Michigan Football: 5 Reasons to Be Optimistic for 2012

There will be endless optimism from Michigan fans heading into next year....and for good reason.

This will be one of the most intriguing teams in the Big Ten in 2012, as they just may be the favorites heading into next season.

Everybody will be focusing on the positives surrounding this team, as it is actually quite hard to find many weak spots that they may have.

Here are five of the biggest positives to watch out for from this team next year.

Fitz Toussaint

Outside of Denard, I think Fitz is easily the next most intriguing player on offense.

The sky is the limit when thinking about how good he can be next season.

The way he came around in the second half of the season was amazing, as he tore through some of the best defenses Michigan faced all year.

Another 1,000 yard season will be expected out of him, as he will easily be one of the best backs in the Big Ten.

In fact, I don't think Heisman is out of the question.

I'm certainly not saying he'll be a leading candidate, or even a realistic contender, but there's no reason his name shouldn't come up once or twice if he runs the way he's capable of.

The Return of Darryl Stonum

Darryl Stonum is another guy that a lot of people will be keeping a close eye on heading into next year.

Most expect him to start in 2012, but there may be some growing pains early on.

A year away from football may hurt him more than people realize.

If he can come in and play the way he did in 2010, though, it would help Denard in the passing game tremendously.

Stonum will also be a welcome return on special teams, where he is needed badly.

The potential to run a kick all the way back for a touchdown is something Michigan was missing in 2011.

The Incoming Freshmen Class

This group of incoming freshmen may go down in Michigan history as one of the greatest ever.

Seemingly every fan knows each player and the journey they took to end up at Michigan.

The story surrounding Kyle Kalis is one that we will be hearing throughout his entire career at Michigan.

In fact, Kalis is a guy that could see playing time next season.  With the offensive line depth as thin as it is, Kalis is actually expected to make the two-deep.

Another guy that may see a lot of playing time is Ondre Pipkins.  The lack of depth at defensive tackle is one of the biggest concerns on the team, and it would be a boost if Pipkins can contribute as a true freshman.

Guys like A.J. Williams and Devin Funchess may also see time at tight end.

This group of guys are special, as it is Brady Hoke's first full class and the future of Michigan football.

The Schedule

Some may wonder how the schedule can be a positive next year.

Yes, it is brutal, but so was LSU's in 2011...and look where they are.

The media just simply isn't treating Michigan as nationally relevant, but that could easily change next year, starting on September 1st.

Facing Alabama in Dallas will receive all the media attention in the college football world, and if Michigan wins that game, they will instantly be considered national title contenders by the media.

Even though it may be a year too soon, it wouldn't be a surprise if the media gets way ahead of themselves and blows things completely out of proportion.

Trips to Notre Dame, Nebraska and Columbus may be too much to overcome, though, but it would have to be looked at as a success if they can win two of those three.

Yes, the schedule is brutal, but the amount of big-time matchups and venues Michigan will be playing in make it extremely intriguing.

The Seniors

Seniors are what led the 2011 Michigan team, and it will be no different in 2012.

It all starts with Denard Robinson, who will be the most important senior on this team.

Jordan Kovacs is a guy on defense who will be extremely important, along with Kenny Demens.

Craig Roh is another senior who has been through a lot in his time at Michigan.

On offense, even though he doesn't get talked about much, Patrick Omameh is a very important senior that will be missed.

The same can be said for J.T. Floyd on defense.

It will be a sad day in Ann Arbor on Nov. 17, when the Wolverine seniors take on Iowa in the Big House for the last time.