Michigan Football: 11 Wolverines with the Most To Gain in 2011

Looking down Michigan's defensive depth chart, it's possible to locate a few players who actually had decent 2010 seasons. But after a look at the defensive unit's horrendous statistics, you'd wonder if more than a few new faces could earn starting jobs in 2011.

If nothing else, several Wolverines defenders could gain some respect, while a few could even earn a chance to play on Sundays in 2012.

On offense, it's not much different. Sure, Denard Robinson put up lofty numbers, but the offense wasn't effective when it counted down the stretch.

This year's offensive unit must transition into a pro-style attack; something pundits argue can't be done in a single season.

Let's look at some of the players who have the most to gain as Michigan moves from the disappointing Rich Rodriguez regime into an optimistic Brady Hoke era.

Will Campbell

By the end of last season, some speculated that Will Campbell might be finished as a Wolverine. The 5-star recruit from Detroit Cass Tech tried both offensive and defensive tackle positions for Michigan, but never really found a spot.

Campbell received a new lease on life when Brady Hoke and Greg Mattison arrived. The coaches basically willed him into the defensive tackle slot. It looks like Campbell will start his junior season at defensive tackle next to Mark Martin. If everything goes to plan, Martin will sometimes move outside while Campbell takes over at nose tackle. 

At 6’5”, 333 lbs., he could keep Mike Martin from being double-teamed, and eventually learn loads of respect from his teammates.

Tony Anderson

As a redshirt senior, most players would be happy to be in Tony Anderson's shoes. Being the second-string cornerback is nothing to sneeze at when you consider the school is Michigan.

Hanging around for a fifth season is admirable, but realizing Anderson's a walk-on makes it special.  

Last season, Anderson played in four games as a cornerback and made four tackles. But if things go his way he'll be a part of every game.

Vincent Smith

Vincent Smith has something to prove.

A year ago, he was Michigan's first-string tailback, gaining 601 yards in the quarterback-dominated zone-read option offense.

This fall, the Wolverines are switching primarily to a Power-I offense, which emphasizes running between the tackles.

Smith is far down the depth chart, behind such bruisers and Stephen Hopkins, and freshman Thomas Rawls.

But at 5'6", 180 lbs., Smith is of similar stature to former Wolverines Gordon Bell (5'9", 180 lbs.) and Jamie Morris (5'7", 188 lbs.). Bell gained 2,900 yards in three seasons, while Morris is Michigan's third all-time gainer on the ground with 4,393 yards in four seasons.

Smith may be short but there's nothing slight about him. A season on the bench is something Smith doesn't want any part of. Looks like we'll see how this plays out.

John McColgan

He's never carried the ball, but some see John McColgan becoming a part-time NFL fullback.

A 6'1", 231 lb., redshirt senior, McColgan's efforts in spring practice have earned him the starting fullback job in Hoke's new pro-style offense. He was also given the Meyer Morton Award as the senior that showed the greatest development and displayed the most promise during spring drills. 

Like Anderson, McColgan has plenty to prove.

Marell Evans

Marell Evans was a huge help during spring practice since Kenny Demens was limited due to a shoulder injury.

Evans was on the Michigan roster in 2007 and 2008, but played sparingly. He transferred to Hampton (Va.) before returning to Ann Arbor this winter.

By returning, Evans can get his degree from Michigan and challenge for playing time at inside linebacker.

Jordan Kovacs

Jordan Kovacs is a study in contrasts. Chastised regularly for his indifferent pass coverage, Kovacs is often praised for his awesome run support.

The Curtice, Ohio redshirt junior has recorded 191 tackles during the last two seasons. Named an honorable mention All-Big Ten a season ago, Kovacs is on the Lott Trophy watch list, given to the nation's top defender. Not bad for a former walk-on.

Thomas Rawls

He hasn't even participated at an official practice, but many have Thomas Rawls winning the starting tailback job. A standout running back for coach Fred Jackson Jr. (son of Michigan running backs coach), Rawls is the prototype power runner (5'10", 220 lbs.)—exactly what Hoke is looking for.

Expect Rawls to primarily battle with Stephen Hopkins and Michael Cox for playing time.

Of course, you can't forget about Michael Shaw, Fitzgerald Toussaint, Smith and Justice Hayes.

Darryl Stonum

In three seasons with the Wolverines, Darryl Stonum has a pair of drunk driving stops and one for driving with a suspended license.

After the second alcohol offense in May, Coach Hoke suspended him indefinitely.

Still, when the fall roster was published last week, Stonum's name was on it (although he remains suspended). Hopefully, the Wolverines pass receiver and kick returner can settle his legal issues and prove to Hoke his worst days are behind him.

Stonum had an outstanding season in 2010, hauling in 49 passes for 633 yards and four touchdowns. He also returned 22 kickoffs for 513 yards. In 2009, Stonum returned 39 kickoffs for 1,001 yards (just one yard shy of Steve Breaston's Michigan record 1,002 in 2005).

Mike Martin

Simply a superb athlete, Mike Martin's football career may be just taking off. Martin was a superb high school wrestler and is now becoming a feared defensive lineman.

Called college football's second-strongest player by ESPN, Martin's quickness off the ball has been noticed by Coach Hoke and defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.

Besides playing his accustomed nose tackle slot, Martin will move to an outside linebacker slot at times, helping with the pass rush, and showcasing himself to the NFL.

Many expect Martin to be a mid- to late-first-round draft choice. A solid senior season will guarantee it.

Denard Robinson

Denard Robinson has a lot to prove in 2011. 

With Michigan shifting to more of a power attack in 2011, Robinson has heard the criticism for quite a while:

Criticism: He's too short to throw out of the pocket

Answer: Both Robinson and Drew Brees are 6'0" even.

C: He can't stay healthy throughout the whole season

A: The new offense will incorporate the fullback and tailback in a larger percentage of the offense. Robinson will be throwing more and running less.

C: His production tails off in the Big Ten portion of the schedule

A: Robinson had a few nagging injuries late in the season, and was worn down by the constant pounding. Hoke's teams will be more robust than previous ones, physically matching up better with Michigan State, Iowa and Nebraska. Michigan will be able to run between the tackles, keeping Robinson from putting himself in danger on third-down situations.

Josh Furman

Josh Furman is what you might call a super jock. To start with, how about a 4.37 40-yard dash, a 4.41 shuttle, a 40" vertical leap and a 10'2" standing long jump. You can see why everyone is excited about the redshirt freshman. Try keeping this 6'3", 202-pound athlete off the field.

Furman will be challenging for both safety spots, the free safety position manned by Carvin Johnson and Marvin Robinson or the strong safety position held by Jordan Kovacs and Thomas Gordon.

For that matter, Furman could play tailback or wide receiver. In fact, he gained 2,200 yards rushing as a high school senior.

So look for No. 14. He'll be out there somewhere making a name for himself.