Michigan Football: Week 2 Spring Practice Stock Report

All of the right people have said all the right things throughout the first two weeks of Michigan’s spring practice sessions. The Wolverines’ stock seems to be as high as it’s been since the signing of the 2013 recruiting class.

With that said, it’s a buyer’s market in Ann Arbor.

Since revving the team’s engine on Feb. 24, head coach Jim Harbaugh has doled out hearty compliments in regard to the players’ level of excitement. Since taking over the program on Dec. 30, the former San Francisco 49ers coach has expressed a great deal of optimism—he’s eager to turn around his alma mater and is happy that his players share the same enthusiasm.

He said he wanted to “bottle” it.

Offensive coordinator Tim Drevno, who came over from USC, has also taken the time to say some nice things about the team. However, during his time in front of mics and cameras, he wasn’t necessarily willing to announce a leader in the quarterback race.

The same story is true for former Florida defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin. He’s cast genuinely positive vibrations thus far, but he’s also been cautious with his words. He has one of the most athletic, untapped, never-before-seen collections of talents in the Big Ten—enough to prompt serious debate about the potential of the 2015 defense—but he’s done a respectable job of tempering the hype.

DREV

Shane Morris returns with the most experience, but his junior status won’t necessarily serve as an advantage. Wilton Speight redshirted in 2014, and Alex Malzone just enrolled during the winter semester. Needless to say, neither has played a down in college, but each has the chance to leapfrog one of the perceived gems of the 2013 class.

According to Drevno, per Nick Baumgardner of MLive, age and class won’t influence the selection process. Like the rest of the staff, Drevno has adopted a fresh approach. Everyone is new, and as far as position races are concerned, there are no leaders...certainly not at quarterback.

"We're not going to be (limited due to inexperience at quarterback). We'll play to that person's strengths, and I think Jim Harbaugh does a great job with that.

"You can see his track record, and we've got a great coach, so I'm very fortunate to be able to work alongside Jim."

Unless Morris, Speight or Malzone locks down the position after the spring game, expect to see incoming freshman Zach Gentry, a 4-star pro-style QB, immediately jump into the circle.

The chances of a true or redshirt freshman starting Sept. 3 at Utah are good. Three of the four prime candidates are youngsters, which works out to 75 percent of the talent pool.

But that’s way down the road. Until then, pay close attention to Malzone and Speight. There’s something to be said for the young and hungry. This is the spring that Morris either takes the reins or makes way for the next one.

It’s also worth noting that Drevno will call the plays. Along with passing coordinator Jedd Fisch, who’s set to speak March 10 alongside running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley, Drevno has, perhaps, the most difficult job of anyone on the staff.

Not only does he have to find a quarterback, but he also has to assist in rebuilding the offensive line. Due to proven methods and a reputation for development, Drevno's stock could soar after the spring game on April 4. There’s not much action right now, but it probably wouldn’t hurt Michigan fans to invest a little trust in Drevno—there could be a huge payoff this spring and fall.

DURK

Durkin’s flexible 3-4 and 4-3 defenses are known for speed and efficiency. His Gators didn’t waste a lot of time or energy on defense in 2014—they got straight to the point, allowing just 10 rushing touchdowns and 3.15 yards per attempt.

Pair that with Greg Mattison’s philosophies, which align with Durkin’s train of thought, and Michigan stands to have one of the better defenses in the league. Jabrill Peppers is set to make his return to the lineup as well. His presence only increases the potential value of the secondary, not to mention the overall value of the defense as a whole.

But Durkin is in the process of getting comfortable with his new surroundings. Major personnel decisions haven’t been made and probably won’t be for weeks. Having Mattison around could expedite the process, though.

“More than anything, getting to know the kids as people,” Durkin said, per Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press. “You watch them on tape, you go to practice. My whole thing and our staff is, let’s get to know these guys as people.

We aren’t here to recruit them. When you’re at a place where you’ve recruited all the guys, you know them. You know their families, you know everything about them. We don’t know that yet. Greg knows all those guys or most of those guys, and that’s really where it’s been helpful.”

HERO

When he’s not saving people on Interstate 94 near Ann Arbor, he’s handcrafting the new-look Wolverines at Al Glick Field House. So far, so good. But there hasn’t been any groundbreaking news just yet.

On Feb. 24, he publicly addressed the media for the first time since his introduction on Dec. 30. He stood tall and proud, claiming the Wolverines as his own. He’s done everything possible to calm—but at the same time excite—the masses of hopeful Michigan fans. He has yet to coach a game, but he’s already earned a substantial amount of their trust.

Harbaugh’s reputation is now skyrocketing toward mythic levels. His heroic rescue of two motorists from an overturned vehicle on Wednesday solidified his status as a real-deal, legitimate hometown hero in every sense of the word.

For all intents and purposes, he’s the CEO of the hot new company you’d be foolish to ignore. The time to buy is now. Invest your entire savings. Harbaugh’s no-frills honesty is exactly the type of mindset the Wolverines need today. A steal at a reported $35 million for seven years, Harbaugh’s stock will continue its rapid ascent well into fall.

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. Stats and bio information were obtained from MGoBlue.com. Recruiting info via 247Sports.