Michigan Football: Post-Spring Game 2-Deep Depth Chart

Now that the Michigan spring game has come and gone, we have a somewhat clearer picture as to who the significant contributors will be this fall.

However, it is wise not to get too caught up in all of the hype of some players; success in practice doesn't always translate to the field.

With that being said, I still think a few of these spring surprises will contribute.

Here's a guess at all 22 projected starters who will take the field against Alabama on Sept. 1.

Information courtesy thewolverine.com.

Quarterback: Denard Robinson (Sr.)

Backup: Devin Gardner

This one is obviously a no-brainer.

Robinson will enter his senior year as, once again, one of the best quarterbacks in the country, a Heisman contender and arguably the most electric player in college football. If he can limit his turnovers, both interceptions and fumbles, he would have a legitimate shot at winning the Heisman.

However, I don't think fans are asking for a Heisman out of him in 2012; what is truly important is a Big Ten championship and a win over Ohio State.

Running Back: Fitz Toussaint (RS Jr.)

Backup: Thomas Rawls

This one is a no-brainer as well.

Honestly, nobody is even close to unseating Fitz as the starter.

Michigan will enter the fall with a proven starter at running back for the first time since 2007. That is obviously way too long, especially seeing as how Michigan has such a rich tradition at the position.

Fitz should rush for more than 1,000 yards again, and honestly, there's no reason he can't be a Heisman candidate as well.

Fullback: Stephen Hopkins (Jr.)

Backup: Joe Kerridge

I could have easily left a fullback slide off for this year, but I think we will start to see the position playing a bigger and better role.

Honestly, all word out of spring camp surrounding Hopkins has been positive.

That is very good news, seeing as how he didn't have too big of a role last season.

It would be great if Hopkins could be a solid blocker and could carry the ball in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

Wide Receiver: Roy Roundtree (RS Sr.)

Backup: Jeremy Jackson

I think Roy Roundtree is absolutely crucial to this team's offense. We saw what the passing game has the potential to be in 2010, and Roundtree was a huge part of all that production.

However, he disappeared last year, and the passing game was downright awful.

Roundtree needs to step up again as a senior, especially since there is a lack of talent and production at the position.

Slot Receiver: Jeremy Gallon (RS Jr.)

Backup: Drew Dileo

Having Gallon as a starter is a no-brainer. He surprised last year and really had a solid season.

Gallon will need to do what he did last year and then some if this passing game is going to be respectable. He's not going to be a No. 1 receiver and take over games, but that doesn't mean Gallon can't be very dangerous within this offense.

Tight End: Brandon Moore (RS Sr.)

Backup: A.J. Williams

This one here is unfortunately by default.

I don't think Ricardo Miller will win the job. Heck, I think Jordan Paskorz, Chris Eddins and Mike Kwiatkowski have just as good of a shot as Miller does.

We'll have to wait until fall and see what the freshman tight ends can do and whether or not they'll be realistic contenders to start.

That leaves us with Brandon Moore. Even if he does end up starting, I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see a whole lot of production out of him this fall.

Left Tackle: Taylor Lewan (RS Jr.)

Backup: Kyle Kalis

Taylor Lewan is not only one of the best linemen in the Big Ten, but he has the potential to be one of the best in the country.

He probably won't be the overall No. 1 pick like Jake Long was, but Lewan resembles Long in not only his jersey number but his dominant play as well.

It is scary to think of how much he can still improve, seeing as how he will only be a junior.

Left Guard: Elliott Mealer (RS Sr.)

Backup: Joey Burzynski

Well, if there was one big winner from spring practice on offense, it was Elliott Mealer.

This kid has been a backup his entire career, but he may now break the starting lineup as a senior.

Joey Burzynski got the start in the spring game, but I wouldn't be surprised if Mealer is starting by the time fall rolls around. Again, I don't want to get too caught up in the spring hype, but it sounds like Mealer is finally ready to contribute.

Center: Ricky Barnum (RS Sr.)

Backup: Jack Miller

With Rocko Khoury's departure, I'd say Barnum has the center job all but wrapped up.

The real question is whether or not he can stay healthy for an entire season. If not, then freshman Jack Miller would have to be rushed into action before he is ready.

Right Guard: Patrick Omameh (RS Sr.)

