Michigan Football: Players Who Have Surprised Us in 2015

The Michigan Wolverines football team has a few surprise players through four weeks of the 2015 season, though that's not always a positive situation.

De'Veon Smith has emerged as the No. 1 running back, but that has left someone whom many expected to start toiling for playing time in a deep rotation at the position.

While Chris Wormley and Jourdan Lewis have shined on defense, the unit was supposed to be one of the nation's best. Consequently, most of the players listed are from what has surprised nearly everyone: the Michigan offense.

Blake O'Neill, Punter

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Before the first offensive player is mentioned, we must discuss a specialist. Blake O'Neill, a graduate transfer from Weber State, has been an absolute gem for the Wolverines so far.

The punter has tallied 40.9 yards per attempt, placing nine kicks inside the 20-yard line. But the latter stat doesn't tell the whole story.

O'Neill blasted a 49-yard punt that went to the 22 against Oregon State, and he's flipped field position on multiple other occasions. Other than one bad 17-yard punt and a strange decision to attempt a fake punt when up 31-0 on BYU, O'Neill has been fantastic.

Last year, Michigan surrendered 12.7 yards per punt return on 21 opportunities. In 2015, the average is down to 7.3 on just three chances. The Wolverines can thank O'Neill for his deadly accuracy.

Derrick Green, Running Back

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Derrick Green led the Wolverines in rushing last season before a season-ending injury sidelined him after six games. However, the junior running back recovered, and playing under the run-driven mind of Jim Harbaugh was anticipated as a perfect match for Green.

Well, that hasn't happened yet.

Through four games, Green has found himself third or fourth in the pecking order every time out. He's only tallied 23 carries for 74 yards, mostly in garbage-time work.

Smith, Ty Isaac and Drake Johnson appear to have a strong hold on the majority of meaningful snaps, so Green—surprisingly—might not be a big factor in the 2015 offense.

Ben Braden, Left Guard

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Although Ben Braden spent the 2014 season at right tackle, the coaching staff moved him inside to left guard and placed Erik Magnuson on the outside. But Braden has responded in an encouraging way.

The senior went from being a tackle in a spread offense to a guard in a power-run scheme, which requires great pad level. Braden, who is 6'6", was accustomed to rangy defensive ends but now must handle defensive tackles who are focused on gaining leverage.

Nevertheless, Braden has noticeably improved each week, pulling, trapping and double-teaming more effectively than the game before.

The improvement on the offensive line is a major part of Michigan's early-season success, and the versatility Braden has showed is a critical piece.

Jake Rudock, Quarterback

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Welcome to the roller coaster named Jake Rudock.

The senior quarterback tossed two ugly interceptions and three overall during the season opener, two against Oregon State and one more to UNLV. Rudock managed to avoid a couple of other picks, but he topped his 2014 interception total in just three games.

And then, Rudock looked outstanding last week. He completed 14 of 25 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown, adding 33 yards and two scores on the ground.

"He was our player of the game on offense," Harbaugh said of Rudock against BYU, per Chris Balas of Rivals.com.

Rudock seems to have settled in, but the competition level is set to increase steadily with Northwestern, Michigan State and Minnesota coming up soon. Will the roller coaster continue? Or has Rudock officially recovered from his surprisingly bad start?

Wide Receiver Blocking

Michigan's attack is only as good as its blockers, and the offensive line isn't the only group throwing solid blocks.

Amara Darboh cleared the way for Jehu Chesson on his 36-yard touchdown against UNLV. Then, opposite BYU, Chesson finished the job on Rudock's 17-yard scamper, and Maurice Ways made room for Smith's 60-yard run.

Additionally, the receivers—notably Grant Perry—looked great on screens during the first two outings, though the play call hasn't been used often since the rushing game exploded.

If the Wolverines continue running the ball productively, the wideouts will assuredly be due another tip of the cap, because they've been stellar through September.

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All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.