Michigan's 2012 Starting Lineup Projection

Even though the 2011 season isn't even over yet, it's never too early to start looking ahead to next year.

Some key pieces on defense will be lost off of this year's team, but the offense returns mainly intact.

Here is a look at all 22 positions for next year, starting with offense, and the projected starter at each one.

Quarterback: Denard Robinson (Sr.)

This is obviously a no-brainer.  All that talk about Denard possibly not being the quarterback this past October has certainly been put to rest.

He will come into next year as the clear leader of this team and as one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

Running Back: Fitz Toussaint (Jr.)

This is also a no-brainer.  Big things will be expected of Toussaint next year, and hopefully, he can deliver once again.

He will easily be one of the best running backs in the Big Ten, and if he has a big year, Heisman talk isn't out of the question.

Receiver: Roy Roundtree (Sr.)

Even though Michigan doesn't necessarily have a great receiver, they have a lot of decent ones.

Roundtree had a very disappointing year in 2011, and expectations won't be as high for him next season.

He doesn't have to be great, but at least respectable.

Receiver: Jeremy Gallon (Jr.)

Gallon had a surprising breakout year in 2011, and hopefully, will contribute just as much next season.

Michigan really needed a receiver to step up this past year, and Gallon did just that.

With the departures of Tay Odoms and Junior Hemingway, Gallon will easily be one of the main targets next season.

Receiver: Darryl Stonum (Sr.)

This may be going out on a limb, but I am projecting Stonum to start next year.

After missing a full year of football, that may be a little optimistic.

If he can at least contribute and be consistent, that would be a huge boost to the Michigan offense.

Tight End: Brandon Moore (Sr.)

After coming out of high school as a highly touted tight end, Brandon Moore has basically done nothing in his Michigan career.

Now a senior, it's now or never for Moore.  Playing behind Kevin Koger his entire career, he will now have every opportunity to start.

I am projecting him to win the job, but don't be surprised if someone like Ricardo Miller beats him out.

Left Tackle: Taylor Lewan (Jr.)

This is a no-brainer. Lewan will be Michigan's best offensive lineman heading into next year and is turning into one of the best linemen in the Big Ten.

With that being said, he will only be a junior next season.

He will likely be one of the best in the country by the time his career is over.

Left Guard: Ricky Barnum (Sr.)

Ricky Barnum's career has been a disappointment so far.  Coming out of high school as a highly touted lineman out of Florida, he hasn't panned out at all.

After an injury plagued season in 2011, he will hopefully bounce back and start in 2012.

Some think he will move over to center, but for now, I'm projecting him at guard.

Center: Jack Miller (Fr.)

Who will replace the departed All-American at center in David Molk?

It looks like there are three candidates: Ricky Barnum, Rocko Khoury and Jack Miller.

I am going to predict that Barnum stays at guard and that Khoury just simply isn't good enough to win the job.

That leaves freshman Jack Miller, who could potentially be Michigan's center for the next four years.

Right Guard: Patrick Omameh (Sr.)

Patrick Omameh has quietly turned into a very good player for Michigan.

Even though he struggled quite a bit in 2011, there is no reason to think that he won't have a great year in 2012.

I think Omameh will be a very good player as a senior and is a darkhorse for a captain spot.

Right Tackle: Michael Schofield (Jr.)

Schofield stepped up in a big way in 2011. When Ricky Barnum went down with injury, Schofield stepped in and Michigan's offensive line didn't miss a beat.

The loss of Mark Huyge won't be too impactful, with Schofield likely moving over to right tackle.

Now projecting the defensive starters...

Defensive End: Craig Roh (Sr.)

If Roh starts next year, he will have been a four-year starter at Michigan.

He has certainly had his share of ups and downs, but has overcome everything he's been through.

Hopefully, he will have a great senior season, and maybe even has a chance at being named a captain.

Defensive Tackle: Will Campbell (Sr.)

Even though it has been said before, it's official this time: it's now or never for Will Campbell.

Basically a complete bust so far, he will hopefully at least start and make an impact as a senior.

With Michigan's defensive line decimated with departures, it is crucial that Campbell steps up and contributes.

Defensive Tackle: Quinton Washington (Jr.)

Michigan is extremely thin at defensive tackle, and will need a guy like Washington to step up.

His lack of experience will be a bit concerning heading into next year, though.

Defensive End: Jibreel Black (Jr.)

I was extremely tempted to put Frank Clark in this spot, but I'm going to stick with Black.

Regardless, Clark will see plenty of playing time at defensive end next season.

Linebacker: Kenny Demens (Sr.)

Even though he doesn't get the attention he deserves, Demens will easily be one of Michigan's best defensive players next year.

He is obviously a lock for a starting spot, and will be missed more than people realize once he is gone.

Linebacker: Jake Ryan (So.)

Jake Ryan had a very solid year as a freshman. Imagine what he will do with a year of experience under his belt.

He is an emerging young star and looks to be an absolute stud in the making.

Linebacker: Desmond Morgan (So.)

Morgan resembles the Michigan linebackers of old.

After showing what he can do as a true freshman, it would be a surprise if he doesn't turn into a stud linebacker before his career is over.

Cornerback: J.T. Floyd (Sr.)

J.T. Floyd should be a solid corner next year as a senior.

After much criticism early in his career, he has developed into a decent player.

Cornerback: Blake Countess (So.)

It is exciting to think about how good Countess can be after what he showed as a freshman.

It is actually quite incredible how solid he was as a true freshman.

He will likely be starting for the next three years.

Safety: Thomas Gordon (Jr.)

Thomas Gordon has turned into an extremely solid player.

In somewhat of a surprise this past year, he took hold of the starting job and held onto it all year.

He should solidify what looks to be a solid Michigan secondary.

Safety: Jordan Kovacs (Sr.)

It is sad that Kovacs is now a senior, seeing as how he has contributed to this program over the last few years.

Kovacs has been through as much as anyone, on and off the field, and will be missed once he graduates.