Position-by-Position Preview of Michigan's 2016 Roster
The 2016 Michigan Wolverines boast one of college football's best overall rosters, and it's most evident when breaking down the team by each positional unit.
Highlighted by a strong defensive line and secondary, the Maize and Blue will be a nightmare to score on. Plus, the versatility of the Wolverines' biggest weapon shored up the unit's weakness.
The Michigan offense has a significant question mark at quarterback, but its skill-position talent is a respectable complement to the experienced offensive line.
The following slides offer an in-depth look at the players who will lead head coach Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines in 2016.
Quarterbacks
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Jake Rudock's departure opened the Wolverines to a five-man quarterback competition. Brandon Peters and Alex Malzone trailed off during spring practice, leaving John O'Korn, Wilton Speight and Shane Morris fighting for the job.
The spring game provided a useful glimpse into the battle. Speight was the standout performer, while O'Korn performed relatively well against the first-string defense. Morris, however, was erratic at best and even spent time at wide receiver.
Consequently, either Speight or O'Korn figures to earn the starting nod. Speight served as the backup in 2015 and led a game-winning drive at Minnesota, and O'Korn started 16 games at Houston.
In-season development will be critical for the eventual winner, who will face road games against Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State.
Running Backs
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Ordinarily, an offense returning a two-time leading rusher would be an exciting thought. That's not exactly the case, but it's not bad, either.
De'Veon Smith tallied 519 yards in 2014 and 753 last year, yet Harbaugh called Smith the "clear-cut starting tailback," according to Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press.
Though the combined average of 4.4 yards per carry doesn't suggest Smith—a tough runner with average speed—will have a breakout season, Michigan doesn't need him to be a force.
Behind him, the Wolverines have a decent backup in Drake Johnson. Ty Isaac hasn't backed up his 4-star billing, but the spring game provided some hope. Then there's Kareem Walker, a 4-star who has no plans to ride the bench, as he told Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod.
Henry Poggi and Khalid Hill are the leading candidates at fullback.
The Michigan backfield won't be dominant, but it should be sufficient—especially if the O-line improves like it did during bowl preparation.
Wide Receivers
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Few receivers finished the 2015 season better than Jehu Chesson.
After managing 23 receptions for 259 yards and three scores through nine games, the speedster racked up 27 catches, 505 yards and six touchdowns during the final four outings.
Chesson's big-play ability was an ideal complement to Amara Darboh, a reliable target. He secured 58 passes for 727 yards and five scores. He had at least four catches in nine of 13 games.
The duo will carry Michigan, partly because the team lacks a proven third wideout. Grant Perry is the likeliest option to earn that status, though Mo Ways and Drake Harris have a shot.
Fortunately for the Wolverines, they won't need major production from any receiver other than Chesson and Darboh anyway. But if one gets injured, Perry is probably the first man up.
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Tight Ends
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Jake Butt is the reason Michigan doesn't need to be concerned about the potential lack of a No. 3 receiver.
That was the case last year, and he had 51 catches, 654 yards and three scores. Butt earned 2015 Big Ten Tight End of the Year honors.
Since Harbaugh utilizes a power-based rushing attack, the Wolverines need a second tight end—primarily for blocking duties. Tyrone Wheatley Jr. is the favorite to replace A.J. Williams in that role, while Ian Bunting has some game experience.
As long as either Wheatley or Bunting—or even 4-star Devin Asiasi—is a reliable blocker, Michigan is in good shape at tight end.
Offensive Line
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It's pretty clear Mason Cole, Ben Braden, Kyle Kalis and Erik Magnuson will start in 2016. Barring a setback, injury or surprise ascent, Grant Newsome will join the four returners up front.
Newsome playing left tackle will allow Michigan to move Cole from the outside to center as the replacement for Graham Glasgow. Braden (LG), Kalis (RG) and Magnuson (RT) round out the unit.
During spring practice, Josh Newkirk of Scout noted Harbaugh said he's looking for the five best linemen. Since Cole can play tackle, he gives the Wolverines the flexibility to adapt if David Dawson or Patrick Kugler performs well enough to demand a place following fall camp.
For now, though, Michigan has a probable lineup that includes four pieces from 2015, when the line was better in pass protection than run blocking. The unit's development in the latter area is a key factor in determining if the team will compete for a national championship.
Defensive Line
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"Who aren't some of the toughest guys to block out there?" Newsome said of the defensive line, per Kelly Hall of the Michigan Daily. "They're just so talented, we're so deep. We're going to have two or three lines defensively who are just absolute studs."
Chris Wormley is a potential first-round NFL draft pick. No offense gashed the Wolverines in 2015 until Ryan Glasgow was injured. Taco Charlton and Maurice Hurst Jr. combined for 15 tackles for loss as reserves. All of them return.
Additionally, Harbaugh told WTKA Radio that the coaches rated Bryan Mone as the team's third-best player (h/t Zach Shaw of the Michigan Daily), but he missed the 2015 season because of an ankle injury. Plus, No. 1 overall recruit Rashan Gary arrives this summer.
Chase Winovich and Matt Godin fill out an immensely talented and deep defensive line.
Linebackers
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Michigan lost all three starters from its linebacking corps, and only Ben Gedeon has significant experience at a position that lacks depth. True freshmen Devin Bush Jr. and Elysee Mbem-Bosse should play.
But a clever, unexpected move has lessened the concerns.
Jabrill Peppers will play outside linebacker in 2016. First-year defensive coordinator Don Brown said he expects Peppers will spend 70 percent of his snaps at the position, per Newkirk.
The Wolverines must settle the third starter, which will likely be Mike McCray. However, if they spend as much time in nickel personnel as last year, McCray won't be asked to handle a massive workload. Instead, that responsibility will fall on Peppers.
Secondary
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Michigan didn't move Peppers to linebacker simply because it needed a boost. The change happened because the secondary is prepared to handle the adjustment.
In addition to second-team All-American cornerback Jourdan Lewis, Channing Stribling, Jeremy Clark, Dymonte Thomas and Delano Hill return. Those five combined for 37 starts last season.
Peppers will also contribute, though the role is to be determined. The advantage of his playing outside linebacker is Michigan won't need to change personnel to shift from a 4-3 alignment to a 4-2-5, where Peppers is the nickelback.
Depth is a slight issue. Tyree Kinnel and Brandon Watson are the top returners, and the Wolverines will likely expect freshmen David Long and Lavert Hill to factor in, too.
But if any injuries occur, Michigan can adjust Peppers' responsibilities to help fill whatever void arises.
Specialists
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Kenny Allen connected on 18 of 22 field goals—including a 15-of-16 mark from within 40 yards—and handled kickoff duties. He should keep both of those jobs.
But the Wolverines need a new punter. Quinn Nordin, the No. 1 kicker in the 2016 class, could edge Allen for the spot. Andrew David will also compete.
While Peppers should again serve as the primary punt returner, Michigan shuffled among him, Chesson and Lewis for kickoffs last season. Walker might be a factor, as well as other freshmen such as Chris Evans and Eddie McDoom.
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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