Michigan Football: Depth Chart Analysis, Complete 2016 Preview and Predictions
Jim Harbaugh's Michigan football team enters the 2016 season with high expectations, an inviting schedule, a terrific starting lineup and questionable depth.
After an unexpected 10-3 campaign in Harbaugh's debut, the Wolverines reeled in the fifth-best recruiting class, per the 247Sports composite rankings, and were easily a winner of the offseason.
But now, the Maize and Blue need to follow the off-field victories with on-field success this fall.
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Michigan claimed Top 10 spots in both the Associated Press (No. 7) and Amway Coaches (No. 8) polls, only trailing one conference foe—rival Ohio State—in the rankings.
Harbaugh's team has national respect, primarily because of an elite defense. If the Wolverines can find a reliable quarterback, they'll contend for a Big Ten championship and the College Football Playoff. But if Michigan doesn't come close, it'll be labeled a disappointment.
Coaches
| Jim Harbaugh | Head Coach | 2nd |
| Tim Drevno | Offensive Coordinator/O-Line Coach | 2nd |
| Don Brown | Defensive Coordinator | 1st |
| Jedd Fisch | Passing Game Coordinator/QB/WR Coach | 2nd |
| Tyrone Wheatley | RB Coach | 2nd |
| Jay Harbaugh | TE Coach/Assistant Special Teams Coach | 2nd |
| Greg Mattison | DL Coach | 6th (11th) |
| Chris Partridge | Linebackers/Special Teams Coach | 2nd |
| Michael Zordich | DB Coach (Cornerbacks) | 2nd |
| Brian Smith | DB Coach (Safeties) | 1st |
| Kevin Tolbert | Director of Strength and Conditioning | 2nd (9th) |
There's an NFL-caliber coaching staff in Ann Arbor.
After turning around San Diego and Stanford, Harbaugh spent four years with the San Francisco 49ers. Tim Drevno followed Harbaugh for a decade before leading the USC offense in 2014, then he rejoined his staff at Michigan.
Position coaches Jedd Fisch (11), Tyrone Wheatley (two), Jay Harbaugh (three), Greg Mattison (three), Michael Zordich (four) and Brian Smith (nine) offer 32 more years of combined NFL experience.
In addition to Smith, Harbaugh grabbed two new coaches.
He plucked Don Brown from Boston College, where Dr. Blitz led the nation's No. 1 defense last season. Harbaugh also promoted Chris Partridge, who was a player personnel director in 2015 but helped developed Jabrill Peppers and Rashan Gary in high school.
What to watch for on offense
| QB | Wilton Speight (R-So.)* | John O'Korn (R-Jr.)* | Shane Morris (R-Jr.) |
| RB | De'Veon Smith (Sr.) | Drake Johnson (R-Sr.) | Ty Isaac (R-Jr.) |
| FB | Khalid Hill (R-Jr.) | Henry Poggi (R-Jr.) | Bobby Henderson (R-Sr.) |
| WR | Amara Darboh (R-Sr.) | Drake Harris (R-So.) | Moe Ways (R-So.) |
| WR | Jehu Chesson (R-Sr.) | Moe Ways (R-So.) | Nate Johnson (Fr.) |
| WR | Grant Perry (So.) | Eddie McDoom (Fr.) | Chris Evans (Fr.) |
| TE | Jake Butt (Sr.) | Tyrone Wheatley (R-Fr.) | Ian Bunting (R-So.) |
| LT | Grant Newsome (So.) | Ben Bredeson (Fr.) | Juwann Bushell-Beatty (R-So.) |
| LG | Ben Braden (R-Sr.) | David Dawson (R-Jr.) | Ben Bredeson (Fr.) |
| C | Mason Cole (Jr.) | Patrick Kugler (R-Jr.) | |
| RG | Kyle Kalis (R-Sr.) | David Dawson (R-Jr.) | Michael Onwenu (Fr.) |
| RT | Erik Magnuson (R-Sr.) | Ben Bredeson (Fr.) | Juwann Bushell-Beatty (R-So.) |
Wilton Speight and John O'Korn are battling to start at quarterback. While the former has game experience at Michigan, the latter opened 16 contests at Houston before transferring.
No matter who wins the competition, Drevno will employ a run-first offense. De'Veon Smith is the projected starter, but he's not going to dominate the backfield. Drake Johnson, Ty Isaac, Karan Higdon and 4-star Kareem Walker will factor into the rotation.
