Michigan Football: Wolverines' 2015 Offseason Checklist

Anything less than a championship-like effort from the Michigan Wolverines just won’t cut it on Sept. 3 versus the Utah Utes. The process of establishing such an attitude starts now, in the heart of the offseason.

First-year coach Jim Harbaugh's staff and players certainly have a lot to accomplish on their respective to-do lists before heading west to Brice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

The Wolverines need a quarterback, among other things. They also need to further polish their offensive line and find a way to replace a few missing pieces. On top of that, most of Harbaugh’s staff members are new, so they’ll need time to acclimate as well.

This isn’t an ordinary, run-of-the-mill offseason.

It may just be a season opener, however, given Harbaugh’s playing and coaching career, not to mention his strong desire to rebuild his alma mater, it’d be safe to assume that he’s viewing Week 1 of 2015 as much more than simply "Week 1 of 2015."

He probably expects coaches and players to do the same.

In all likelihood, he’s looking for a big road win—one that’d serve as early validation for a hungry team looking to prove itself. He’s probably aiming to further validate himself as well; he’s 7-1 on opening day, posting a 3-1 record with the Stanford Cardinal (45-17 loss to UCLA in 2007) and 4-0 mark with the San Francisco 49ers.

But there is a lot more on the line for Harbaugh and Michigan than establishing momentary confidence and the continuation of a respectable coaching streak. On Sept. 3, his team can effectively physically and mentally usher in a new era by winning out west. 

But before achieving that goal, Michigan must fully embrace the summer offseason. The weeks will go by fast, and the Wolverines can’t afford to waste any time as they prepare for fall camp. 

Follow the Leader

RICH SCHULTZ/Associated Press

Guys such as Jourdan Lewis have the right idea. Just recently, the junior cornerback tweeted about putting together organized team activities this summer. Already touted as the team’s best cover man, the 5'10", 176-pounder could end up being one of its best leaders too:

Everyone deserves a break from the grind every now and then, but it’s clear that Lewis wants to promote productive months of June, July and August—the more players who take part; the better for Michigan.

Lewis posted the following message during a series of football-related tweets. It may or may not directly pertain to the Wolverines. Then again, it probably does:

Lewis’ initiative is a positive sign, especially since Michigan just lost Blake Countess, a fifth-year senior who graduated and plans to transfer. Lewis' leadership and two years of experience should help the Wolverines cope with the loss of one of their better defensive backs.

Usually, acts such as Lewis’ attempt at team bonding are contagious and motivational. Joe Bolden, a senior linebacker, is also known for taking charge. During spring availability, he discussed getting to know new defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin and the rest of new staff, his personal transition and that of the rest of the team.

Composed and direct, Bolden’s words were those of a man on a mission. He realizes the importance of this fall, not only as it relates to his final year, but to how it relates to the program in general. The 6'3", 232-pound linebacker sees the big picture.

On Dec. 30, the date of his official introduction to the media, Harbaugh outlined his plan to re-introduce sustained success at Michigan, using the building of foundations and the construction of permanent homes as figurative examples to detail his vision.

There can never be too many hands on deck. It’ll take endless hammering and framing to build Harbaugh’s house, so he’ll need all the laborers he can get. The likes of Lewis will undoubtedly lead the way in the locker room and in the huddle. Count on others such as Bolden to set the tone as well.

By now, there is a good chance that leaders are clear and defined. But if not, this summer would be the perfect opportunity for volunteers to step forward and claim responsibility by following Lewis and Bolden's lead. 

Emphasize QB/O-Line Progression

With exception to Jake Rudock, a senior transfer from Iowa with 25 career starts, the Wolverines don’t have a seasoned quarterback to roll with in 2015. In 2014, the 6’3”, 208-pounder completed nearly 62 percent of his passes and finished No. 6 in passing yards per game (203). He’s familiar with the Big Ten and should bring consistency to the mix—either by pushing the competition for No. 1 or winning the position outright.

