Michigan Football: 2012 Lineup Already Taking Shape

It didn't take long for Brady Hoke to place his stamp on the Michigan football program. By the time he took the job, the first-year coach had the entire Michigan family on his side. 

Midway through his first season, Hoke has re-tooled the defense, dropping its points-against from 28.4 to 14.7 after seven games. Sure, the offense has struggled, but it's still averaging 34.6, compared to 36.0.

Perhaps Hoke's biggest effect has been in recruiting. In the last month before national signing day, Hoke added 12 commits to complete the 2011 class. For 2012, Hoke and his staff have 23 commits and expect to land three or four more. Currently, scout.com has this class rated No.1 in the nation.

While Michigan fans are hoping 2011 will conclude with eight or nine wins and a victory over Ohio State, they seriously expect the Wolverines to compete for the Big Ten title next fall.

Just as a few freshmen cracked this year's lineup, expect to see more new faces next fall.

Let's see how Michigan will line-up against Alabama in the 2012 opener.       

Quarterbacks

It's now apparent that Michigan won't develop a powerful running game until it rebuilds the offensive line. 

Which means we'll probably see another season of spread-option football.

It will be Denard Robinson's senior year and hopefully he'll have his footwork problems worked out by then. If not, you'll see a lot more of Devin Gardner, and perhaps a sneak peak of freshman Russell Bellomy.

A 6'3" pure-passer from Arlington, Texas, Bellomy might see some action in his hometown when Michigan opens the season with Alabama.  

Running Backs

Michael Shaw will be the only running back departing, so six Wolverines will be competing for playing time.

It's entirely possible offensive coordinator Al Borges will slowly work a fullback into the game plan. Sophomore Stephen Hopkins, freshman Joe Kerridge and and commit Sione Houma all can line up at fullback.

Should freshmen Thomas Rawls or Justice Hayes have a good spring practice, Vincent Smith could be moved to the slot.

Another name in the mix is Ohio State verbal Brionte Dunn, who at one time re-opened his recruitment and showed some interest in Michigan.     

Receivers

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs attends the same high school as did Michigan cornerback Blake Countess. Diggs, scout.com's No. 2 wide receiver, still has Michigan on his list of possible schools. Landing Diggs would be quite a coup for Hoke and Countess, too. Diggs has seen how quickly Countess has gained playing time and there's no reason Diggs couldn't do the same thing.

Roy Roundtree, the surprising Jeremy Gallon and Darryl Stonum will return to manage the wide receiver position, but there's definitely room for Diggs to fit right in.    

The tight end position, however, appears rather thin. Brandon Moore, who's been getting a few reps with seniors Kevin Koger and Steve Watson, has the only reception of those returning in 2012.

That most likely leaves an opening for an incoming freshman. Michigan has recruited a pair of tight ends and is looking at a third.

Devin Funchess (6'4", 205 lbs.) from Farmington Hills and A.J. Williams (6'6", 260 lbs.) from Sycamore, Ohio are possibilities. Another hopeful is Ron Thompson from Southfield.

Williams, however, already has the size. 

"Playing early is a possibility." Williams told scout.com. "They're talking about me starting four years if I work hard. It's all up to me working hard, putting in work in the weight room, and hopefully I'll play all four years." 

Offensive Line

On paper, the offensive line will be nearly intact, with center David Molk the toughest to replace. Rocko Khoury has only played sparingly at center since Molk has already started 36 games in his Michigan career. 

Elsewhere Taylor Lewan, Ricky Barnum, Patrick Omameh and Michael Schofield have all started multiple times.

But the line hasn't exactly been the stellar area of the squad and Hoke is doing something about it.

The Wolverines already have five offensive line commitments, including tackle Kyle Kalis, who they "stole" from Ohio State.

Michigan might have one spot left for an offensive lineman. Andrus Peat, Jordan Diamond and Joshua Garnett have all been offered by Michigan, but Zach Banner, a 6'9", 295-pound tackle, has already made a visit.       

Defensive Line

Michigan will lose three starters from the defensive line: Mike Martin, Ryan Van Bergen and Will Heininger.

Craig Roh and Jibreel Black, who have played well at times this season, return as defensive ends. At the tackles, reserves Will Campbell and Quinton Washington return as the probable starters. But six freshmen and six commits will battle for playing time and even a starting position.

Of the newcomers, look for 6'3", 320-pound Ondre Pipkins to make the biggest splash.   

Linebackers

Kenny Demens, Cam Gordon and Jake Ryan should be the starting linebackers in 2012, but after that it's anyone's guess. There's plenty of depth at the position with Brandin Hawthorne, Desmond Morgan, Brennan Beyer and others. 

What's most impressive are the four commits who plan on playing early. All four are rated 4-stars by scout.com.

• Kaleb Ringer is the nephew of Tennessee Titans running back Javon Ringer
• Royce Jenkins-Stone is another of the long list of Detroit Cass Tech stars
• Joe Bolden is also a big hitter on the baseball diamond
• James Ross is scout.com's No. 2 middle linebacker

Secondary

When fall camp begins, the secondary will be loaded.

J.T. Floyd and Blake Countess will be the starters at cornerback and Thomas Gordon and Jordan Kovacs will be the starters at safety.

Courtney Avery, Ramon Taylor, Marvin Robinson and Carvin Johnson will complete the two-deep.

Then you can add a pair of 4-star recruits: Jarrod Wilson, a safety from Akron and Terry Richardson, a corner from Detroit Cass Tech.

Michigan is also looking at another defender.

At 6'2", Yuri Wright is very tall for a cornerback. He also happens to play for Don Bosco High in New Jersey, which now possesses a 40-game winning streak.

While Wright has several offers, he's looking favorably to Michigan. 

“Michigan is definitely on top of my list,” he told scout.com. “Michigan is one of the schools I am very interested in at this point. And that is a school that is probably going to stay up there.”

Special Teams

The special teams will be well-stocked as well. Brendan Gibbons and Matt Wile return to handle the kicking duties, and Will Hagerup will be the punter. 

Jeremy Gallon, Drew Dileo and Vincent Smith will share the returns. 

A quick overview shows the only rebuilding necessary will be on both lines of scrimmage.

And come to think of it, those are perhaps the weakest areas on the team, so a few new faces will actually be welcomed.