Michigan Football: 5 Biggest Offseason Goals for the Wolverines

The Michigan football program enters the offseason as a popular way-too-early favorite for 2016, but the Wolverines have a handful of goals to accomplish before the campaign even begins.

A large group of returning standouts provides the main reason pundits love Jim Harbaugh's team. However, a top-notch recruiting class and a small yet important batch of new starters and role players are just as important.

For Michigan to reach its perceived potential next season, though, the roster needs to avoid the two types of major setbacks and keep its best talents on the field and off the sideline.

Finish Strong in Recruiting

Heading into the final week before national signing day, Michigan has the No. 3 class in the 247Sports Composite Rankings, despite some attrition.

Erik Swenson, Sir Patrick Scott, Antwaine Richardson and Kiante Enis all backed out of their verbal pledges. It's certainly possible that Michigan coaches suggested some of them seek opportunities elsewhere; that's not rare in college football.

Regardless, now the Wolverines are looking to fill those spots. They recently added 4-star cornerback David Long and 3-star linebacker Elysee Mbem-Bosse to the haul, but the biggest prize remains on the board in No. 1 overall recruit Rashan Gary.

Michigan is also chasing prospects like 4-stars Jordan Fuller, Lavert Hill and Connor Murphy, as well as 3-stars Jonathan Jones, Eddie McDoom and Chase Allen.

While adding each of those players is unnecessary, grabbing a handful of the top targets would secure a highly ranked group.

Identify New Starters

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Rudock, Graham Glasgow, Willie Henry, Joe Bolden, Desmond Morgan, Jarrod Wilson and Blake O'Neill all used up their collegiate eligibility. Who's next?

While the competition to replace Rudock is a five-man race, the offensive line will shuffle and add a face or two. Michigan shouldn't encounter many problems filling the voids of Henry, Wilson or O'Neill.

Bolden, Morgan and top backup James Ross III leave a significant opening at linebacker, and the lack of experience will plague the Wolverines there.

We know the leading candidates for most of the vacant spots, but those are merely names on paper. Michigan coaches must and will identify replacements throughout the offseason.

Develop Depth

Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Most of Michigan's stars return for 2016, and they'll receive most of the attention. However, it would be foolish to ignore the rotational pieces.

Drake Johnson was a fixture in the lineup. Well, the running back managed only 271 yards. Grant Perry was the No. 3 wide receiver. He tallied just 14 receptions.

Maurice Hurst and Matt Godin were decent backups, but the gap between them and Ryan Glasgow was sizable. The starting linebackers in 2016 will all have been reserves (or in high school) last year.

"A chain is only as strong as its weakest link," the saying goes. The Wolverines must develop those positional links into formidable replacements.

Don't Make Bad Headlines

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Excluding preseason predictions along with Harbaugh and his escapades, the program likely wants to stay out of the headlines.

Translation? Don't do anything stupid.

If a player—or players—cannot avoid that, repercussions may be necessary, and that could mean a suspension.

Although the opening stretch against Hawaii, UCF and Colorado isn't exactly a daunting one, the nonconference slate offers Michigan a chance to build in-game chemistry while allowing for a couple mistakes.

Stay Healthy

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan lasted nearly the entire 2015 offseason without a key player sustaining a major injury, but defensive tackle Bryan Mone's broken ankle ended that impressive stretch.

All things considered, though, one injury isn't awful.

In 2016, the Wolverines boast a strong collection of returning starters and top reserves. That's the biggest reason Harbaugh and Co. will be a trendy choice for the Big Ten title.

Collective skill and a dash of luck are keys to championships, but Michigan needs a clean bill of health to engineer a run at a conference—and potentially national—crown.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.