Michigan Football: Predicting the Captains for the Wolverines' 2012 Season

Since Michigan's captains (Mike Martin, Kevin Koger and David Molk) are all departing after this season, three new ones will have to be named for next year.

These players not only have to be good football players, but great leaders on and off the field as well.

Next year's senior class will be special, as a lot of those guys have contributed so much to the Michigan program throughout their careers.

Here is a list of the five most likely candidates to be captains next year.

5. Darryl Stonum (WR)

Some may think that this is a poor choice, but I think Darryl Stonum has a very good chance of rebounding in a big way next season.

Wouldn't it be a great story if Stonum not only returns to the team as a senior, but is also elected to be a captain?

There is obviously a long way to go until next football season, but Stonum has done great so far.

Assuming he resembles the player he was in 2010, Stonum could have a big impact in this offense next season.

The receiving corps will desperately miss Junior Hemingway and Martavious Odoms, and Roy Roundtree has to be looked at as somewhat of a question mark after an extremely disappointing 2011 season.

Even though Roundtree may be the better-known senior receiver, I think Stonum has a better chance of becoming a captain.

4. Vincent Smith (RB)

Vincent Smith is a guy who probably won't have too big of a role in next year's offense.  However, that doesn't mean he isn't a strong candidate to be elected a captain.

After strong contributions throughout his freshman and sophomore seasons, Smith saw his role decrease this past year, mainly because of the emergence of Fitz Toussaint.

With Toussaint obviously being the main guy again next year, Smith may be lucky just to be the backup.  Thomas Rawls will likely play a role, and could potentially be the second-string back.

Again, though, all the players and coaches seem to absolutely love Smith, regardless of how much playing time he sees.

A great attitude and a strong work ethic seem to be the main reasons why.

Smith has been through a lot in his time at Michigan, and it would not be a surprise to see him be elected a captain in his senior season.

3. Kenny Demens (LB)

Kenny Demens just does not get the attention he deserves.

After coming on strong late last year, Demens came into this season as the most experienced linebacker, and the sure leader of the group.

Whether he met expectations this season can be debated, although he did lead the team in tackles by a large margin.

A lot will be expected of him again heading into next year, as he will once again be the most experienced and veteran linebacker.  In fact, he will be one of the most important players on the entire defense.

I expect Demens to be named a captain heading into next year.  After all, he will be a fifth-year senior and has been through a lot in his time at Michigan.

Plus, he will be one of the most important players on the entire defense.  I think that he will be missed more than fans realize once he is gone.

2. Jordan Kovacs (S)

Kovacs is a no-brainer when talking about potential captains for next year.

Considering everything he's done for Michigan so far in his career, it would be a shock if he wasn't elected a captain.

Even though he's a safety, Kovacs finished second on the team in tackles both this year and last year.

He has shown great versatility throughout his career, showing the ability to play deep and to also play close to the line.

It would really be an inspiring story if he is elected a captain next year, especially considering that he is a former walk-on.

With that being said, he will be one of the most important guys on that defense next year, both on and off the field.

1. Denard Robinson (QB)

Denard is basically already a lock for a captain spot next year.

He is the most important and influential player on the team, and is the face of the program.

He defines what a Michigan captain should be.

There really isn't a whole lot to say about Denard that people don't already know, so I'm going to keep it short.

Denard will hopefully cap a great career with a great senior season, and will be missed immensely once he graduates.

It will be a sad day seeing Denard suit up in a Michigan uniform for the last time next year.