Michigan Football: Devin Funchess Key to Keeping Wolverines Alive in Big Ten

Brady Hoke’s refusal to discuss injuries keeps both the public and future adversaries guessing about whom quarterback Devin Gardner may be targeting this weekend.

It also prevents him from having to face questions about the grim reality of Michigan’s Big Ten title hopes if Devin Funchess doesn’t soon return.

Hoke likes to repeat the old coaching adage “the most important game is the next game,” but Michigan’s nonconference slate has already been spoiled by its 31-0 whipping to Notre Dame.

Tony Ding/Associated Press

Michigan faces several obstacles to make its first appearance in the Big Ten title game, but none are more daunting than road games versus Michigan State and Ohio State.

Michigan’s best chance to compete in those games hinges on Devin Gardner and Devin Funchess lighting up the scoreboards in East Lansing and Columbus.

Without Funchess, the offense stumbled in the second quarter in Week 3 when Miami of Ohio managed a brief run sparked in part when one of his replacements, Amara Darboh, fumbled the ball. Hoke also blamed Gardner’s interception as being tipped at the line of scrimmage and sailing over the intended receiver. Funchess' imposing size (6’5”) and long reach make him a hard target to miss even when Devin Gardner is under fire.

Take a look at this Funchess highlight reel. Count how many times he makes a play using either his leaping ability or by using his frame to create space to make a catch—and hurdling an Ohio State defender is just a bonus.

Jabrill Peppers is one of the top defensive recruits in the nation, but look at how Funchess' size and strength allow him to make a play during the following drill.

His skills and athleticism have not gone unnoticed by the NFL experts. Last spring, senior analyst Dane Brugler at NFLDraftScout.com tagged Funchess as a potential late first-round selection in the 2015 NFL draft. But based on his performance this season, he now ranks Funchess as a mid-first-round selection.

Michigan needs Funchess back to get ready for the Big Ten season and he needs to get back to show NFL scouts that he has the durability to play on Sundays. If he can prove his durability and put together some big games, he might be able to move up further in the first round.

A quick perusal through Funchess' Twitter feed shows that he has a fascination with exotic automobiles. The sooner he gets back on the field, the closer he'll be to affording the ride of his dreams as a pro. 

Michigan may be able to beat other teams with his backups, but Hoke needs Funchess to have a shot at beating Michigan State or Ohio State.

Utah is a dangerous opponent, averaging the third-most points per game in the country (57.5). A loss to the Utes would put the Wolverines at .500 heading into the Big Ten slate, and the heat would undoubtedly be on Hoke.

But make no mistake, Michigan’s Big Ten hopes, and perhaps Hoke’s future, depend on Gardner and Funchess playing pitch and catch against conference opponents.

Michigan needs Funchess to start dominating Big Ten rivals and being the topic of SportsCenter tweets again as soon as possible.

Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations obtained firsthand.

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