Michigan Football: 10 Training Camp Priorities

The time for speculation is gone since Western Michigan will visit the Big House in three weeks.

While this should be no cause for alarm, several key positions remain unfilled.

Add to the fact that both the offense and defense are being retooled, and it's apparent that Michigan has plenty of work to do.

Wide receiver Darryl Stonum, who will be red-shirted because of alcohol problems, must be replaced. Will Hagerup, who's been suspended for the first four games, must also be replaced.

A few more untested players will be thrust into key roles, but optimism is still the keyword of the day.

Let’s see if the Wolverines will be ready for the Broncos come Sept. 3.   

Master Both Offensive Schemes

Under Rich Rodriguez, Michigan's 2010 read-option offense finished eighth in the country, averaging 488.69 yards per game.

Most fans also remember that Rodriguez transitioned from Michigan's pro-set offense in 2007 to the spread in 2008. The argument was that Michigan didn't have the players necessary to make the switch. Michigan's offense improved in 2009 with Tate Forcier at quarterback and flourished a season ago.

With new coach Brady Hoke, Michigan has vowed to transition back to a power game, limiting Robinson's carries.

But not so fast. Offensive coordinator Al Borges has decided not to take the ball completely out of the hands of Denard Robinson. While trying to keep him healthy, Borges still expects Robinson to run often, just not as much as last season.   

Mold the Defensive Line

Looking to improve the pass rush, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison has inserted some bulk in the new-look defensive line. Gone is the gambling 3-3-5 scheme, which is being replaced by a more conventional 4-3.

Will Campbell (6'5", 322 lbs),  who spent the last two seasons on the bench, is the new interior lineman. Mattison hopes Campbell can get the job done, so he can freely move Mike Martin along the defensive front.

Quinton Washington, Kenny Wilkins and Richard Ash will provide depth in the interior line.   

Find a Featured Running Back

With the transition to a pro-style, power offense, you'll see the regular use of a fullback in addition to a featured deep back. Last year, it was more like running back by committee. Vincent Smith, Michael Cox, Michael Shaw, Stephen Hopkins and Fitzgerald Toussaint all shared the running back spot.

This season will be different. 

"Before too long, we'll narrow it down to a few guys," offensive coordinator Al Borges said. "You can't get five and six guys carries."  

Look for Hopkins, Cox, Shaw and possibly freshman Thomas Rawls to get the bulk of the carries. Hopkins will also play some fullback, but it looks like John McColgan has secured that position.

Toussaint, Smith and Justice Hayes will try to prove me wrong. 

Develop Devin Gardner's Talents, Then Play Him

Because of the success of  Denard Robinson and backup Tate Forcier, Devin Gardner only threw 10 passes during his freshman season. 

Regardless of the game plan, Robinson will carry the ball more than anyone expects.

Obviously, Gardner may be called upon to save a game or two in the fourth quarter. 

Therefore, it's imperative to get Gardner as many reps as possible during training camp, then play him as much as possible early in the season.

The Wolverines should have no trouble with either Western or Eastern Michigan. Maybe Gardner could start one or both of those games.  

Keep Woolfolk and Floyd Healthy

Michigan has only three defensive backs with any experience. Troy Woolfolk and J.T. Floyd are coming back from injuries, while Courtney Avery has only five career starts.

It might not be a bad idea to limit the contact for Woolfolk and Floyd. Losing either one of them would bring Tony Anderson, who's basically a walk on, in the mix. The remaining depth is made up of primarily freshmen. 

Improve Denard Robinson's Decision Making

It's very hard to find fault with any of Denard Robinson's play. Probably his biggest drawback might be his height, since he'll be throwing some from the pocket in the pro-style offense. Of course, Robinson at 6'0" is the same height as NFL star Drew Brees, so that problem could be rectified.

Another beef with Robinson was his decision making, especially when he was flushed out of the pocket. It seems like Rodriguez' offense wasn't big on formalized progressions. Once Robinson learns to read defenses properly, he should feel more comfortable and make fewer mistakes.  

Re-Invent the Tight End Position

Until this spring, Kevin Koger has been a forgotten man in the Michigan football program. The senior tight end was rarely called upon in Rich Rodriguez' spread offense. 

But things are changing in Ann Arbor and the 6'4', 258-pound senior couldn't be happier.

In just over two seasons, Koger has caught 36 passes and five touchdowns. He's out of the same mold as some of the great Michigan tight ends. Jim Mandich, Jerame Tuman and Doug Marsh are a few who come to mind.

So now Koger will be in the trenches, blocking and catching passes like those in the NFL.

Maybe that's why he's happy.    

Place a Posse Around Matt Wile

After connecting on just 4-of-14 field goals in 2010, Michigan was definitely in search of a kicker.

Ever since Matt Wile signed his letter of intent, it was a forgone conclusion that he would win the kicking job. 

Michigan has now lost its punter, Will Hagerup, to a four-game suspension. But wouldn't you know it. Wile can punt, too. In addition to making 10-of-13 field goals last season, his punting average was just over 41.

Wonder if he'd like to drive the team bus, too.

Utilize the Depth at Wide Receiver

Thanks to Rich Rodriguez' spread offense, Michigan played three, four or sometimes five wide receivers at any one time. So the current Michigan roster is still blessed with great wide receiver depth.

So when it was learned that Darryl Stonum was going to be red-shirted, there was no need to panic.

Roy Roundtree, Junior Hemingway and Martavious Odoms are the top holdovers from a year ago, while converted point guard Kelvin Grady should easily fit into the rotation.

Jeremy Gallon, Je'Ron Stokes, Drew Dileo and Jeremy Jackson make up the first wave of backups.  

Training Camp Surprises

Whatever the sport, players come out of training camp and make surprising contributions. Here are a few Michigan players who will surprise the coaches:

1) Greg Brown, cornerback. An early enrollee, Brown was impressive at spring practice.

2) Thomas Rawls, running back. A 5'10", 219-pound freshman, Rawls could be the between-the-tackles runner Hoke is looking for.

3) Josh Furman, safety. A 6'2", 208 red-shirt freshman, Furman might be the best athlete on the team. He also might be the fastest with a 40 time of 4.36, and a 100-meter time of 10.82. I wouldn't be surprised if you see him in a nickel package or as a physical cornerback.

4) Jake Ryan, linebacker. No surprise here, he's likely won a starting job.