Michigan Football: 3 Early Standouts from Spring Practice

The Michigan Wolverines have been sweating it out in spring practice the last couple of weeks as they prepare for their spring game that kicks off on April 14.

There have been huge expectations set for this season after winning 11 games and defeating Virginia Tech in the BCS bowl.

Michigan returns a total of 14 starters from last season, but spring provides nearly every player with the opportunity to stand out. These players can be starters or can be at the bottom of the depth chart that have caught fire and would like to see some playing time this season.

As we inch closer to the spring game, here are three players who have been turning some heads throughout the spring.

LG Elliott Mealer

The Michigan Wolverines don't have many questions on either side of the ball, but offensive line is a concern with a couple of key starters leaving.

One of the surprises in spring practice has been fifth-year senior Elliott Mealer.

“When you look at Elliott, his confidence level is better and that’s a big part of it,” Michigan head coach Brady Hoke said. “Guys feeling confident and being in a system obviously helps."

Mealer has seen very limited time throughout his Michigan career, but with the way he's been performing in practice, it looks like he'll be the starter at left guard by the time the regular season starts.

TE Brandon Moore

Tight end Brandon Moore may be entering his senior season, but he hasn't exactly seen the field much throughout his career at Michigan.

He has a total of two receptions for 28 yards entering the spring, although with the recent departures of Kevin Koger and Steve Watson, Moore will finally get his chance to show what he's capable of.

"I've been working toward this chance my entire career," Moore said. "It was difficult to be behind great players like Kevin Koger, Martell Webb and Steve Watson, but I'm ready to have my chance."

With a whole year under offensive coordinator Al Borges, Moore has been working a lot on his route running, blocking and catching ability. 

"As far as my development, I'm a lot better and playing with a lot more speed because I'm more used to the offense and there's not as much thinking in the offense. I'm just playing."

The more playmakers the Wolverines can surround Denard Robinson with, the better off this offense will be as a unit.

DT Jibreel Black

Junior defensive tackle Jibreel Black is one of the players that will have to get comfortable with a new position.

Last season, he played on the outside of the defensive line and racked up 18 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in limited playing time.

This season, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison would like to take advantage of his speed and move him inside.

He's added 10 pounds during the offseason and says he more comfortable in his new role.

"I was kind of nervous gaining the weight, how my body would respond," Black said. "Other than that, there was no hesitation."

With many key players on the defensive line no longer on the roster (Mike Martin, Will Heininger and Rayn Van Bergen) Black must step up for the Wolverines. It looks like he's taking the necessary steps throughout spring to become a big factor for this team moving forward.