Michigan Football: 10 Things to Expect from the Mott Spring Game

The Michigan Wolverines have been sweating it out long enough and it's about that time to showcase what they've improved on throughout those spring practices. The spring game will take place on April 14 and is a chance for every player to prove in a game-like atmosphere what they're capable of.

The spring game is just a warm-up for the team to see what they need to work on and where their strengths are. It's also a chance for players at the bottom of the depth chart to improve their ranking on the team. Overall it should be very beneficial for everybody and answer a few questions head coach Brady Hoke and company had going into it.

Here are 10 things to expect for the Michigan Wolverines spring game. 

Jerald Robinson to Make a Name for Himself

With the loss of several key receivers, Michigan will need a few names to emerge this season. While everybody is looking at Roy Roundtree, the X-factor really could be Jerald Robinson. A former 4-star recruit has great hands and is fantastic at picking up yards after the catch. Head coach Brady Hoke sees a lot of potential in the wideout and expects big things from him.

"Jerald's got a chance," Hoke said. "He's got a huge chance to be a big contributor. He's shown more consistency. He's caught the ball well."

Expect Robinson to make a play or two and earn himself some playing time on the offense this season. 

Craig Roh to Become a Difference Maker on the Defense

Defensive lineman Craig Roh will be expected to replace Ryan Van Bergen at strong side defensive end this season. He finished last season with 32 tackles and four sacks, but has put on much needed weight throughout camp and is putting the work in to be the best he can possibly be at his new position.

"From what I've done so far in spring, I really like the position because the ball's coming to you a lot more and it seems like you have the opportunity to make more plays. Plus you don't have to run as much to get to the ball, which is nice." Roh said about his new position via Detroit Free Press

With Roh getting bigger and expecting to add more weight in the next few months, he will likely draw more double-teams, which will make things easier for other linemen. Expect Roh to have a solid spring game and to become a difference maker for this Michigan defensive line.

To See Different Running Backs

While Brady Hoke won't name any starters heading before the season starts, there is one player they don't need to see much of and that's running back Fitzgerald Toussaint, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season.

"We don't have to overuse Fitz in the spring, yet still try to improve him," Offensive coordinator Al Borges said. "I'm not talking, sit him on the sideline and let him watch, he's still playing now. But that being said, it isn't like last spring, where we have to run him and run him and find out what he can do. We kind of know what he can do."

That means you're more likely to see a lot more reps from Thomas Rawls, Justice Hayes and Stephen Hopkins. It also means that although the coaching staff is keeping quiet on the depth chart, we know who the starting running back is for the Wolverines.

But at the Same Time Nobody Is Safe

While that last slide may indicate Fitzgerald is the favorite to become the starting running back this season, I'd just like to remind you that nobody's starting position is safe. It doesn't matter what they did last season or how long they've been on the team. Everybody must compete for their job and will have to continue working in order to keep it.

"Nobody has a right to any position," defensive coordinator Greg Mattison told ESPN.com "It doesn't matter if you've started for three years, four years, one year. Every practice and every week is judged. We are always going to put the best football players on the field."

So while you're watching the spring game, just know that if a player is playing out of his mind, there's a pretty good chance he could become the starter heading into September. Nobody is safe despite what you may think, according to Michigan coaches and I'd assume that includes all 14 starters the Wolverines have returning.

Tight End to Remain a Question Heading into the Fall

Michigan lost two key tight ends in Kevin Koger and Steve Watson, which leaves a huge hole at the position. With not much experience at the position, offensive coordinator Al Borges is very concerned.

"Seeing who's going to come to the forefront and be our starting tight end this spring, that's huge," Borges said.

He also went on to say that the Wolverines will likely have to wait until the fall to answer the questions at the position.

"We're looking at other kids, and the jury is still out," Borges said. "It's a position where, if a freshman came in and showed something, he could probably make a contribution."

With Brandon Moore and Ricardo Miller obviously not impressing too much in spring, Michigan may have to wait for 4-star recruit Devin Funchess to arrive on campus. He's not much of a blocking tight end, but can provide the offense with another receiving weapon due to his great hands and athletic ability.

To See a Different Will Campbell

There once was a time when Will Campbell was a 5-star recruit and had the potential to become one of the top defensive linemen in college football. After three subpar seasons, most Michigan fans are beginning to give up on Campbell as he enters his senior season. This may be the year he turns things around.

Campbell has dropped his weight down to 315, is moving better than ever in spring practice and knows what it takes to succeed after racking up just 14 tackles and two sacks last season. Head coach Brady Hoke has taken notice of the young man and is impressed with what he's seeing.

"It's big," Hoke said about Campbell losing weight. "But I think he's made great progress and what he's done from a physical standpoint when you look at him."

Hopefully he finally gets it.

Ricky Barnum to Be a Solid Replacment at Center

Barnum has had to overcome injuries throughout his career, but this year may provide the biggest test of them all. Normally playing the guard position throughout his career, Barnum will have the task of replacing David Molk without ever snapping the ball at the center position in a game.

Barnum has quickly developed a great relationship with quarterback Denard Robinson and is becoming the leader on the offensive line.

"Yeah, it's a good chemistry because both of us are from Florida," said Barnum, of his relationship with Robinson. "He's like my brother. I'm like his big brother. We definitely care about each other a lot. All I can say is that there's a brotherhood between me and him."

Transitioning to a new position is never easy, but Barnum should play well enough to feel good about the move in the spring game.

Roy Roundtree to Be Back

After catching 72 passes in 2010, Roundtree's production dropped dramatically as he only caught 19 passes last season. Offensive coordinator Al Borges thinks he has the answer by moving the senior wide receiver to the flanker position.

"Because we split time with him and Jeremy Gallon (last year), Roy took some hits with his numbers," Borges said. "But going to flanker, a healthy Roy Roundtree could really have a good season.

"And out at flanker now, you get more balls thrown your way. I have no doubt Roy Roundtree will have a heck of a year."

Look for Roundtree to have another successful season and it'll start with getting his confidence back in the spring game.

Denard Robinson

We all know Denard Robinson is one of the more exciting players in all of college football. But his decision-making and costly turnovers continues to hold him back from more success and a trip to New York for a possible Heisman trophy.

This season he is taking on a leadership role and hopes to make better decisions for the team.

"I'm taking on a leadership role, trying to be the best quarterback I can be for the team, and be the best leader I can be for the team," Robinson said via ESPN. "Right now, just trying to get better at everything I can get better at."

Robinson has thrown 26 interceptions in the last two seasons combined, if he can trim those numbers down a little bit, the Wolverines will be much better off. The spring game should provide a little peak of what to expect come regular season.

Overall a Solid Performance

In Brady Hoke's first season, this team won 11 games and a BCS bowl. A majority of the same team returns, which means they should be even better as a unit. The offense has enough weapons to compete with any team in the conference and what defensive coordinator Greg Mattison has done with the defense has been nothing short of amazing.

This is one of the more talented teams in the country and should end up competing for a national championship this season.

Sure, there are questions with this team heading into the spring game, but nothing major that will hold them back from accomplishing their goals. Expect a solid spring performance, with many positives to take away from it.