Michigan Football: Players Who Benefit Most from Jim Harbaugh's Arrival

The arrival of a new coaching staff gives most players a fresh slate while marking the end of the road for others. Jim Harbaugh comes in with no preexisting relationships with his new players. It’s an opportunity for a careful evaluation of talent and a position shuffling to match the needs of new schemes.

Not all players survive the transition. Offensive lineman Kyle Bosch hoped to return to the team after taking a leave of absence last season but decided to transfer after a meeting with Harbaugh.

Linebacker Michael Ferns also has left the program and transferred to West Virginia.

The following players will enter spring practice with the best opportunities to impress their new coaches.

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

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All season statistics from MGoBlue.com, official University of Michigan athletic department web site.

Quarterback Shane Morris

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Michigan needs a new starting quarterback and nobody needs a new beginning more than Shane Morris.

His lone start last season versus Minnesota marked the beginning of the end for Brady Hoke. Morris was knocked flat by an illegal hit to the helmet that spurred a media firestorm that eventually cost athletic director David Brandon his job.

Morris returns as Michigan’s most experienced quarterback (43-of-87 for 389 yards and five interceptions), but he will face stiff competition from Wilton Speight, Russell Bellomy and incoming freshman Alex Malzone.

Michigan’s quarterbacks struggled last season under Doug Nussmeier, and they’ll be battling to impress Harbaugh before he starts stocking the roster with his recruits. Morris will hope that his experience and moxie will impress Harbaugh enough to give him a chance to win the starting position. 

Defensive Back Blake Countess

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Blake Countess wore the No. 2 jersey last season but didn't live up to the legacy of former Michigan Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson.

Countess only registered 24 tackles and no interceptions after racking up 46 tackles and six interceptions the previous season.

He entered the campaign healthy after offseason abdominal surgery but failed to be a difference-maker on defense.

He looks to regain top form under new defensive secondary coaches Greg Jackson and Mike Zordich. He should also benefit from a re-shuffling of responsibilities and less playing time at nickelback. 

Tight End Jake Butt

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Jake Butt missed the beginning of the season because of an injury and later endured a one-game suspension for a “violation of team expectations.”

After a breakout 2013 season, Butt was expected to be a focal point of the offense last year but suffered statistically due to Michigan's poor quarterback play.

Jim Harbaugh is known for featuring the tight end. What's more, Butt will be coached by Harbaugh’s son, Jay.

Both Harbaughs have an interest in the tight end position generating a lot of production. The younger Harbaugh could silence those who question his hiring by helping Butt revitalize his career. 

Linebacker Desmond Morgan

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No. 48 Desmond Morgan

Desmond Morgan is expected to be back for a fifth season after a hand injury forced him to miss most of last season. He has 229 career tackles and was expected to be a starter before being sidelined by the injury.

Morgan will be working directly with defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin, who will also be taking over the linebackers from Greg Mattison, who will be coaching the defensive line.

Running Back Ty Isaac

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Michigan is deep at the running back position with Derrick Green, De’Veon Smith and Drake Johnson on the roster. All three have gained experience while Ty Isaac sat out last season after transferring in.

Injuries to Green and Johnson give Isaac a chance to impress new running back coach Tyrone Wheatley. There are more experienced backs on the roster, but Isaac should be fresh and hungry after not being able to play last season. 

Defensive Back Jabrill Peppers

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No player’s absence hurt the team more last season than that of Jabrill Peppers, who was expected to play defense, special teams and maybe even offense.

Peppers saw action in a mere three games and totaled eight tackles—hardly the impact expected from one of the nation’s most recruited high school football players.

This week, it was revealed that Peppers would be shifting to safety, a move that could transform the defense if he can stay healthy.

The position change also makes the way clear for Harbaugh to lure 5-star cornerback recruit Iman Marshall to Ann Arbor.