The Wolverines return four starting offensive linemen. Mason Cole is moving from left tackle to center, but the other three—Ben Braden, Kyle Kalis and Erik Magnuson—will reprise their roles. Either Grant Newsome or 4-star freshman Ben Bredeson will join the lineup, according to Drevno (via Adam Biggers of Today's U):
Although Michigan won't rely on the aerial attack, the offense's best weapons are pass-catchers. Jehu Chesson, Amara Darboh and Jake Butt each registered at least 50 catches, 650 yards and three touchdowns last year.
Grant Perry is the No. 3 wideout, though Moe Ways could push the sophomore for the spot. Drake Harris and a slew of true freshmen should earn limited playing time.
Peppers isn't listed on the depth chart, but he's certain to contribute in some manner as a Wildcat quarterback, running back or receiver. Jourdan Lewis could handle some offensive reps, too.
What to watch for on defense
| DE | Chris Wormley (R-Sr.) | Rashan Gary (Fr.) | Lawrence Marshall (R-So.) |
| NT | Bryan Mone (R-So.) | Matt Godin (Sr.) | Ryan Glasgow (Sr.) |
| DT | Ryan Glasgow (Sr.) | Maurice Hurst (R-So.) | Matt Godin (Sr.) |
| DE | Taco Charlton (Sr.) | Chase Winovich (R-So.) | Rashan Gary (Fr.) |
| WILL | Mike McCray (R-Jr.) | Devin Bush Jr. (Fr.) | |
| MIKE | Ben Gedeon (Sr.) | Mike Wroblewski (R-Jr.) | Elysee Mbem-Bosse (Fr.) |
| SAM | Jabrill Peppers (R-So.) | Noah Furbush (R-So.) | Josh Uche (Fr.) |
| NCB | Channing Stribling (Sr.) | Jabrill Peppers (R-So.) | |
| CB | Jeremy Clark (R-Sr.) | Channing Stribling (Sr.) | Brandon Watson (R-So.) |
| FS | Dymonte Thomas (Sr.) | Tyree Kinnel (So.) | Josh Metellus (Fr.) |
| SS | Delano Hill (Sr.) | Jabrill Peppers (R-So.) | Khaleke Hudson (Fr.) |
| CB | Jourdan Lewis (Sr.) | David Long (Fr.) | Lavert Hill (Fr.) |
Last season, D.J. Durkin guided the Wolverines defense to several top national finishes, including sixth in points per game (16.4), third against the pass (158.5 yards) and fourth overall (280.7 yards). They also ranked third on third down, allowing a meager 27.6 percent conversion rate.
All those achievements were commendable, and getting off the field on third down is critical. Still, Michigan struggled to create turnovers. Only six programs forced fewer than Michigan's 12.
That's where Brown should help. His unit at Boston College racked up 23 takeaways—and, for good measure, also paced the country with 9.5 tackles for loss per game.
Brown has an aggressive mentality, but Angelique S. Chengelis of the Detroit News noted the veteran coordinator is adamant the system isn't a high-risk, high-reward philosophy:
Regardless, Brown has the personnel up front to cause problems. Chris Wormley had 14.5 tackles for loss in 2015, and Taco Charlton added 8.5. Ryan Glasgow was the anchor at nose tackle, and Maurice Hurst performed well as a backup.
This season, Bryan Mone returns to the rotation after sitting out an entire season due to an ankle injury. Gary arrived in Ann Arbor this summer and is already impressing teammates, per Chengelis.
Matt Godin and Chase Winovich round out the expected contributors because of the versatility in the eight-man rotation. Wormley, Charlton and Gary can play both end and tackle, while Glasgow, Hurst and Godin can fill both interior spots.
Brice Marich of Scout.com's Michigan Insider tweeted:
Linebacker is a bit of question. All three starters graduated, leaving Ben Gedeon as the only returning player with notable experience. Peppers' move helps, but depth is still a problem.
Mike McCray was a 4-star recruit, but he redshirted in 2013, managed two tackles in 2014 and sat out 2015 due to injury. Behind him at weak-side linebacker is Devin Bush, a 4-star prospect. Gedeon's backups are walk-on Mike Wroblewski and freshman Elysee Mbem-Bosse—neither has a college appearance.
Now, if Michigan uses nickel personnel with Peppers alongside Gedeon at linebacker, this conundrum might not be a glaring problem. Jourdan Lewis is an All-American cornerback, and each of Jeremy Clark, Channing Stribling, Dymonte Thomas and Delano Hill occupied significant roles last season.
As long as the starting unit stays healthy, it'll be among the nation's best. Many backups are talented, but most are freshmen. Throwing them into major roles out of necessity would not be ideal.