Backup: Chris Bryant

Omameh has quietly been very good throughout his Michigan career. Now a senior, he will be one of the most experienced veterans on this team.

He should be very solid in that right guard spot for his final year.

Right Tackle: Michael Schofield (RS Jr.)

Backup: Erik Gunderson

Schofield will slide right over to right tackle, causing the loss of Mark Huyge to not be very significant.

Schofield is extremely versatile and seems to excel wherever he plays. Along with Omameh and Lewan, Michigan will have three very, very solid anchors on this offensive line.

Defensive End: Frank Clark (So.)

Backup: Brennen Beyer

One of the most intriguing position battles on the team is here at defensive end between Clark and Brennen Beyer.

Beyer started the spring game, but honestly, I think Clark will start the opener and be an absolute monster as only a sophomore.

If he can be a force off the edge, it would tremendously help the D-line.

Defensive Tackle: Will Campbell (Sr.)

Backup: Quinton Washington

I don't think there's much doubt that Campbell will start as a senior. We've said that before, though.

However, I do think he'll have a solid year and will potentially be the anchor on this defensive line. He'll need to be, because this line can't afford to have him underachieve once again.

Defensive Tackle: Jibreel Black (Jr.)

Backup: Ondre Pipkins

Jibreel Black is making the transition from end to tackle, and so far all the reports on him have been very positive.

It wouldn't be surprising if he and Campbell provided a solid duo at tackle, but it also wouldn't be a shock if neither lives up to the hype.

This is why the defensive line is one of the most concerning areas for this team.

Defensive End: Craig Roh (Sr.)

Backup: Keith Heitzman

The up-and-down career of Craig Roh is coming to an end, and unlike some people, I'm going to be sad to see him go.

Yes, he has disappeared at times throughout his career, but Roh has come up huge at others.

This defensive line really needs him to be productive, as he is arguably the most important player on it.

Linebacker: Jake Ryan (RS So.)

Backup: Cam Gordon

Jake Ryan burst onto the scene last year as a freshman, and there's no reason to think he won't be even better this year.

This kid will only be a sophomore, yet he shows a knack for finding and getting to the ball. Reports are that he is being pushed hard by Cam Gordon, which is great to hear.

Linebacker: Desmond Morgan (So.)

Backup: Brandin Hawthorne

Morgan was a huge surprise last season, starting by midseason as a true freshman.

Some think that the great crop of linebackers Michigan is bringing in may cause Morgan to eventually lose his job, but I wouldn't be surprised if he starts the rest of his career. He may not be as physically gifted as others, but he plays with the kind of attitude you'd want a linebacker to have.

Linebacker: Kenny Demens (RS Sr.)

Backup: Joe Bolden

Word has been surprisingly negative surrounding Demens this spring. He was supposed to be a leader on this defense, yet there is constant talk of possibly less playing time if he doesn't step it up.

I think it is just the coaches trying to motivate him, though.

I don't think he should be too worried about losing his starting job; I think he'll have a fine 2012 season as a senior.

Cornerback: J.T. Floyd (RS Sr.)

Backup: Courtney Avery

Floyd must have received the message after his benching earlier this spring, as he came back and started the spring game.

However, it is good to see that some of the younger corners are pushing him. Terrence Talbott, Courtney Avery and Raymon Taylor all seem more than capable of filling in if Floyd underachieves.

Cornerback: Blake Countess (So.)

Backup: Raymon Taylor

Countess looks to have bounced back from his rough finish to last season; he started and had a pick in the spring game.

Countess and J.T. Floyd should form a very solid corner duo in what will be a strong and experienced secondary. It is scary to think how good this kid may eventually be, seeing as how he's only a sophomore.

Safety: Thomas Gordon (RS Jr.)

Backup: Marvin Robinson

Gordon is another guy who was being pushed hard by the coaches to perform better.

If he plays like he did at times last year, he and Jordan Kovacs could form one of the better safety duos around.

It is crucial that he stays healthy since depth at safety is extremely thin.

Safety: Jordan Kovacs (RS Sr.)

Backup: Jarrod Wilson

Jordan Kovacs has gone from walk-on to potential captain in 2012.

This kid's story is truly unbelievable, as he will cap a great career with what should be a very solid senior season.

Kovacs is one of the most important guys on this team both on and off the field, and he will definitely be missed once he graduates.