement that offensive lineman Graham Glasgow was “…suspended for a portion of spring football and will miss the season opener against Appalachian State for a violation of team expectations.”

Hoke said he hasn’t decided if Glasgow would participate in Michigan’s spring football game on April 5.

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press/Associated Press

It’s another blow for a position group that absolutely needs to improve if Michigan hopes to bounce back from last season’s disappointing 7-6 finish. Glasgow joins Erik Magnuson and Joey Burzynski (both out with injuries) on the bench as the team works to rebuild its offensive line while replacing Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield who are preparing for the NFL draft.

Former Wolverine Lewan, expected to be a first-round draft pick the upcoming NFL draft, also made the headlines, as the Ann Arbor News reported he will be charged with three misdemeanors for an assault stemming from an incident that occurred on campus following last season’s 42-41 loss to Ohio State.

Tony Ding/Associated Press/Associated Press

Hoke denied the absence of three players expected to be key contributors will hamper the development of the offensive line for next season.

Despite the shrinking number of offensive lineman available to practice Hoke praised the progress of Kyle Kalis, Kyle Bosch, Jack Miller, Ben Braden and David Dawson.

“We’ve got enough guys,” said Hoke. “We would love to have all of them, no question about it but we’re all pretty excited about how they’re working together.”

Wide Receiver Freddy Canteen

Michigan needs to replace wide receiver Jeremy Gallon, and freshman Freddy Canteen is making a claim for the position so far this spring.

“Freddy’s got game,” said Devin Gardner when asked who was standing out at wide receiver. “He’s a really good player.”

Canteen has also impressed Brady Hoke.

“[Freddy] is a good route runner, a guy who is entrenched in trying to be the best he can,” said Hoke. “He learns well, he listens well and he truly has a passion for a game.”

Quarterback Devin Gardner

Gardner may be sharing first-team reps with Shane Morris and Wilton Speight but Hoke says his experience gives him the inside track to be starter next season.

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press/Associated Press

“He’s done a nice job with the change in philosophy,” said Hoke. “He’s a pretty sharp guy and he’s a doing good job with the football.”

Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier

New offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier has Gardner, Morris and  Speight all working with the first-team offense this spring.

All three quarterbacks believe there is an authentic battle for the starting position.

Nussmeier has also increased the tempo of Michigan’s offense.

Hoke reported the team cycled through 299 snaps during Tuesday’s practice.

Both Gardner and Morris also reported the tone of the coaching has changed on the offensive side of the ball.

“Coach Nussmeier is really aggressive,” said Gardner. “He demands perfection and nothing less.”

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Sophomore quarterback Shane Morris also noted the difference between Nussemeier and his predecessor Al Borges, “Coach Nuss is lot more in your face—very demanding. It helps me get better; it definitely helps all of us.”

Hoke addressed the response to Nussmeier’s style of coaching.

“Players have a choice to react or not to react, and they’ve all reacted.”

March Madness

Jeffrey Phelps/Associated Press

Gardner dismissed the suggestion the recent success of the basketball team means Michigan is now a basketball school, “This is a football school—this is Michigan.”

Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations in this article were obtained via press conferences or in person.