Michigan Football: Old Faces, New System

A new era of Michigan football is about to get underway, and despite what people think, the program isn't totally bare.

Of course the glaring hole is at quarterback; a position Rich Rodriguez failed to address, mainly because Terrell Pryor went elsewhere.

While help is on the way in the future, Michigan will have to get by with either David Cone or Georgia Tech transfer Steven Threet. Threet at this point in time has the upper hand and could fit Rich Rodriguez's spread system better.

Of course, the biggest thing about this upcoming system is whether the current skill players can adapt to it.

That's a question I'm not sure I can answer. There is plenty of talent left behind, but whether they can adapt on both sides of the ball remains to be seen.

The one part of the club that looks to be in good shape on the defensive side of the ball is the secondary.

The Wolverines are returning both starting cornerbacks, sophomore Donovan Warren and senior Morgan Trent. They also have converted wide-out Doug Dutch. This could be the strongest position on the team with Donovan Warren in his second year.

At safety, the trio of Charles Stewart, Brandon Harrison and junior Stevie Brown all are viable options. Artis Chambers is a sophomore, but all four are talented enough to play. With Rodriguez's 3-3-5 defense, three of these guys could see the field on most downs.

None of this takes into account incoming freshman Boubacar Cissoko and Brandon Smith, not to mention the many linebackers that could make the transition to safety in the new look 3-3-5.

However, with the loss of linebackers, all those incoming freshmen may be forced to play at their original position. John Thompson is the fifth year senior of the group, and he could garner consideration to start. This all depends on what position stud defensive end Brandon Graham plays.

He came to Michigan as a linebacker, but moved to defensive end and really came on at the end of his sophomore campaign. But with only three men on the line, will Rodriguez move him back?

Graham is far and away the biggest talent on the defense, along with defensive tackle Terrance Taylor. He has a nose for the quarterback, and it showed last year as he ended up leading the team in sacks.

Taylor and fellow returning starter Will Johnson could occupy two spots on that line, or go on a rotation. Either way it is a deep position for Michigan.

Offensively is where it gets interesting for the Wolverines.

The team should be set at running back with Kevin Grady coming off a torn ACL that claimed his junior year. Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown are all returning as well and incoming freshman Sam McGuffie should make this spot real secure.

The offensive line is what you would call a full-blown mess. Justin Boren transferred to some rival school, leaving the team without a center. Stephen Schilling is the one promising talent on the line. He had a rough sophomore year, but the experience should go a long way.

The line should look for aid from the incoming freshman class of Ricky Barnum, Elliott Mealer, and Dan O'Neill.

The one receiver you need to keep an eye on is Greg Matthews, who came on strong at the end of the year for the Wolverines. He will be looked upon to take a more involved role in the offense, and the quick junior could be the leading receiver when it is all said and done.

Darryl Stonum was the only incoming freshman to enroll early, and that could give him a leg up in the competition for a wide out spot.

Offensive Star

It has to be Kevin Grady, without a doubt. He lost an entire year to injury and should be back with a vengeance. He is a tough runner who really spelled Mike Hart during Hart's junior and sophomore years. Grady was more touted and far more talented than Hart was, and he is going to try and prove it.

Defensive Lynchpin

Terrence Taylor is the unsung hero of the line. He was the "other" guy up front when Alan Branch was dominating opposing offensive lines, and he really eats up blockers. He did a great job as a Michigan nose tackle, and should not have a problem with the defensive scheme switch.

Special Teams

Iron-legged Zoltan Mesko could be a pre-season All-American punter in his senior season. He has been one of the best in the nation since his freshman year. At kicker, it could be K.C. Lopata handling the field goal duties, but strong-legged Ohio product Bryan Wright should be the kickoff man once again.