Michigan Football: How Line Play Will Carry Denard Robinson Back to BCS

There is plenty of concern in Ann Arbor about the Michigan Wolverines offensive and defensive lines, given they lost some key starters from last season.

The losses of Mike Martin, Ryan Van Bergen and Will Heininger on the defensive line were huge. Center David Molk and utility lineman Mark Huyge were big losses on the offensive line.

In that regard, fans have reason to wonder if Michigan will have enough to reach a BCS bowl game next season.

But there is reason to be excited about the lines this season, too. The offensive line already almost seems locked up, which is a good sign. The starters will likely be Taylor Lewan at left tackle, Patrick Omameh at right guard, Mike Schofield at right tackle and Ricky Barnum at center.

The one offensive line position still apparently up for grabs is left guard. Elliott Mealer has distanced himself already apparently, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Barnum said, via the Press, "He's competing, he's bringing energy, he's willing to learn. He brings a lot to the table."

Mealer's performance will be huge this season for the Wolverines, given their lack of depth up front. But the signs are there that he will have a productive season.

Craig Roh will start at strong-side defensive end, per CBSSports.com. Jibreel Black and Will Campbell will start at the tackle spots, with Campbell starting at nose tackle. The other end spot seems to be a battle between Frank Clark and Brennen Beyer. The good news is, head coach Brady Hoke likes what he sees.

Hoke said last Thursday, via the Press:

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"Each one of those guys is improving. Will (Campbell) has really matured, which is a big part of it. He understands the expectations for how we expect him to play. Jibreel (Black) inside and Craig (Roh) at the strong-side end is a plus. The competition between (Brennen) Beyer and (Frank) Clark, the competition between Jake Ryan and Cam Gordon — all those things are real positive."

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There is a lot of uncertainty about the Michigan lines this season, but there is also a lot of room for players to improve. Plus, Hoke wasn't the Big Ten Coach of the Year for nothing; he knows how to get the most out of his players.

Expect Denard Robinson and the Wolverines to be strong again this season.

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