Michigan Wolverines Gave Up 2008 For Later Successes

In 2008, Michigan was a young team.

With Rich Rodriguez installing a drastically new offense and years of NFL departures weighing on the program, freshmen and sophomores were thrust into positions they were not ready for.

3-9 just happened.

In their sorrows, one thing many fans have failed to do is look at how young that team could have been.

Michigan received a Top-10 ranking by many scouting services for their 2008 freshman class.

Many of those very talented freshmen didn't see the field. Seventeen players were redshirted.

Here are a few of them who could make a big difference in the years to come. All of the following young men are four-star prospects.

Dann O'Neill (OT-Grand Haven, MI)

A punishing run blocker, O'Neill sat out mostly because his overall strength wasn't ready for the college game.

He plays with great leverage ranking him as the 10th best lineman in the 2008 class. If he has taken strides to be a better pass blocker he could be a Jake Long type in a few years.

Brandon Smith (S-New Brunswick, NJ) 

Smith received a 5.9/6.1 rating from Rivals.com which ranks him on the high side of All-American possibilities.

At 6'3" 210 pounds, he runs a 4.5 forty. If he shows even decent ball skills, he could develop into one of the best safeties Michigan has seen in a long time.

Ricky Barnum (C-Lakeland, FL) 

The fifth ranked center in the 2008 class is a physical specimen and can bench 340 pounds. He was offered by Florida, South Carolina, and others but chose Michigan.

He should be able to start right away in 2009 at either center or guard.

Elliot Mealer (OT-Wauseaon, OH)

6'6" 280 pounds is a big frame to be working with. According to the Michigan website, he's already added 19 pounds.

He was the 24th ranked tackle in the nation and should be able to contribute in 2009, starting soon thereafter. 

Terrance Robinson (RB/WR-Klein, TX)

Robinson sat out to move from slash back to full-time wide receiver. He'll see spot duty at both positions throughout his Michigan career. He has great hands and was ranked the ninth all-purpose back out of high school.

Brandon Moore (TE-Trotwood, OH)

Moore didn't need a year to learn the playbook, he carries a 4.2 GPA. He came out of high school as the eighth ranked tight end and the fifth ranked athlete among TEs.

He spurned other top programs such as Georgia, Clemson, Miami and Florida State.

Will a bunch of redshirt freshmen turn the tide in 2009?

Probably not.

But there is more young talent on the Wolverine's roster than fans saw in 2008. Add in true freshman like Stonum, Cissoko, and Odoms.

Combined with an eighth ranked class recruiting class in '09. When it all comes together, Michigan can be very very good.