Reasons To Expect Improvement for the Michigan Wolverines in 2010, Part One

1) The Quarterback Situation

In 2008 Michigan had the absolute worst case-scenario at the quarterback position. Prior to the season Chad Henne was graduating and NFL bound, and Ryan Mallett was already considering a transfer after just one year with the maize and blue.

Michigan was getting a coach known for his high octane spread offense that centered around the quarterback. However, he was going to need a guy to fill that role, and Ryan Mallett decided to leave for greener pastures. Spring ball came around and it was a mess.

Rich Rod was trying to install a new offense while adjusting to guys who hadn't really played in it, nor were equipped to run it. To make matters worse, neither candidate was proven at the college level.

Steven Threet was a redshirt freshman who was transferring from another school. He had a decent reputation as a smart kid and a tall pocket-passer, but without many major offers or much athleticism.

Nick Sheridan was the other competitor. He is a coach's son and a hard worker, yet only a walk-on. Also, he was a redshirt sophomore and hadn't played at all either. Both kids had questionable talent, no college experience, and quite frankly very little help.

Their lack of spread offense compatibility compounded the matter, and the offensive stats and highlights showed these facts.

This moves us to 2009. Steven Threet transferred again, and Michigan was left with another fine mess. Again, question marks surrounded the single most important position in any offense (especially the spread).

Freshman commit Tate Forcier enrolled early and gave the Wolverine faithful a glimmer of something to hope for with an excellent spring. Nonetheless, they entered fall camp knowing the competition was basically a two man race between two true freshmen.

Denard Robinson was a track star in high school and actually did pretty well considering he arrived in August. Overall, he was still too one-dimensional throughout 2009 and will probably need to make big strides this offseason to have any hope of become a Pat White type of quarterback.

In spite of their youth, Forcier and Robinson's abilities helped the Wolverines improved from 11th to third in the Big Ten in scoring, and they were far more productive than 2008's guys.

The last two seasons, keep in mind, have been much closer to the worst-case scenario for the spread offense in the Big Ten as opposed to being the best. This system is far from fully optimized, and the quarterback position is going to be one to watch for this team in 2010.

2010 will most likely be the first time in three years Michigan sees a quarterback step on the field opening day who isn't a freshman or a walk-on. The fact that there are now two talented system fitting guys who have solid starting experience, have been in the fire, and had an extra off-season is refreshing.

Michigan fans can have some semblance of what to expect on opening day as opposed to being totally clueless in 2010.

It will be intriguing to see how both Forcier and Robinson compete and advance as quarterbacks this spring, and their growth will undoubtedly put Michigan in better shape for more wins right away.

Another very interesting story will be that of Inkster High School's Devin Gardner. He is an Under Armour All-American, a blue-chip Elite 11 quarterback, and a five star player according to Scout.com!

His presence will undoubtedly be invaluable as this team moves forward. Even as a true freshman, he gives Michigan the hope of having three legitimate scholarship quarterbacks to win games with.

In conclusion, the competition and depth in 2010 will be FAR ahead of 2009's squad. They will indeed be light years ahead of 2008's debacle. Out of many reasons for Michigan fans to take heart this offseason, this situation is undoubtedly the first that comes to my mind.

Look up Michigan fans, 2010 could become a season of redemption!

Coming soon...Part Two (Wide Receivers)...