Michigan Football: Bold Predictions for 2015 Fall Camp

Fall camp is rapidly approaching for the Michigan Wolverines, which means it's a perfect time to offer a few bold predictions for Jim Harbaugh's first August session.

But first, a key guideline for the predictions: They must be bold, but they also need to be realistic. Though saying Jake Rudock will become Tom Brady overnight is bold, it's not realistic. While asserting Rudock will separate himself as the No. 1 quarterback is realistic, it's not very bold.

Inconsistency plagued the Wolverines in 2014, and injuries have affected them in recent months. The struggles must be overcome, but they've also given a wonderful opportunity for a returning leader to retain his spot, a freshman to claim one and a positional unit to break out.

De'Veon Smith Earns Initial Starting Nod

Derrick Green and Ty Isaac will likely share the majority of carries during the regular season, but both players—as well as Drake Johnson (ACL)—are currently recovering from an injury.

Green sustained a broken clavicle last season. A leg injury shortened Isaac's spring session, and Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press notes Harbaugh said the USC transfer has "really only practiced for a day."

Remember De'Veon Smith?

The team's leading rusher in 2014, Smith boasts a clean bill of health and an offseason where he had the chance to develop under Michigan's new NFL-experienced staff. That progression should be evident early in camp and give Smith an edge in the competition. 

Now, there's little realistic chance he holds onto the starting job for the entire 2015 season. Green and Isaac are simply too talented for that to happen. But right now, injuries have held back the duo.

That's not Smith's problem, though; rather, that's what provides his chance to shine.

Brian Cole Emerges as Top-Three Receiver

Wide receiver wasn't a pretty position in 2014, so the returning wideouts have plenty to prove.

The Wolverines also lost Devin Funchess, who paced the team with 62 receptions, 733 yards and four touchdowns. Despite his frustrating drops and overall inconsistent play still, Funchess' level of production must be replaced, and Amara Darboh can't do it alone.

Darboh reeled in 36 passes for 473 yards and two scores, and he's squarely atop the depth chart. But behind Jehu Chesson (14/154/0), first-team reps are up for grabs. Brian Cole will come away with them.

The 4-star recruit enrolled early and turned heads during spring practice. Clint Brewster of 247Sports said of Cole:

"

Cole has the versatility to line up in the slot or out wide at receiver. He's got long speed on the outside but he's also got the agility and quickness to win underneath. Cole's playmaking ability and the yards he can pick up after the catch will make him a productive receiver. ... At 6'2" and 200 pounds, Cole has the size and strength to fit right in and make an impact early.

"

Cole needs to beat out Freddy Canteen—a similarly touted, yet equally unproven talent—for the No. 1 slot position. Yes, Harbaugh's offenses don't rely on a bevy of pass-catching options, but Cole holds an excellent opportunity to impact the lineup immediately.

Fall camp will show the true freshman is worthy of the praise.

Secondary Emerges as Top Defensive Unit

Mario Ojemudia, Taco Charlton, Chris Wormley, Ryan Glasgow and Bryan Mone return on the defensive line, while Joe Bolden, James Ross II and Desmond Morgan highlight a solid linebacking corps. But the secondary can become a force.

Jarrod Wilson tallied 50 tackles in each of the last two seasons, and the senior safety will command his starting position throughout the year. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis is safely etched into the lineup—especially following Blake Countess' transfer to Auburn—and brings starting experience to the unit.

But the new additions are what solidify the secondary, which struggled to show consistency last year.

Leon Halip/Getty Images

The hype train is running wild for 2014 5-star recruit Jabrill Peppers, who can line up anywhere in the defensive backfield. No, he's not new like Stanford transfer Wayne Lyons, but Peppers is poised to break out after a freshman campaign cut short by injury.

Harbaugh recruited Lyons to Stanford, but the coach bolted for the NFL before the D-back touched the field in college. Lyons should start opposite Lewis.

Throw in Dymonte Thomas (27 tackles in 2014), Delano Hill (20 in seven games), Channing Stribling and Brandon Watson, and the Wolverines have the makings of an imposing—and deep—secondary.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Follow Bleacher Report CFB writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.