Michigan Football: 8 Players the Wolverines Will Miss Most

Several Michigan seniors will be making their final appearance January 3 when they meet Virginia Tech in the 78th-annual Sugar Bowl.

They will all depart on a positive note—finally beating Ohio State and playing in their first BCS bowl game.

Some will leave with well-earned awards, others will leave with just the satisfaction of Michigan's return to respectability. 

They will all be missed, of course, but some will be harder to replace.

Let's take a look at who we will miss the most.  

David Molk, Center

A 2011 consensus All-American, David Molk has started Michigan's last 25 games at center. And if it wasn't for foot and knee injuries in 2009, he would have started every game during his four seasons as a Wolverine.

This year, Molk earned the prestigious Rimington Award, which goes to the nation's best center. He was also named to the All-Big Ten first team.

Replacing him won't be that easy. His back up, Rocko Khoury, would be the likely replacement, but freshman Jack Miller will most likely win the job in the spring. Junior Ricky Barnum will also get some reps to provide additional depth. 

Mike Martin, Nose Tackle

During his four seasons at Michigan, Mike Martin played in 48 of the team's 49 games, starting 36 of them.

Called college football's second-strongest player by ESPN, Martin was a superb wrestler at Detroit Catholic Central and will most likely find a spot in the NFL.

A team leader throughout his career, Martin was also named a 2011 captain. He was also instrumental in stopping the inside-running game, accounting for 54 tackles, fourth-best on the team.

Ironically, Martin's likely replacement could be incoming freshmen Matt Gogin, who also played high school football at Catholic Central.

Hoping to fill the tackle spot vacated by Will Heininger will either be Will Campbell, Quinton Washington or perhaps incoming freshman Ondre Pipkins.  

Ryan Van Bergen, DE

Ryan Van Bergen had by far his best season as a Wolverine in 2011, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention. He started all 11 games, the first two at defensive tackle and the remainder at end.

For his play in the Illinois game, Van Bergen was named CFPA National Defensive Performer of the Week and National Defensive Lineman of the Week.

Van Bergen led the team with five sacks and 12 tackles for loss. 

Expect sophomore Jibreel Black to have the best shot at replacing Van Bergen with Nathan Brink, Chris Rock and Frank Clark giving chase. Incoming freshmen Chris Wormley, Tom Strobel and Mario Ojemudia may enter the fray. 

Mark Huyge, RT

A three-year letterman, Mark Huyge started all 12 games at right tackle in 2011. Throughout his career, Huyge has started at both tackle positions and at right guard.

From Wyoming (MI) Catholic Central, Huyge was also a versatile athlete. The engineering major played hockey and basketball, too.

Other than the center position where Jack Miller might win the job as a rookie, the other positions will be manned by veterans. Taylor Lewan will keep his job at left tackle, Ricky Barnum will start at left guard, Patrick Omameh will play right guard and Michael Schofield will move to right tackle.

Freshman Chris Bryant and junior Elliott Mealer will provide depth.

Coach Brady Hoke made the offensive line a recruiting priority for 2012. The Wolverines already have six offensive linemen committed to the upcoming class. 

Troy Woolfolk, CB/S

Troy Woolfolk missed the entire 2010 season with right ankle and leg injuries.  

Pronounced fit to begin the 2011 season, Woolfolk promptly broke his hand and sprained his left ankle in the season opener.

No problem. Woolfolk was back in action against Notre Dame and remained at cornerback until strong safety Jordan Kovacs couldn't play against Purdue. Woolfolk, who played plenty of safety early in his career, subbed for Kovacs, and Blake Countess took over at cornerback.

When Kovacs returned the following week, Woolfolk moved over to free safety and split time with Thomas Gordon.

While it's true that Woolfolk didn't exactly have a banner season, his versatility was invaluable. 

Next fall, the secondary should be the strongest element of the defensive unit. J.T. Floyd and Countess will be back to start at cornerback, while Kovacs and Gordon will handle the safety positions.

Kevin Koger, TE

A potential NFL draft choice, Kevin Koger was a legitimate target even in Rich Rodriguez' spread offense.

This season, Koger was also able to display his blocking skills as Michigan ran a more traditional attack. The 6'4", 258-pound tight end caught 21 passes in 2011, including four for touchdowns. 

Koger will definitely be missed in 2012 as returning-backup Brandon Moore caught only a single pass.

Look for Ricardo Miller and incoming freshman Devin Funchess to press Moore for playing time, while Keith Heitzman might move over from defense. 

Junior Hemingway, WR

As a senior, Junior Hemingway led Michigan in receptions with 32 catches and a pair of touchdowns. It was the second straight season Hemingway finished with 32 receptions. 

At 6'1", 222 pounds, Hemingway is your prototype "possession" receiver who just might find a spot in the NFL.

The big question mark for 2012 is whether Darryl Stonum returns to the Wolverines. Stonum caught 49 passes in 2010 but was redshirted this season due to problems with alcohol. 

Stonum, Jeremy Gallon and Roy Roundtree could become quite a trio. Add Jeremy Jackson and Drew Dileo to some talented recruits, and the wide receiver position could be a strength next fall.

Martavious Odoms, WR/KR

Martavious Odoms did little as a pass receiver during most of the season, but he sure became a viable target in the last few games. 

In fact, Odoms caught the huge third-quarter touchdown pass that gave Michigan the lead for good.

Used both as a punt returner and kickoff returner throughout his career, Odoms exclusively returned kicks in 2011.

Next season, Jeremy Gallon may add kickoff returns to his punt-return duties, but also look for Vincent Smith, Ramon Taylor and Josh Furman to possibly return kicks.