Michigan Spring Game Recap: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

I first would like to start off by saying Michigan is absolutely loaded with talent at the various receiver positions. They have talent out wide, in the slot, and at tight end much greater than the previous two seasons.

Let's break it down in two parts.

Wide receivers —this group includes both outside threats and slot receivers and has tremendous potential for a breakout year as a unit.

First, let's talk about Roy Roundtree.

This kid is as legit as they come, as he is versatile enough to play out wide or in the slot. He can take a bubble screen for first down yardage on a consistent basis, or attack the seam or post with devastating results. His 30 catches in the last four games in 2009 weren't a fluke by any means. 

Roundtree proved this spring he is even considerably better than last year and will be one of the best receivers in the Big Ten without a doubt. One thing that was missing last year was another dynamic receiver. There were several dependable guys on the roster but not another dangerous threat to complement Roundtree.

I believe Jeremy Gallon is that guy. Gallon showed flashes as a receiver, rusher, and blocker this spring, and showed an explosiveness in space that some of the other slot receivers lack.

Martavious Odoms is another versatile and reliable guy. Odoms is the best blocker at wideout on the team, has nice hands, and can be very slippery against zone coverages. Odoms was used outside some this spring and showed he could become more of a vertical threat with his speed, agility and quickness.

The fans didn't get to see much of Darryl Stonum nor Junior Hemingway this spring, however, these guys are both due for a breakout season, and have shown flashes in their still young careers. Hemingway keeps getting banged up but played very well versus Ohio State in 2009.

Stonum has the athletic ability, size, and speed but needs to be more consistent at something besides kick returns (at which he is excellent). Still, these two are both former high-school All-Americans and could be poised for breakout seasons with better quarterback play, and will definitely make this receiving corps more complete.

Let's not forget Je'Ron Stokes, who showed some really nice ball skills in the spring game and also caught a touchdown. Stokes is still somewhat young and is also a former high school All-American. It's very reasonable to expect him to be a bigger part of the offense as he is quite talented.

It has been repeated over and over, but Terrence Robinson finally showed why he was recruited this spring. He still may be the third best slot receiver on the team (or fourth) but he looks like he has really come along over the pat few months.

Kelvin Grady has faded back in the depth chart, yet as talented as he is that may not be a bad thing. The freshman receivers that enrolled early played some and will add depth outside with their height. They each had at least one four star rating from a major recruiting service for what it's worth.

Tight Ends—returning are the incumbent starter Kevin Koger, and challenger Martell Webb who provided solid competition last year. Brandon Moore is the guy to watch for as he really had a strong spring.

Watching the spring game, it really seems as though the coaching staff has done a very good job at challenging these guys, as well as devise healthy ways of getting them more involved. These are all really big, really athletic tight ends who can both block and catch really well.

Overall Analysis—these units are both really solid. As with most areas on this team, the overall depth, talent, experience, and competition have risen. Don't be surprised if Michigan has some of the best receivers and tight ends in the Big Ten.