Michigan Football: The 2-Deep at Every Position

Unless Michigan’s play this spring has been a ruse, the Wolverines are not ready to employ a running-back oriented power attack.. 

Sure, Head coach Brady Hoke and OC Al Borges would like to limit Denard Robinson’s rushing attempts so the backs can get more carries.  They’d also like to see a fullback in action and Robinson leading a more conventional passing attack.

Problem is, Robinson is still not comfortable in the pocket, a feature tailback has yet to emerge,  and the penciled-in starting fullback has yet to carry the ball.

There’s no need to panic, however. We’re not precisely sure what the offense will look like this fall. You’ll probably recognize some of last year’s formations, without seeing much, if any, of the read option. Instead, you’ll see more quarterback draws,  rollout options, and screen passes.

By midseason, the Wolverines will be ready to play more of “downhill” power game, and hopefully Robinson, in the meantime,  can stay out of harms way.

The schedule is actually favorable for this type of transition. Michigan doesn’t open the Big 10 season until October 1, when it hosts Minnesota in week five.

Defensively, Michigan switches to a more traditional 4-3. Junior Will Campbell and RS SO Quinton Washington may add more muscle to the interior line, while Senior Mike Martin gets some playing time along the edge,  just to add a little suspense.

At linebacker, redshirt freshman Jake Ryan will add to the already improving pass rush while Kenny Demens will get his chance to shine in the middle.

The real key, however, is the expected return of cornerbacks Troy Woolfolk  and J. T. Floyd. Both sat out this spring with lingering ankle injuries.

Jordan Kovacs leads a hopefully improved safety contingent. Carvin Johnson, Marvin Robinson and Thomas Gordon all should be household names before long.

The Center

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COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: David Molk #50 of the Michigan Wolverines blocks against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The Center

David Molk, 6'2', 288, RS SR

Rocko Khoury, 6'4" 295, RS JR 

There's a huge falloff between Molk and the other centers...Molk has the experience, the ability to manage his linemates, and the physical tools to play his position at a high level.

The offense suffered when Molk was out with knee and foot injuries during the 2008 season.

The Guards

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ANN ARBOR, MI - APRIL 16: David Molk #50 and Rocko Khoury #60 of the Michigan Wolverines run through the pre-game drills during the annual Spring Game at Michigan Stadium on April 16, 2011 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Left Guard 

Ricky Barnum, 6’3”, 286 RS JR

Christian Pace, 6’2”, 280, RS FR

Right Guard

Patrick Omameh, 6’4”, 299, RS JR

Elliott Mealer, 6’5”, 313, RS JR

Barnum inherits the left guard spot vacated by Steven Schilling who started every game in 2010.  Pace, along with freshman Chris Bryant, will provide the depth..

Patrick Omameh was a fixture at right guard as a sophomore last season. Mealer played occasionally at left guard in 2009, and exclusively on special teams in 2010.

The Offensive Tackles

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 04: Offensive lineman Taylor Lewan #78 of the white team walks the sidelines while playing in the All America Under Armour Football Game at Florida Citrus Bowl on January 4, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Image

Left Tackle

Taylor Lewan, 6’8”, 294, RS SO

Michael Schofield, 6’7”, 293, RS SO

Right Tackle

Mark Huyge, 6’6”, 306, RS SR

Michael Schofield, 6’7”, 293, RS SO

Taylor Lewan has perhaps the largest responsibility on the offensive line: Protecting Denard Robinson's backside. If he can stay focused and eliminate most of the careless penalties, his potential is unlimited.

Huyge started a total of seven games in 2010, four at left tackle and three at right. Schofield and freshman Tony Posada should get plenty of playing time. 

The Receivers

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ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 21: Roy Roundtree #12 of the Michigan Wolverines carries the ball during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 21, 2009 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ohio State won the game 21-10. (Photo by Gregory Sh

X - Wide Receiver /Weak Side

Darryl Stonum, 6’2”, 195, SR

Junior Hemingway, 6’1”, 225, RS SR

Y - Tight End

Kevin Koger, 6’4”, 255, SR

Brandon Moore, 6’5”, 250, RS JR

Z - Wide Receiver/Strong Side

Roy Roundtree, 6’0”, 176, RS JR

Martavious Odoms, 5’8”, 175, SR

Experience is the key word. Denard welcomes back a solid core of receivers from 2010. Roundtree caught 72 passes, Stonum 49 and Hemingway 32.

At tight end,  Koger caught 14 but expects to be a bigger target in 2011. 

The Running Backs

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ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 25: Michael Cox #15 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a 35 yard gain in the fourth quarter during the game against Bowling Green on September 25, 2010 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Bowling Green

Tailback

Stephen Hopkins, 6’0”, 227, SO

Michael Cox, 6’0”, 211, RS JR

Fullback

John McColgan, 6’1”, 231, RS SR

Joe Kerridge, 6' 1", 230, FR

There are no superstars in Brady Hoke's stable of running backs. Stephen Hopkins may be the toughest running between the tackles, and Michael Cox might have the quickest burst.

Fullback candidate John McColgan is an imposing blocker but hasn't carried the ball. Fitzgerald Toussaint, Michael Shaw, Vincent Smith will all compete, as will freshmen Thomas Rawls and Justice Hayes. 

The Quarterback

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ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 09: Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines warms up prior to the start of the game against the Michigan State Spartans on October 9, 2010 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan State Spartans defeated the

Quarterback

Denard Robinson, 6’0”, 193, JR

Devin Gardner, 6’4”, 210, SO

Denard Robinson rushed for 1702 yards, passed for 2570, was the Big 10 MVP and was named an All-American. Yet his offensive system is being dumped for a new one.

Michigan is moving toward a "down-hill" power attack using some of the West Coast passing tendencies SF 49er coach Bill Walsh made famous.

