Michigan Football: The Offseason "To Do" List for the Wolverines

Michigan has many things to address this offseason. Even if their record doesn't show improvement in 2012, we should hopefully still be able to see it on the field.

Here is a look at five issues or areas of concern the coaches will hopefully address before the start of next season.

They aren't necessarily the biggest concerns for this team, but five big ones nonetheless.

Establish Depth at Safety

When looking at the two starting safteys for Michigan, the Wolverines are in great shape. Thomas Gordon and Jordan Kovacs are as solid a duo as almost anyone in the Big Ten.

However, if either one of them goes down, there is no proven backup.

Marvin Robinson has been a disappointment so far in his career, and it would be great if he could finally be a solid contributor in 2012.

It probably wouldn't be fair to call Josh Furman a disappointment seeing as how he was only a redshirt freshman in 2011, but he didn't see any quality minutes on defense.

The ceiling remains high for Furman though, and hopefully he can be a positive force in 2012.

If both Robinson and Furman can start contributing, that would completely solidify the lack of depth at safety.

Find Quality Starters at Defensive Tackle

The position of defensive tackle is arguably the biggest concern surrounding this 2012 Michigan team.

Ryan Van Bergen and Mike Martin have been occupying the position for years, but are now both gone.

Will Campbell was expected to be a starter heading into 2011, but he didn't win the job so can we really count on him in 2012?

Quinton Washington saw some meaningful minutes early in 2011, but didn't see any down the stretch. Most expect him to start in 2012, but can he be relied upon?

Fans have had high hopes for Richard Ash, but he didn't see any meaningful minutes on defense in 2011.

A guy that could potentially win the job over any of those three is Ondre Pipkins. I'm not saying he'll start, but don't be too surprised if he does.

Michigan needs to find some quality players at defensive tackle, seeing as how they'll be going up against Alabama's monstrous offensive line in Week 1.

Find Receivers Who Are Capable of Producing

Where was Roy Roundtree this past year? He may have confirmed everyone's fear that he isn't big enough to be a No. 1 receiver in this kind of offense.

If he isn't No. 1 guy heading into 2012, then who is? Jeremy Gallon disappeared at times in 2011, and I don't think he can be counted on to have a big year in 2012.

Other than those two, there are no other proven receivers on the roster. Drew Dileo isn't going to turn into a No. 1 guy, so that thought can be pushed aside.

After seeing substantive playing time as a true freshman, Jeremy Jackson hasn't necessarily turned into the receiver some fans were hoping for.

He will already be a junior in 2012, and it would help if he could play a big role.

Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson will have every opportunity to see playing time as true freshmen, and it will be up to them on whether or not they take advantage.

However, the wild card in this whole situation is Jerald Robinson. He has all the potential in the world, and is certainly capable of being a No. 1 in this offense.

However, he just hasn't put it all together yet as evidenced by the fact that he hasn't truly seen the field on offense. The good news is that he is still young, and will have every opportunity heading into 2012.

Find a Replacement for Kevin Koger at Tight End

Heading into 2012, tight end looks extremely bleak.

Brandon Moore has been playing behind Kevin Koger his entire career, and will finally have a chance to claim the job, but fans don't seem to have much hope in him.

Ricardo Miller is another candidate, but he didn't see any consequential time on offense in 2011.

This is where the loss of Chris Barnett really hurts. There was every reason to think he was going to be the tight end of the future. It seemed he had all the tools.

However, if he didn't want to be here there would've been no sense in making him stay.

Don't be surprised if one or both of the true freshmen see playing time. Heck, it's not too far of a stretch to even see one of them winning the job and starting.

Settle the Punting Situation

What in the world was wrong with Will Hagerup last year?

The most likely answer is that all his punting problems last year were in his head.

After coming on late in his freshman season, he took a huge step backward in 2011.

In fact, it got so bad that Brady Hoke benched him in the Sugar Bowl.

If Hagerup isn't the answer in 2012, can Matt Wile handle the punting duty? Hopefully, it won't come to that.

Hagerup just needs to get his head on straight and start realizing his punting capabilities.