(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Michigan Wolverines are officially a team in rebuilding.
If there was any doubt before the 2008 season—in which new coach Rich Rodriguez took over—that doubt was erased with a 3-9 record.
However, even in the midst of rebuilding, there are still heavy expectations of the 2009 Wolverines. Another season without a bowl game would severely test the patience of the vast alumni base and Bill Martin, the athletic director.
Rodriguez hopes he has most of the pieces he needs to return to a bowl game, and the early schedule is very favorable.
With that said, here is what Michigan will be working with this season. Returning starters in parentheses.
Quarterbacks (1, Nick Sheridan)
Junior Nick Sheridan is the only carryover at quarterback from 2008 after Steven Threet decided to transfer. Although he visibly does not fit Rodriguez's system, he has valuable experience running it.
True freshman Tate Forcier is the big offensive recruit of the 2008 class. An extremely balanced quarterback, Forcier can run as well as he can pass, which is quite good. His accuracy impressed the coaching staff enough to make him a front runner to start.
True freshman Denard Robinson plays roughly the same style as Forcier. However, he sacrifices accuracy for more speed. Robinson should push Forcier and Sheridan for the starting job.
This will be a three-way quarterback battle.
Forcier is the obvious front runner to start, but expect all three to play at some point this season.
Forcier and Robinson's inexperience could hurt them at times forcing Sheridan to come in. Robinson may play in specific situations where speed is called for.
There will be struggles, but there will also be flashes of greatness. Lots of potential here, but it's going to be a growing season for Forcier and Robinson.
Grade: C-
Running Backs (2, Brandon Minor, Carlos Brown)
Senior Brandon Minor should be poised for a breakout year. He has a terrific combination of power and speed and will be relied upon to carry the offense. Expect a 1000+ yard season.
Senior Carlos Brown will compliment Minor nicely and could have a career year, eclipsing 400 yards rushing. He is the fastest back on the team and if he gets out into the secondary, he's as good as gone.
Sophomore Michael Shaw rushed for 215 yards last season as the team's third leading back.
He has true breakaway speed and had multiple runs of 20 yards or more. Expect a larger role for Shaw this year.
Keep an eye on freshman Vincent Smith. He's a very small back at 5'6", 158 lbs. but he's likely the future of Michigan's rushing attack. He should get a few sporadic carries this season.
Grade: A-
Wide Receivers (3, Greg Matthews, Martavious Odoms, Darryl Stonum)
Senior Greg Matthews isn't a game breaker, but he is a leader.
Matthews doesn't make mistakes and has never fumbled. He just doesn't have No. 1 receiving talent. However, still expect him to far eclipse his career highs of 409 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Sophomore Martavious Odoms was the leading receiver for the Wolverines in 2008, as he had a team-leading 49 catches for 443 yards as a true freshman. He also led all Big Ten freshmen in receptions and all-purpose yards.
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