Michigan Football: 10 Young Players Who Could Become Legends

Whether they're astronauts, presidents,  Broadway stars or football players, Michigan continues to churn out legends at an alarming rate: James McDivitt, Jack Kevorkian, Madonna, Eugene Robinson and James Earl Jones to name a few.

It's no different on the football field: Tom Harmon, Tom Brady, Charles Woodson and Desmond Howard have all drawn cheers from the Big House.

Every season, someone comes forward to make plays. More recently it's been Michael Hart, Tate Forcier and of course, Denard Robinson.

In fact, Robinson's likeness has been featured on so much bootleg memorabilia, the NCAA forced the Michigan athletic department to clamp down on the independents.

There are several current and incoming players who have an opportunity to bring fame to themselves and the Wolverines. Here's a look at 10 of them. 

Taylor Lewan

Taylor Lewan (Photo; Arbor716)

Taylor Lewan’s job is cut out for him. He’s following other left tackles with names like Jake Long, Adam Stefanich, Maurice Williams and Jeff Bachus.

At the left tackle position on Michigan’s offensive line, Lewan’s chief responsibility is to protect his quarterback’s backside.

But can the redshirt sophomore be trusted? Sure he’s immensely talented, but does he have the discipline on ever play to keep Denard from getting crushed?

In last year’s Iowa game, Lewan had two false starts and a personal foul, all in the first half.

His supporters believe a little maturing will do the trick.  Lewan, who wears the same No. 77 like his predecessor Jake Long, just happened to be standing next to him at the 2009 Ohio State game.

“He’s just standing there, and he’s a very large individual,” Lewan told Ann Arbor.com.

“You better do something with that number,” Long said.

Chris Rock

Not The Chris Rock (Photo: Zohar Elkayan)

He already has more Facebook hits that the rest of the team combined.

Ok, let’s not get the two namesakes confused. Michigan’s Chris Rock is part of the incoming 2011 recruiting class. At 6’5”, 245 pounds, he’s slated to play SAM defensive end until he eventually grows into a tackle slot.

Rock played at the highly regarded Columbus (OH) DeSales High School alongside Adam Griffin, the son of two-time Heisman winner Archie. (The pictured Rock makes movies).

It may be a coincidence that Michigan's Rock plays with the toughness Brady Hoke’s staff is looking for. Rock received offers from Nebraska, Notre Dame, and Wisconsin among several others.

Rock, who may redshirt this fall, was the high school teammate of offensive lineman Patrick Omameh,

Chris Bryant

He won’t be an official freshman until September, but Chris Bryant is already a giant. The 6’5” 330-pound. offensive tackle will definitely earn some playing time this fall (if he isn’t redshirted).

He reminds me of the linemen who have pushed Michigan around the last few years..

If he’s as good as he looks on film, defenses need to beware. Hoke calls him a real “road grader,” while Bryant himself served notice to scout.com.

“I’m big and quick. A lot of college coaches like that I can move.” Bryant continued, “Also, I’m not a sloppy 330, I’m built. I have a real powerful punch, too.”

Tony Posada

Tony Posada, a product of Plant High School in Tampa, will eventually share one side of the line with Bryant.  The most recent predictions show Posada at tackle with Bryant at guard.

While not rated quite as highly as Bryant, the coaches like Posada’s upside.

“"Tony's best football is ahead of him," Plant coach Robert Weiner told ESPN. "I mean he is on the upswing for sure and has gotten so much better year to year, even the last few months.” 

Greg Brown

An early graduate of Fremont Ross High School (OH), Brown was already on campus in January and was impressive in the spring game.  Depending on the health this fall of Troy Woolfolk and  J.T. Floyd, it’s conceivable Brown could move into the starting lineup.

Brown is from the same high school that produced Heisman Trophy-winning cornerback Charles Woodson.

At 5’10’, 195, Brown was also offered by Michigan State and Syracuse. He’s been clocked in the 40 at 4.4. 

Matt Wile

He’s yet to arrive on campus, but this freshman-to-be is already being counted on to save Michigan’s placekicking fortunes.

Wile was set to join Hoke in San Diego, but obviously things changed.  Fortunately for Michigan, Hoke was able to change Wile’s mind.

In high school, Wile handled the kickoff and punting chores in addition to kicking field goals and extra points.

Michigan was able to connect on only four of 14 field-goal attempts in 2010. 

Jake Ryan

Leon Halip/Getty Images

ANN ARBOR, MI - APRIL 16: Jake Ryan #37 of the Michigan Wolverines scores after an interception during the annual Spring Game at Michigan Stadium on April 16, 2011 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Jake Ryan received as much ink as anyone after the spring game. He intercepted a Devin Gardner pass for a touchdown and was also credited with a sack.

Another Wolverine recruit from Ohio, Ryan will challenge for playing time at the strong-side linebacker slot.

“The one thing we’ve really been pleased with Jake is he shows tremendous energy and speed off the edge,” said DC Greg Mattison during the post-game press conference, “which I think is something that we need definitely in our package.”

At 6’3”, 225 pounds, redshirt freshman Ryan will be pushing Cam Gordon for minutes. 

Devin Gardner

Leon Halip/Getty Images

ANN ARBOR, MI - APRIL 16: Devin Gardner #7 of the Michigan Wolverines drops back to pass during the annual Spring Game at Michigan Stadium on April 16, 2011 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

One of the rare five-star recruits to attend Michigan in recent years, Gardner has been biding his time. He also happens to be the perfect fit in Coach Brady Hoke’s new offense.

At 6’4”, 210, Gardner sees the field extremely well and is an excellent runner.  Of course, he’s playing behind Denard Robinson, who’s already a legend in his own time.

Gardner performed well in a limited reserve role last season, but expects to play more this fall, especially if Robinson is forced to run more than expected.

Stephen Hopkins

There have been several superstar backs before him who had similar attributes.

Like Hopkins, Ron Johnson, Anthony Thomas and Leroy Hoard were all big, strong and quick enough to be the feature back on this fall's squad. 

And Brady Hoke's looking for a match to his between-the-tackles, "downhill" running style.

There's no guarantee, but it looks right now that Hopkins is the front runner. 

Brennan Beyer

Brennan Beyer's another two-way star who played his high school ball just 35 minutes from the Big House.

At 6’4”, 218, Beyer most likely will begin his Michigan career as a defensive end.  He’s been rated four-stars by scout.com and was also offered by Northwestern, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Stanford.

In 2010 Beyer was credited with 71 catches, 13 sacks, and had 31 receptions on offense.

“Beyer has a terrific frame and sometimes seems to be made of elastic as he's able to lay out and contort his body to get a ball carrier trying to elude him,” says scout.com’s Scott Kennedy.