The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1014905
SEPTEMBER 2018 THE WOLVERINE 39 THE FIFTH-YEAR SENIORS Seven of the 16 players from the 2014 class (former head coach Brady Hoke's last) remain in the program, and all are expected to contribute in some way. Of the other nine, five graduated before transferring (WR Maurice Ways and TE Ian Bunting both headed to Cal, QB Wilton Speight also went west to UCLA, WR Freddy Canteen wound up at Notre Dame prior to transferring again to Tu- lane and WR Drake Harris will finish at Western Michigan), one quit football and became a graduate assistant at Michi- gan (DT Brady Pallante), and one more transferred before graduating (LB Michael Ferns to West Virginia). The other two finished their careers at U-M before heading to the NFL — former Heisman Trophy finalist Jabrill Peppers and four-year starting offensive lineman Mason Cole. Here are the remaining fifth-year seniors: Name Pos. Rec. Stars Juwann Bushell-Beatty OT 3 Has appeared in 22 games with eight starts (seven at right tackle, one at left) and is in contention to start at left tackle this year. Noah Furbush LB 4 A valuable backup for much of his career, but has started five of the 32 games in which he's appeared and registered 45 career tackles. Lawrence Marshall DT 3 Has seen action in 18 games and is expected to be a valu- able backup on the interior defensive line this season. Bryan Mone DT 3 The 6-4, 335-pounder has started seven of the 35 games in which he's appeared and totaled 30 stops, with 3.5 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries. He should see plenty of action this year, especially on first and second down. Jared Wangler FB 3 Played in 20 total games as a linebacker but primarily saw action on special teams before moving to fullback this year, where he'll back up sophomore Ben Mason. Brandon Watson CB 3 Has played in 38 games and started one, and been a valu- able backup at corner and a stalwart on special teams. He's notched 40 career tackles. Chase Winovich DE 4 An All-America candidate after earning All-Big Ten first- team honors from the media last year with 79 tackles and 18 tackles for loss. He played linebacker and tight end before finding a home at defensive end. Last year's U-M Blue Collar Award winner brings 115 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks into his final year. job. He's played in 13 career games, but he has work to do to become more than a backup. Keith Washington CB 3 The former high school quarter- back saw action in 10 games in two years, primarily on special teams, and notched three career tackles before transferring to West Virginia prior to the 2017 season. Tyrone Wheatley Jr. TE 4 Spent two seasons after redshirt- ing as more of a blocker than pass catcher. He was slated to be No. 3 or 4 on the depth chart after a leg injury in the spring set him back, but he decided to transfer to Stony Brook this summer. He finished his career with six receptions for 61 yards and a score in three starts. ❏ Top Contributor To Date RB Karan Higdon: Higdon showed flashes as a sophomore, running for 425 yards and six touchdowns, and he took off last year, finishing with 994 yards. His 6.06 yards per carry ranked 22nd nationally and fourth in the Big Ten, while his 11 rushing touchdowns also ranked fourth in the league. After being named a unanimous third-team All-Big Ten pick, he seems primed for a huge senior season Unsung Hero S Tyree Kinnel: The free safety was named the team's Most Improved Defen- sive Player last season after earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. He finished the 2017 season with 70 tackles and two interceptions, plus seven more pass breakups; his nine passes defended tied for second on the team. Ready To Make An Impact This Fall OT Jon Runyan Jr.: The 6-5, 310-pounder made huge strides in the spring and was one of the most improved players on the line, according to teammates. He'll start at one of the tackle spots barring something unforeseen and has the potential to be very, very good should he turn up the consistency. Fifth-year senior Juwann Bushell-Beatty enters his final year of eli- gibility with 25 career appearances, including eight starts. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN