Michigan Football: 5 Players Who Must Help Denard Robinson in 2012

Much of the Michigan Wolverine's offense runs through quarterback Denard Robinson, but the success of the team will rely on other contributors.

With graduation hurting the defensive line the most, and wide receivers not performing to the level their talent suggests, Michigan will be looking for five particular players to step it up in 2012 to help Robinson.

William Campbell

Possibly the most important will be this defensive tackle.  Since the defensive line was depleted, he is the remaining player who can have a commanding presence. The knock on Campbell does not lie with his talent or potential, but his work ethic and effort during games.

Coming out of high school, Campbell was able to easily shuck much smaller offensive linemen due to his overpowering size at the position. He has found out in college that he is no longer able to easily get by with his size alone. HighsSchool hurt his development, and he will need to work hard to become the disruptive force he can be.

With another year under Greg Mattison, Campbell should improve his technique. With continued conditioning to keep his weight down and learning more about his position, William should be able to anchor this defensive line and give the Wolverines a great start on the defensive side of the ball.

Ondre Pipkins

Michigan will also need to see improvement alongside Campbell, and the most important factor may be this 4-star recruit.

Pipkins is a very large boy at 325 pounds and has the quickness with his first step to cause some serious penetration. In order to provide the proper support for Campbell on the defensive line, Pipkins must utilize the college weight training so that he can handle his size with more agility and control. If he does this, the Wolverine defensive line will be very good.

Roy Roundtree, Jerald Robinson

College football fans around the nation know how lethal Robinson is when running the ball, but not as many realize that he actually has a strong arm. Although it does need some refining, he is more than capable of creating big plays with passing rather than running.

Almost as important to the development of Robinson's passing game other than himself, will be the performances of receivers Roundtree and Robinson.

It is safe to say these two talented wide receivers have failed to live up to potential. Roundtree has explosiveness off the line and great hands but has disappeared at times in Michigan's passing game. Robinson, another Rich Rodriguez recruit, has been nothing short of a disappointment. He has the size and abilities to be the big-play receiver across Roundtree.

In order for Michigan's offense to develop in the passing game, these two receivers must adapt under Brady Hoke and become the offensive weapons they can be.

Devin Funchess

Finally, along the same lines as the receivers, Denard Robinson needs a consistent tight end.

This recruit  should fit nicely in the spread offense. Funchess is a tall, rangy tight end with a magnificent ability to catch the ball. His height of 6'4" and long arm reach will make this pair of hands a valuable target for the Wolverines QB. Whether it is in the end zone or as a safety cushion, Funchess' success in the spread is vital.

If these players perform to their potential and make immediate contributions, the Michigan Wolverines will be a very exciting team to watch and should live up to the fans' expectations.