At one time, Wilton Speight appeared to be next line at Michigan. Shane Morris’ struggles only reinforced that idea, but then Michigan strengthened its reserve by signing 4-star recruit Alex Malzone, an early enrollee who started for the Maize Team in the spring game opposite of Morris.

Malzone was the first quarterback selected in the spring draft. Then upon his arrival, Harbaugh pulled a last-minute move by snagging 4-star Zach Gentry.

Suddenly, Speight's road to starting has become littered with roadblocks. Throw in the cluster of quarterbacks on the spring roster, Rudock’s transfer and Gentry’s anticipated arrival, and the Wolverines have had a genuine “what is going on?” under center.

However, at this point, it doesn’t really matter who takes over the reins from Devin Gardner. Typically, successful quarterbacks have reliable O-lines. Michigan doesn’t have one of those yet, so the continued development of the guards, tackles and center is imperative.

Plus Jack Miller, the former starting center, is gone, leaving one less experienced body available for offensive coordinator/O-line coach Tim Drevno. Luckily for Michigan, Graham Glasgow—who is the best lineman at Michigan, per Miller—is returning for his fifth year of eligibility.

The 6’6”, 303-pounder will likely anchor the middle this fall, but his veteran presence could serve double time for the Wolverines, who need to improve up front and identify cornerstones.

As a freshman in 2014, Mason Cole started 12 games at left tackle. He had his share of early mistakes, but the on-the-job training benefited his cause. Now a sophomore, the 6’5”, 287-pounder has the opportunity to cement himself at the blind side for years to come.

The continued promotion of growth on the line and at quarterback is of the utmost importance for the Wolverines. 

The Recruiting Push

Harbaugh’s done a nice job of spreading the word, but his assistants may end up luring the best recruits. Due to Drevno’s connections, and those of other staff members, the Wolverines are in the midst of weaving a stronger network across the nation, including in the talent-heavy Golden State of California.

“[Drevno at UM] makes me more comfortable, and that’s why I was hoping to hear from Michigan—that’s why I was happy—because you know, back when he was at USC, I was trying to contact him and he left [for Michigan],” said 5-star 2017 offensive tackle Wyatt Davis of St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), who was recently offered by Michigan.

Steady communication during the past couple of years has helped Davis, the No. 6 OT of his class, form a bond with Drevno, who spent more than eight years coaching in his home state at Cal State Fullerton, Stanford (with Harbaugh) and San Francisco (with Harbaugh).  

That relationship is an obvious advantage for the Wolverines, who are in contention with Alabama and Oklahoma, among others, for the 6’5”, 290-pound high school sophomore.

“It was kind of weird. I wasn’t able to hear from him for a minute. I didn’t know where he was going to end up. Now that he’s at Michigan, it’s even better because I’ve always wanted actually to take a visit up there, and I’m pretty excited that I’ll be able to take a visit,” Davis said.

One kid’s past with one staff member won’t revolutionize the game, but it’s a sign of what’s already been reported by many outlets: The new guys can recruit. Drevno, who is noted for his O-lines, will be a key figure in Michigan's planned resurgence. 

Now with Durkin, the south seems more open to Michigan than ever, which is another good sign for the Wolverines. With connections of his own in the region, Durkin will come in handy during Harbaugh’s satellite camp this summer in Prattville, Alabama. Increasing activity in neighboring Georgia may be in order, too. There’s always Florida, and Durkin, who recruited well in-state for the Gators, has links to that hotbed as well.

It’ll take more than steady recruiting, devoted leaders, a championship attitude and an improved QB/O-line tandem to right the wrongs—but those are good places to start.

Right now, Michigan can’t really ask for anything else but strides toward a promising future.

It'd be more constructive than constantly harping on recent failures. 

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.

All recruiting information comes via 247Sports, and UM roster info comes via MGoBlue.