What to watch for on special teams
| P | Kenny Allen (R-Sr.) | Quinn Nordin (Fr.) |
| K | Kenny Allen (R-Sr.) | Quinn Nordin (Fr.) |
| LS | Scott Sypniewski (R-Jr.) | Andrew Robinson (R-So.) |
| KR | Jourdan Lewis (Sr.) | Jabrill Peppers (R-So.) |
| PR | Jabrill Peppers (R-So.) | Chris Evans (Fr.) |
Kenny Allen served as the place-kicker and kickoff specialist last season, and he'll likely add punting to those duties in 2016.
If anyone can overtake Allen as Blake O'Neill's replacement at punter, it's going to be Quinn Nordin. He was the No. 1 specialist in the 2016 class and is the surefire backup now that Andrew David will transfer to TCU.
One big question is the returners. Peppers initially occupied both responsibilities last season, but Chesson returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown against Northwestern, and Lewis ended the year back deep. Peppers was the primary man for punts all year.
The Wolverines don't lack options this season. Thomas, Chris Evans and Walker highlight the other possibilities.
Injury and suspension news
So far, Michigan has avoided season-ending injuries. Chesson, Johnson and Glasgow are among the players who have recovered from previous health issues.
According to Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press, Harbaugh suspended both Ahmir Mitchell and Shelton Johnson. In the following days, Mitchell—a 4-star receiver in the 2016 class who was expected to hold a minor role this year—elected to transfer.
X-factor
Chesson is the primary downfield receiving threat and a dangerous runner, so he's a critical piece for the offense. But Peppers does a little bit of everything, and he's capable of even more.
On a Big Ten Network broadcast (h/t Nick Baumgardner of MLive), Harbaugh said Peppers could start or contribute on at least 12 of the 22 positions, as well as five spots on special teams.
"Determining that is more difficult than it seems," Harbaugh said. "There's so many places on a football field that he could help the team. Where can we get the most bang for the buck? Where does it help the team the most?
"And also, what fits his skill set to be able to excel and what's his best position in the NFL? I look at that, because I want him to have a bright future (there) as well."
Dan Murphy, a Big Ten football writer for ESPN.com, tweeted:
Last year, Peppers amassed 45 tackles and 10 pass breakups, averaged 27.9 yards on kick returns and11.4 on punt returns, tallied 5.8 yards per offensive touch and notched two scores.
In 2016, he'll start at outside linebacker but contribute at strong safety and nickelback, then he'll add whatever offensive and special teams duties the coaching staff wants him to handle.
2016 schedule
| Sept. 3 | Hawaii | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Sept. 10 | UCF | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Sept. 17 | Colorado | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Sept. 24 | Penn State | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Oct. 1 | Wisconsin | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Oct. 8 | Rutgers | Piscataway, NJ |
| Oct. 15 | BYE | |
| Oct. 22 | Illinois | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Oct. 29 | Michigan State | East Lansing, MI |
| Nov. 5 | Maryland | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Nov. 12 | Iowa | Iowa City, IA |
| Nov. 19 | Indiana | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Nov. 26 | Ohio State | Columbus, OH |
The Wolverines boast a quality roster and an excellent coaching staff. Still, having a soft opening schedule doesn't hurt.
Harbaugh's team opens the campaign with five straight home games, including Hawaii, UCF and Colorado in nonconference action. Then, Penn State and Wisconsin travel to Ann Arbor.
Finally, Michigan boards a plane to challenge Rutgers on Oct. 8. The Wolverines don't leave the state again for another month, though they head to East Lansing on Oct. 29. That contest against Michigan State begins a brutal five-week stretch.
Each of MSU, Iowa (Nov. 12) and Ohio State (Nov. 26) hold Top 20 preseason rankings. Between those games, Michigan hosts Maryland—which will improve under Durkin, its new head coach—and Indiana—which took the Wolverines to double overtime last year.
The short version? It'll be a disappointment if Michigan doesn't start 7-0, but the team cannot afford a poor performance late.
Prediction
The Big Ten no longer releases a preseason poll, but Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com unveiled the unofficial official predictions. Ohio State pulled in 27 of the 39 available championship votes, while the Wolverines received 11.
Despite the roster turnover in Columbus, that's a fair guess.
Harbaugh and Co. may need a little help from an unexpected source. Sure, the Buckeyes might fall at Oklahoma, but that's not a Big Ten loss. Their toughest conference games are MSU and Michigan during the last two weeks of the season.
By that point, Ohio State's uncertainty will be addressed. Consequently, there's an excellent chance the East Division is on the line during the 2016 edition of The Game.
Unless the Buckeyes already have two conference losses and Michigan enters the contest undefeated, a loss in Columbus means the Wolverines won't win the Big Ten.
That shouldn't be viewed as a failure, since 2016 is only the second year of Harbaugh's tenure. But there's no question being so close would sting Michigan fans, coaches and players.
Overall record (regular season only): 11-1
Conference record: 7-1
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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