Michigan Football: Winners and Losers of Wolverines' Spring
Spring practice has come and gone for the Michigan Wolverines, and the team finished the session with a few standout performers who have encouraging outlooks for 2016.
However, a couple of players aren't as close to grabbing significant roles—whether that's a starting position or top reserve spot.
While performance in March isn't perfectly indicative of future successes or struggles, each of the listed players created a certain perception heading into the summer.
The list includes focuses on both the entire spring and the scrimmage itself.
Winner: Bryan Mone, Defensive Tackle
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Rashan Gary is the hyped player, but Bryan Mone might be the top addition to Michigan's defensive line in 2016.
Last year, a broken ankle sidelined Mone for the entire season. The injury occurred shortly before the opener versus Utah.
He could've returned for the bowl game, but he preserved a year of eligibility by sitting out. Mone said he improved after working against NFL-bound center Graham Glasgow during the practices, according to Angelique S. Chengelis of the Detroit News.
Mone was a constant presence during the spring game, and he'll be an integral part of a strong unit in the trenches.
Loser: Shane Morris, Quarterback
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Shane Morris had the right ideas, made the right reads, attempted the right throws. Where those passes landed, though, was an issue.
Any number of factors—both physical and mental—can contribute to inaccuracy. The redshirt junior could be a solid quarterback at this level, but Morris is soundly behind Wilton Speight and John O'Korn in the Wolverines' competition.
Now, Morris isn't eliminated from the chase. The upcoming summer is critical for the southpaw. But he needs rapid progression to stay in the battle.
Otherwise, his hope to lead Michigan's offense will take another hit.
Winner: Ty Isaac, Running Back
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During the spring game, Ty Isaac looked like the highly coveted 4-star running back many expected to watch.
Yes, it was only a scrimmage. He also showed explosion previously unseen—which was likely the product of weight loss.
"The difference between 10 pounds or 15 pounds is huge," Isaac said, per Brendan F. Quinn of MLive. "I could tell during conditioning and stuff. I felt better. I felt better moving around. When I get tired, it's not as hard to move around. I definitely feel better."
Isaac has dropped his listed weight from 240 to 228. He'll push De'Veon Smith for the starting job and try to secure a spot in the rotation ahead of Drake Johnson and Kareem Walker.
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Loser: Juwann Bushell-Beatty, Offensive Line
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While "loser" is probably a strong word, Juwann Bushell-Beatty was shaky at best during the spring game.
His glaring mistake was missing an assignment on a stunt, which allowed a free run at Brandon Peters. That could've been the result of a communication error, especially since the lineman switched off much better later on.
Bushell-Beatty also could've been flagged for holding Mone, who on multiple occasions bested the redshirt sophomore.
Although the Wolverines have basically settled the starting offensive line, Bushell-Beatty remains a development in progress to earn a reserve role that includes playing time.
Winner: Mike McCray, Linebacker
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Michigan doesn't need an all-conference linebacker to emerge out of nowhere, but a reliable one alongside Ben Gedeon would be fantastic.
Five weeks of spring practice later, Mike McCray is on the right track. Most importantly, he avoided missing time due to yet another injury.
McCray tallied a game-best seven tackles on Friday, including two for loss. The redshirt sophomore also took advantage of the pocket collapsing once and sacked O'Korn.
While the concerns at linebacker weren't overstated, it appears McCray is truly a piece of the solution.
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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