Michigan coach Brady Hoke promises the offense will feature Robinson's best attributes, so we'll see how quickly the transformation takes place.

The Defensive Tackles

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ANN ARBOR, MI - APRIL 16: David Molk #50 and Mike Martin #68 of the Michigan Wolverines lead their team onto the field prior to the start of the annual Spring Game at Michigan Stadium on April 16, 2011 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty

Nose Tackle

Mike Martin, 6’2”, 299, SR

Quinton Washington, 6’4”, 315, RS SO

Tackle

William Campbell, 6’5”, 333, JR

Richard Ash, 6’3”, 320, RS FR

Mike Martin is looking to earn accolades this season, while William Campbell is just hoping to contribute.

Martin begins his senior season at nose tackle but should also get the opportunity to play a "hybrid" position along the edge, hoping to put more pressure on the quarterback.

Campbell spent most of 2010 on the offensive side of the ball but like others, never fit into Rich Rodriguez' system.  

When Martin moves out to the end, Campbell or Quinton Washington will take over at the nose. Either way, the 2011 tackles are certainly more robust than a year ago.  

The Defensive Ends

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ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 09: Ryan Van Bergen #53 of the Michigan Wolverines sacks Kirk Cousins #8 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second quarter of the game on October 9, 2010 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty

Defensive End (Weak)

Craig Roh, 6’5”, 251, JR

Jibreel Black, 6’2”, 258, SO

Defensive End (Strong)

Ryan Van Bergen, 6’6”, 283, RS SR

Kenny Wilkins, 6’3”, 262, RS FR

Ryan Van Bergen is expected to have another fine year at Michigan, The senior defensive had 37 tackles and four sacks in 2010.  

Craig Roh, on the other hand, is in a dogfight with Jibreel Black for the weakside defensive end slot.  Kenny Wilkins, who can play anywhere up front, adds depth.     

The Linebackers

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COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: LInebacker Kenny Demens chases down the ballcarrier against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

SAM (Strongside Linebacker)

Cam Gordon, 6’3”, 207, RS SO

Jake Ryan, 6’3”, 224, RS FR

WILL (Weakside Linebacker)

Mike Jones, 6’2”, 208, RS SO

Brandin Hawthorne, 6’0”, 203, JR

MIKE (Middle Linebacker)

Kenny Demens, 6’1”, 250, RS JR

Marell Evans, 6’3”, 225, RS SR

Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison expects breakout years for Cam Gordon and Kenny Demens. Gordon made 77 tackles a year ago while Demens was credited with 82.

Mike Jones, on the other hand, missed most of last season with a leg injury, but is still projected to earn a starting role. With 4.5 (40) speed, Jones is one of the quicker defenders on the team.

Jake Ryan has been impressive throughout spring practice, and was one the better players on the field at the spring game. Look for Ryan to get considerable playing time.  

Marell Evans could be a pleasant surprise.  Evans is back in Ann Arbor after transferring to Hampton prior to the 2010 season.        

The Cornerbacks

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ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 21: Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes tries to get around Troy Woolfolk #29 of the Michigan Wolverines on November 21, 2009 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Cornerback

Troy Woolfolk, 6’0”, 195, RS SR

Tony Anderson, 5’11”, 192, RS SR

Cornerback 

J.T. Floyd, 6’0”, 183, RS JR

Courtney Avery, 5’11”, 167, SO

J.T. Floyd missed the final four games of 2010, and Troy Woolfolk missed the entire season. Both have the ability to cover one-on-one, so the backfield will definitely be in better shape this season.

Floyd has made 83 tackles in his career while Woolfolk has 61 to his credit. Woolfolk is the son of former Michigan running back Butch Woolfolk (1978-81). 

The Safeties

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Cierre Wood #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is tackled by Jordan Kovacs #32 of the Michigan Wolverines at Notre Dame Stadium on September 11, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Free Safety

Carvin Johnson, 6’0”, 195, SO

Marvin Robinson, 6’2”, 200, SO

Strong Safety

Jordan Kovacs, 6’0”, 195, RS JR

Thomas Gordon, 5’11”, 205, RS SO

Carvin Johnson excited the spring game crowd with a pair of interceptions. Johnson is expected to be in the starting line when Michigan opens against Western Michigan this fall.

He'll be along side Jordan Kovacs, who's become one the the Big 10's steadiest players. Last year Kovacs recorded 116 tackles, one sack and two interceptions. 

Special Teams

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ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 06: Junior Hemingway #21 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a second quarter touchdown after escaping the tackle of Terry Hawthorne #1 of the Illinios Fighting Illini after a second quarter reception at Michigan Stadium on Novem

Place Kicker

Matt Wile, 6'2", 210, FR

Brendan Gibbons, 6’1”, 227, RS SO

Punter

Will Hagerup, 6’4”, 210, SO

Matt Wile, 6'2", 210, FR

Kickoffs

Seth Broekhuizen, 6’1”, 195, RS SO

Brendan Gibbons, 6’1”, 227, RS SO

Long Snapper

Tom Pomarico, 6’4”, 236, RS SR

Jereth Glanda, 6’3”, 246, RS SO

Holder

Drew Dileo, 5’10”, 171, SO

Jared Van Slyke, 6’2”, 196, RS SR

Punt Returner

Junior Hemingway, 6’1”, 225, RS SR

Martavious Odoms, 5’8”, 175, SR

Kickoff Returns

Darryl Stonum, 6’2”, 195, SR

Drew Dileo, 5’10”, 171, SO

The only real question on special teams is whether Matt Wile can walk onto campus and perform at a high level.

To this point, none of the other kickers have been impressive, although Brendan Gibbons almost made a 46-yarder at the spring game, hitting the left upright.