Michigan Football: Wolverines' 2016 Offseason Summer Checklist
If everything goes as planned for Michigan during the offseason, Jim Harbaugh will make noise everywhere while the rest of the Wolverines quietly prepare for the 2016 campaign.
Harbaugh and the coaching staff are quite literally traveling the world to participate in satellite camps—39, to be exact, according to Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press. In addition to stops in SEC Country, Michigan is headed to American Samoa and Australia.
While that effort should reap success on the recruiting trail, a top priority for the Wolverines is immersing summer-arriving freshmen in the next level of football.
The newcomers will join an established group of players with a few objectives to work toward before fall camp.
Enjoy the Harbaugh Festivities
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Harbaugh has already ticked off Alabama head coach Nick Saban, a feud which Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee believes will only help college football grow in popularity.
But enjoying the bizarre outrage is a minor detail.
Even without the satellite camp tour, Harbaugh is a thorn on the recruiting trail. After spending time all over the United States this summer, Michigan will pose a larger threat for top talent.
If the 39 stops eventually bring a top prospect who otherwise might not have considered the Wolverines, that's a net victory for Harbaugh. And when currently overlooked players impress at a camp, they'll earn more attention and more scholarship offers.
Every program and player can benefit from satellite camps. Michigan is simply leading the charge.
Keep Improving Up Front
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Unless David Dawson or Patrick Kugler surges into a starting spot, the offensive line is set.
Mason Cole has moved from left tackle to center, with Grant Newsome taking over outside. Ben Braden, Kyle Kalis and Erik Magnuson are back at left guard, right guard and right tackle, respectively.
Expectations are deservedly higher, considering the development Michigan showed to close 2015. The Wolverines mustered just a combined 2.1 yards per carry during the final two regular-season games, but they shredded Florida for a 4.9-yard average and 225 total.
Cole, Braden, Kalis and Magnuson have at least two years of experience. Tim Drevno is a top O-line coach. Michigan has the right pieces, but the unit needs to improve its consistency.
Avoid Major Injuries
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Injuries happen. They stink. Hopefully no player on any team gets hurt, but that's unrealistic.
Jehu Chesson missed spring practice due to a leg injury. Ryan Glasgow was still working his way back from shoulder surgery.
Maurice Ways is recovering from a foot issue. Jake Lourim of the Michigan Daily noted that at the time, Harbaugh said the recovery would take three or four months. Freddy Canteen's status is uncertain after a couple procedures on his shoulders, per Snyder.
The Wolverines avoided season-altering injuries during spring practice and will hope for similarly good luck this summer.
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Continue Developing QB-WR Chemistry
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Michigan finished the 2015 season with a surprising 10-3 record. It would've been better had Jake Rudock and Chesson connected on deep shots against Utah and Michigan State.
Chesson even said, "It's fair to say the timing is off" a few games into the campaign, per MLive's Nick Baumgardner.
The Wolverines must attempt to eliminate those problems quicker this year, though the current quarterback competition once again isn't making that easy. Wilton Speight or John O'Korn could win the job, so receivers will be working with both options throughout the summer and fall.
Freshmen, Get to Work
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More than 20 new faces are set to officially arrive in Ann Arbor. They'll be introduced to college, immersed in the playbook and live in the weight room.
For most of the freshmen, the summer is simply a learning experience. Many won't see the field this season, but several first-year players—a group highlighted by Rashan Gary—will provide depth.
Dylan Crawford or Brad Hawkins might contribute at wide receiver. Tight end Devin Asiasi could earn a small role. Devin Bush Jr., David Long and Lavert Hill should bolster the defense. Players like Chris Evans, Eddie McDoom, Ron Johnson and Quinn Nordin may be factors.
Whether or not they ultimately crack the two-deep isn't as important as whether they take advantage of their first opportunities to develop.
At Michigan and every other school, it's time for the freshmen to work.
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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