Michigan Football: 5 Things We Learned About the Wolverines This Spring

Spring practice provided an initial look at the Michigan Wolverines football team, and the takeaways were promising.

While the quarterback competition commanded the nation's attention, the strength of Jim Harbaugh's 2016 roster—the defense—showed how special it could be.

But that wasn't simply a product of depth emerging at every spot. The coaching staff used some creative thinking to address a weakness.

Early prognostications loved Michigan. After a terrific spring, the mid-summer round of predictions will too.

Progress in Quarterback Battle

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Five quarterbacks—Wilton Speight, John O'Korn, Shane Morris, Brandon Peters and Alex Malzone—started the spring with a chance to win the quarterback battle.

Officially, according to The Michigan Insider's Kyle Bogenschutz, Coach Harbaugh indicated that the first three players separated themselves. Unofficially, it's down to Speight and O'Korn.

Although Speight received more praise from post-spring game reactions, O'Korn opposed the first-string defense. They both had solid showings while Morris struggled mightily with his accuracy; he also lined up at wide receiver.

Michigan has no clear No. 1, but Speight and O'Korn have moved ahead of Morris. Peters is destined to take a redshirt and Malzone must focus on developing to have a chance next year.

Better RB Competition Than Expected

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

During an appearance on WTKA-AM, Harbaugh called De'Veon Smith the clear-cut No. 1 running back, according to Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press.

That's no surprise, since Drake Johnson and Ty Isaac were underwhelming at best last season. But if you're looking for competitions, then don't sleep on this battle. Isaac was clearly faster than what he offered during 2015.

Also, it's pretty weird.

Johnson was hit by a forklift while stretching, per Derick Hutchinson of WDIV. Snyder notes, Harbaugh said the accident "would have killed a lesser man."

There's no indication that Johnson will miss significant time, so he, a renewed Isaac and freshman Kareem Walker will continue trying to chase down and surpass Smith.

Less Concern at Linebacker

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Once the 2015 campaign ended, an immediate concern opened at linebacker. The unit wasn't particularly great last season, and the three primary contributors graduated.

Ben Gedeon is no longer alone, though. Michigan shifted Jabrill Peppers from cornerback/safety to a hybrid role, where he becomes a dangerous do-it-all weapon.

If nothing else happened, the Wolverines would still be in decent shape. But oft-injured Mike McCray stayed healthy, impressing both players and coaches, per Steve Kornacki of MGoBlue.com.

Depth remains a minor concern. But considering the initial prognosis, it being a small issue is an upgrade for Michigan.

Defense Will Be Outstanding

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Until Ryan Glasgow's injury against Rutgers, the Wolverines had surrendered just 11.9 points per game. Over the next three weeks and without a suitable replacement, they allowed an average of 33.

Depth won't be a problem in 2016, however. Bryan Mone is healthy. Rashan Gary will arrive this summer, compete at defensive end with Taco Charlton and maybe even move Chris Wormley inside. Maurice Hurst Jr. is a rising star at defensive tackle.

Peppers moving to linebacker allows Michigan to use Jourdan Lewis, Channing Stribling, Jeremy Clark, Dymonte Thomas and Delano Hill in the secondary. Each are true starting-caliber players, not just capable members of a rotation.

Combine all that with defensive coordinator Don Brown's attacking mentality, and the Wolverines won't be giving up many points.

Michigan's Development Is Stellar

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

It's remarkable what one month of bowl practices, a winter workout program and 15 spring sessions can do for a player—especially with this coaching staff.

Stribling ascended from a fringe starter to a Harbaugh favorite, according to Sam Webb's interview with Harbaugh on WTKA-1050 AM (h/t Angelique S. Chengelis of The Detroit News). Isaac looked like a new running back. Hurst, Chase Winovich and Matt Godin rounded out a terrific defensive line. Noah Furbush and Tyree Kinnel demanded some attention.

When a young player struggles, "he needs to develop" is the easy reaction. While that can be overly simple and generic, it's true. But the aforementioned players, for example, actually did.

The staff will deflect credit to the time each athlete devoted to improving, which is fair. But a player's athletic ceiling rises with elite coaching. Michigan is loaded with talent in that critical department, and it was on full display this spring.

---

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.