Michigan Wolverines Football: 2009 Season Preview

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Odoms doubles as a return man for the Wolverines.

In 2008, he had 588 return yards and a touchdown. Odoms could double his freshman year numbers if he has a good quarterback throwing to him. 

Sophomore Darryl Stonum is taller and stronger than Odoms, but not as quick. As a freshman, Stonum had 14 catches for 176 yards and one touchdown, as he struggled against opposing defenses.

Expect big improvement this year.

Freshman Roy Roundtree should be the fourth receiver after red-shirting last season. In high school, Roundtree led his division in receiving yards and touchdowns and was named all-state.

Don't expect a big impact this season, but he could grow into a top flight receiver for the Wolverines if he bulks up.

Sophomore tight end Kevin Koger is very highly thought of by the coaching staff and brings true power.

At 6'4" and 245 lbs., Koger should be able to help the rushing game but also has well-graded hands. He had a quiet 2008, but Offensive Coordinator Calvin Magee has a larger role in mind for him this season.

This unit will only go as far as the quarterback takes them. That said, there is a lot of potential here that will only grow in the seasons to come.

Grade: B

Offensive Line (4, Mark Ortmann, David Moosman, David Molk, Stephen Schilling)

In most cases, an offensive line returning two starting seniors at tackle and guard would be a big positive, but following the 2008 season, there is reason for concern.

Senior left tackle Mark Ortmann is the leader of this line. He has a lot of strength, but he isn't as big as previous Michigan tackles like Jake Long or Jeff Backus.

Right tackle will be held by either sophomore Mark Huyge or redshirt freshman Patrick Omameh. Omameh would appear to have the most potential. He's quick for a lineman and is stronger than Huyge, but Huyge has more experience.

Expect a season-long battle here.

Senior guard David Moosman will return as the starting right guard, and like Ortmann he has plenty of strength. It's his footwork that still needs work.

Junior Stephen Schilling was Michigan's top offensive lineman last season and has a lot of promise to improve on his 2008 season. He will start at left guard, opposite Moosman.

At center, sophomore, David Molk will return after overtaking senior Tim McAvoy last season. Molk had a shaky 2008 and will have to perform better this year to keep McAvoy on the bench.

At the very least, the line should improve from last season, where there was constant disarray. Cohesiveness is the key and there is plenty of leadership, so there's no reason to think the line won't be better.

Grade: C

Defensive Line (1, Brandon Graham)

Due to the inexperience of the defensive line, Michigan is likely going to employ a 3-4 set for most of this season.

Senior end Brandon Graham is the unquestioned leader of this defense and perhaps the best defensive end in the Big Ten. He had 46 tackles in 2008, 20 for a loss. He also had 10 sacks and forced four fumbles. Simply put, Graham is the huge play maker on this defense.

Sophomore Ryan VanBergen is expected to start opposite of Graham. He had a relatively quiet 2008 in a backup role, but has great energy and determination. He should grow into the starting role nicely.

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