The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/106890
inside michigan athletics They Said It "The Denard Robinson era is over and Michigan needs offensive playmakers to replace its record-setting quarterback and surround new signalcaller Devin Gardner. A bigger concern, though, is an offensive line that struggled at times in 2012 and must replace most of its starting lineup. "Coach Brady Hoke should see some of his strong early recruiting efforts pay off in Year 3, although Michigan might not have the depth to challenge for a league title until 2014. Linebacker Jake Ryan leads a defense that has improved the past two seasons but must measure up to elite competition." — ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg on ranking the Wolverines fifth in his 2013 preseason power rankings for the Big Ten. "Bad call. I didn't see Lewan falling much past No. 15 overall in this draft, and while I respect the decision, I don't want to see a kid worth a lot of money right now holding out. Odds are he'll be fine and a likely top-10 pick next season, but he has plenty of value now." — ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. on Taylor Lewan's decision to return for a fifth year. "In one of the most surprising announcements of the season, left tackle Taylor Lewan, a consensus All-America and likely top 15 draft choice, opted to come back for his senior season. This did not please draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., who declared it 'a bad call.' But it's great for the Wolverines. Lewan can help ease Michigan through a daunt- ESPN.com on listing risingsophomore Joe Bolden among the defensive players to watch in the Big Ten in 2013 "If Bolden takes a big step like Jake Ryan did as a sophomore, Michigan could challenge Michigan State for which team boasts the Big Ten's top linebacking corps." ing transition on offense. Denard Robinson is gone, and Devin Gardner will likely be the full-time quarterback from training camp this year, but Michigan must replace all three starting interior linemen." — Sports Illustrated's Stewart Mandel on Michigan being among a handful of teams breathing easier after the date passes for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft. "This is the true battle for supremacy of the country's best conference and the marquee regular-season matchup of 2012-13." — SI.com's Luke Winn on ranking Michigan's Feb. 2 battle at Indiana the top game remaining in college basketball this season.