Michigan Football: WR Darryl Stonum Suspended Indefinitely for Second DUI

Darryl Stonum was supposed to be the next great Michigan wide receiver when he enrolled early, and arrived in Ann Arbor in January 2008.  Blessed with with a 6'2" sprinter's body and speed, the 21-year-old Texan was a guy many projected to wear the iconic No. 1 jersey for the Wolverines at some point.

After his 2:25 traffic stop by University of Michigan police, Stonum was charged with his second DUI as a Wolverine, and his future with the football team—once again—appears uncertain.  Michigan head coach Brady Hoke suspended Stonum from the team indefinitely, pending Stonum's adherence to the legal system and team rules.

For a guy who was poised to have strong senior season, this is obviously a huge setback.  

Stonum caught 49 passes for 633 yards and four TDs last year in an offense which catered to slot receivers.  Stonum also figured to be Michigan's lead kickoff returner this season, as he'd been the past two seasons.  

This year, Michigan's return to a pro-style offense would have translated into more opportunities for him, and he still could if he gets his life back on track and becomes eligible.  

The fallout from Stonum's 2008 arrest lasted for two years.  It was a long process which involved him violating probation, missing court dates and failing to submit to random alcohol testing. 

Stonum is at a crossroads, and hopefully he'll learn some life lessons through his trials and tribulations.  Michigan is deep at receiver this year, with players like junior Je'Ron Stokes and senior Kelvin Grady itching for more playing time heading into the summer of the 2011 season.  

In short, losing Stonum isn't the end of the world, but it is far from preferable.

Hoke did the right thing by saying he would provide support and counseling to Stonum while he was suspended indefinitely from team activities.  Will Stonum follow up with these latest charges the way he didn't after his 2008 arrest?