Michigan Football: 10 Players Who Will Shine Against UConn

College football 2010 is here!  The drama, excitement and heartbreak are back—and for those of you counting down the seconds, you may consider using this to help make your lives just a bit easier.

And, in an effort to help you pass the time even more efficiently, and to keep. it. from. dragging. on... here is a list of 10 players (in no particular order) that are going to shine against UConn in just a few short days.

Denard Robinson, Quarterback

Robinson has made incredible strides in the off season, and one needs to look no further than his beautiful 97 yard TD pass during the spring game.  Sure, he may have been first team offense against second team defense, but to deny he has improved is asinine. In addition to his throwing mechanics, he has grown in his leadership role as well, deserving due respect from most of his teammates.

Robinson looked like a special player from the moment he stepped onto the field—with shoelaces untied—and returned his fumble 40+ yards for a touchdown. His incredible speed (comparisons ARE being drawn to Pat White, some even say he's quicker) and improved arm are going to make him tough to defend against and a huge asset to this team. Look for him to break out of his shell a bit within the first couple drives of the game.

Tate Forcier, Quarterback

Surprised?

Don't be.

Despite drawing criticism for his non-attendance to voluntary summer workouts and starting fall camp with a wingless helmet, Forcier's still got the magic.

He got his wings back and is much more humble, saying he "got a big head" last year after leading Michigan to a 4-0 start, only to see Michigan lose seven of the final eight games.

He started all 12 of his first collegiate games last year—experience that is invaluable and that Robinson does not yet possess—and with a receiving corp that returns pretty much everyone, Forcier will prove his critics wrong.

And he'll do so with a humble attitude.

Roy Roundtree, Receiver

The receiving corp last year lacked a "go to" man.

The same might not be said about this year.

Roy Roundtree, a redshirt freshman, went from offensive afterthought to the most reliable receiver on the field. Last year, Forcier and Roundtree looked to develop a special relationship on the field. Watching them play together was mostly like watching a game of catch in the backyard—it was easy, it was right.

This includes Roundtree's 116 yards against Ohio State's tough defense last year. Overall, he will be looking to start the season right and be on track to surpass his 32 receptions for 434 yards and three scores mark last season.

He's also on the 2010 Biletnikoff Award watch list, presented annually to the nation's top receiver.

Darryl Stonum, Receiver

Despite some off the field trouble in the off season, Darryl Stonum has earned extensive praise from Rich Rod this fall camp. In the team's final scrimmage, the "Beanie Bowl," he returned the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown and broke free on a pass to bring it to the goal line.

While listed as a receiver, he might make more of an impact on special teams. Last year, Stonum broke the school record for most kick return yards (1,001) and most kick returns for the season at 39. This includes an amazing 93 yard kick return against Notre Dame.

His 6'2" frame is more than adequate and he has uncommon speed for his size. Look for him to do well against UConn's inexperienced secondary.

Jonas Mouton, Linebacker

Recruited as a safety and moved to weakside linebacker only midway through his true freshman season, redshirt senior Jonas Mouton is key if the defense is going to at least perform at an average level.

Used sparingly his freshman year, he exploded his second year to become the second-leading tackler (76) on the whole team. Nagging injuries took him a step backward in 2009.

Without coach Jay Hopson, Robinson will assume responsibility for the linebackers. And if he can take a so-so safety-gone-linebacker into the team's best tackler and seventh round draft pick (Stevie Brown), surely he can bring Mouton back to form—and it will start against UConn.

J.T. Floyd, Cornerback

UConn's QB, Zach Frazer, is not going to simply say "Oh, their secondary is inexperienced, I won't throw the ball their way, just to be nice." More than likely, he will attempt to exploit a unit that barely has a pulse.

That being said, not only will J.T. Floyd shine, he must shine if Michigan expects at least a glimmer of hope at shutting down the passing game. As the only defensive back who has seen an iota of game time, he must lead the inexperienced secondary into battle.

He may not be the superstar cornerback we hoped and prayed for, but if he can give us a sound performance—playing fundamentally sound, tackling consistently, etc. (and not letting the receivers burn him) he will be a bright spot (perhaps the bright spot) on our secondary.

Mike Martin, Nose Guard

Without Graham to absorb his double teams, Mike Martin will need to show he has progressed. As a sophomore he had 51 tackles and 8.5 TFL (respectable numbers) but as the leader of the line he will be the glue for this defense against a potent Husky offense.

Mike Martin has the capability to have a William Carr-esque season, and while that may be asking a bit much (82 tackles, 21 for loss, and six sacks), we're going to need to see Martin play like an all-American to instill a bit of hope in the fan base.

The UConn offensive line is veteran and talented, but Mike Martin will rise to the occaison.

Ryan Van Bergen, Defensive End

Nobody wants to fill Brandon Graham's shoes, but somebody has to.

Enter Ryan Van Bergen.

His arrival was hyped, but his production limited. He has moved from defensive tackle to defensive end and will need to play well in order for Michigan to secure a win against UConn.

The good news is that his strength is the run game—great considering UConn is a power-running team—and with the secondary a mess and the linebackers just OK, some run defense might just make the difference this Saturday.

Craig Roh, Outside Linebacker

It was exciting to watch Roh progress last year as a freshman. He earned the starting job by Week 1 and ended with 37 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, two sacks, and interception, and three breakups.

His athleticism is real, and he has put on about 20 lbs since last season which will be very valuable against UConn this year. He'll likely pass rush more than drop back into coverage with the defense being a 3-3-5, meaning we should see his sack numbers jump.

Look out Frazer.

Cam Gordon, Free Safety

Gordon was recruited as a wide receiver and made a valiant stand to remain at that position, but was asked at the end of last season to make the move to defense in order to alleviate some pressure that the secondary was under.

In short, he's been a success.

Spring reports were only good—his instinct, intensity and ability were praised and he has the physique to punish UConn's receivers, should they wander into his path.

And while he is yet to have a rep in a collegiate game, his determination to "master" (as he put it) the FS position means Michigan might just have bright future at the position.

UConn's inexperienced receiving corp could run into some trouble here.