Michigan Football: 7 Players to Watch in Wolverines Spring Game
Many eyes will follow Jabrill Peppers, Jake Butt and Jourdan Lewis during Michigan football's spring game, but lesser-known players shouldn't be forgotten.
Although the scrimmage has a minimal (if any) impact on the regular-season opener, the exhibition provides a useful look at the development of both past reserves and borderline starters.
Each player listed is primed to hold a No. 1 role or has a legitimate chance to secure a top spot or noteworthy place in the rotation. They'll all be on display when the Wolverines enter the Big House on April 1.
Tune in for the stars, but make a point to watch these guys.
The Quarterbacks
1 of 5
John O'Korn, Wilton Speight and Shane Morris are fighting for the starting job. Since none of them emerged during the spring, the final decision isn't coming soon.
Nevertheless, the primary storyline remains under center.
Michigan is a favorite for the Big Ten title as well as the national championship, but that hype is somewhat dependent on a reliable quarterback.
Right or wrong, every throw will be dissected. The pressure is on O'Korn, Speight and Morris to excel—evne though neither an excellent nor mediocre performance will win or lose the job.
Tyrone Wheatley Jr., Tight End
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Tyrone Wheatley Jr. has a rare mix of size, power and finesse for a 6'6", 280-pound man.
"He's a big-bodied guy who can move people off the ball and when he goes out to run a pattern, he can work a guy," offensive coordinator Tim Drevno said earlier this spring, per Nick Baumgardner of MLive.com. "Those short routes by the tight ends are kind of like (playing underneath) in basketball. He's a big target, put the ball (wherever) and he can run with it."
Michigan must replace A.J. Williams, who primarily served as a blocking tight end last season. Wheatley could develop into a more versatile piece—and the sooner, the better.
Grant Newsome, Left Tackle
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Grant Newsome earned playing time as a true freshman because the coaches simply couldn't keep him off the field. This year, he'll probably be a starter.
However, the spring game presents the first chance to observe Newsome at left tackle in a game situation alongside Ben Braden, Mason Cole, Kyle Kalis and Erik Magnuson.
"Being able to study under Mason last year and then having four guys back on the offensive line is great," Newsome said, per Angelique S. Chengelis of the Detroit News. "It's a huge help for me so I'm not expected to be the guy trying to tell everyone what to do, so it's been nice to learn under those guys."
Barring any unforeseen changes, that unit will be the starting five when the Wolverines host Hawaii on Sept. 3.
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Mike McCray, Linebacker
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Behind quarterback, linebacker was the roster's biggest weakness. Michigan had Ben Gedeon and a slew of either unproven reserves or incoming freshmen.
Mike McCray has provided a glimmer of hope in March.
Early in the month, position coach Chris Partridge called the oft-injured player a "pleasant surprise," according to Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press.
Jim Harbaugh and his staff typically aren't quick to praise someone, so it's unlikely McCray's performance is merely talk. Still, the spring game is an opportunity to watch a healthy—and improved—McCray.
Channing Stribling, Cornerback
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Lewis is the undisputed top cornerback, but Channing Stribling might finally have reached the next step in his development.
Last year, Stribling opened and closed the season in the starting lineup. However, he managed just two other starts, essentially reverting to his title as a career reserve.
Sam Webb of Scout wrote Harbaugh gave Stribling the game ball following the team's scrimmage in Florida. He snatched a pair of interceptions. Snyder also called Stribling a standout performer.
While the spring game is not unequivocally indicative of future success, we will have seen enough of Stribling to recognize if there's truly a difference this time around.
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.
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