Michigan Football: Who Will Be Wolverines' Top Offensive Playmakers for 2015?
The transformation of Michigan’s coaching staff gives reason to believe that several players could emerge this fall for the new-look, Jim Harbaugh-charged Wolverines offense.
But there will be a transition period, as Harbaugh has to replace receiver Devin Funchess, a 6’5”, 235-pound prototypical No. 1 target, and Devin Gardner, the team’s most experienced quarterback.
Despite a lukewarm junior year, Funchess showed enough on the field to command attention from the NFL, which is why he’s skipping his senior season to enter the upcoming draft. But he would certainly be of use this fall for the Wolverines, who have bodies at the position but lack meaningful experience.
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Gardner could be difficult to replace as well. Due to unbalanced circumstances and injury, he wasn’t able to reach anticipated heights, but he had his highlight-worthy moments and could make things happen.
That said, Harbaugh is starting his coaching tenure with Shane Morris, a sophomore with two starts (including the 2014 Buffalo Wilds Wing Bowl), redshirt freshman Wilton Speight and incoming frosh Alex Malzone, who will make his membership official on national signing day.
Redshirt sophomore Amara Darboh leads the way with 36 of the team’s returning 127 receptions. Jake Butt, a sophomore tight end, is second with 14, and redshirt sophomore Jehu Chesson rounds out the top three with 11.
Spring ball will provide better clues, but a few returning players stand out today as likely contributors this fall.
Run It Back
Sophomores De’Veon Smith and Derrick Green will have company in 2015, as USC transfer Ty Isaac is now eligible to suit up on game day. That’s good news for a backfield that remains in pursuit of an identity.
The story is the same for Green and Smith: They’ve yet to really gain traction, but they have shown signs of progression—especially Green, who was derailed after breaking his clavicle Oct. 4 versus Rutgers. Prior to the season-ending injury, he was well on his way to becoming the No. 1 back.
Isaac is the unknown factor in the equation. He was buried in the Trojans depth chart, so there aren’t a lot of previous games to judge. But offensive coordinator Tim Drevno, also formerly of USC, could combine with running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley and turn the 6’3”, 225-pounder into a mainstay.
Together, Drevno and Wheatley symbolize a recommitment to the ground attack. Drevno is known for strong lines and effective backs. Wheatley played behind great lines while running his way into Michigan’s record books in the early 1990s.
They could revitalize Green and Smith, too. It’s been said in the past, but it stands today: Michigan, on paper, has a good backfield. Surprisingly enough, the Wolverines averaged 4.6 yards per carry in 2014. That’s not a garbage average, either. Green led the charge with 5.7 per touch, and Smith followed with 4.8.
There is potential; it never left. But all of that goes back to the performance of the offensive line.
Right Guy for Left Tackle
Left tackle is one of the most important positions in the game, and it’s held in high regard at smashmouth schools such as Michigan.
As a freshman in 2014, Mason Cole demonstrated great resolve by continuously learning from his mistakes. By year’s end, the 6’5”, near-300-pounder looked like quite comfortable at his perch.
The line, the line, the line—that’s been the talk for three years. Cole is a cornerstone, and his progression could impact the running and passing games.
Breezy, Baby!
Jabrill Peppers is healthy and ready to work on boosting Michigan’s secondary, which really excites program great Marcus Ray.
"@JabrillPeppers is a field general, ball hawk, Def QB & enforcer. Restore the glory in that secondary fam. My dawg!
— MARCUS RAY (@Marcus_Ray29) January 21, 2015"
An incredibly versatile athlete, Peppers could—with “could” being the operative word—do a thing or two on offense.
He’ll primarily play defense, but it’s fun to think about Peppers as a running back and/or receiver. Please, by all means, take a moment to think of the options—bubble screens, sweeps, stretches, whatever comes to mind.
All of that, though, may have to wait. But again, there’s nothing wrong with a little wild speculation for entertainment’s sake.
Catches to be Made
At 6’6” and 250 pounds, Butt is an obvious choice. He’s been hampered by knee/tendon injuries, but he’s a great deep threat when healthy. He may not have Funchess' hops, but Butt can extend for the circus grabs too.
There is a lot to like about Chesson, who always came across as a diligent worker during media availability. Instead of self-promoting, he often chose to talk about team-wide improvement. He’s had to overcome foot injuries, but 2015 could be a memorable go for the 6’3”, 197-pounder.
Darboh has had foot issues too, but his upside makes the 6’2,” 211-pounder worthy of discussion. See his six-catch, 88-yard performance versus Miami (Ohio) and his nine-catch, 107-yard romp versus Indiana, both 34-10 wins for the Wolverines.
Freddy Canteen was “Freddy Footwork” this past spring. He was supposed to be the next sure-handed speedster. But again, inconsistencies on offense wouldn’t allow for developmental reps, so Canteen didn’t play as much as he should have.
The 6’1”, 176-pound freshman finished the year with five catches for 22 yards and a touchdown.
The Quarterback
He needs a lot of work and more reps, but Morris has already proved capable of improvisation. The 6’3”, 203-pound lefty has enough arm strength to make the necessary throws, but his ability to pick up a few yards by foot deserves consideration.
He has a set of respectable wheels.
Speight is 6’6” and 234 pounds. He probably won’t run often, but he’s far from immobile. However, going aerial is his best bet. That’s where he has the most potential to make an impact. He has a cannon, and it’s only getting better. He regularly threw great balls during pregame warm-ups.
Yes, it’s come down to gauging guys on pregame performance. Michigan hasn’t developed its youth, so each year is essentially a reset.
At 6’1.5” and 220 pounds, Malzone doesn’t have the natural benefit of seeing over everyone like Speight does. However, the former Birmingham Brother Rice star didn’t win three state titles and complete 65 percent of his passes in 2014 by accident.
He has great vision and decent mobility.
It doesn’t matter who leads—Morris, Speight or Malzone—but a quarterback must take charge this fall. Headlining quarterbacks are staples of Harbaugh teams, so expecting one to emerge this year is relatively easy.
Follow Bleacher Report’s Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81
Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer via press conference, press release or other media availability.
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