The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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88 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW OFFENSIVE LINE trim a bit. Onwenu (6-3, 350 on the spring roster) isn't ever going to be a runway model, but he's looking to fashion the best version of himself for his final season in a winged helmet. Michigan's Offensive Lineman of the Week against SMU and Rutgers last year, Onwenu's move forward hasn't been over- looked by Warinner. "Big Mike has slimmed down," the coach noted. "He's leaner, he's quicker and he is moving so well. He is playing better with his hands, understanding little details and practicing better. "It all starts with his attention to detail in meetings. He's improved in every area, and his offseason was great. He really trained hard and had great workouts." Onwenu is down some 15-20 pounds from last year, Warinner estimated. "His muscle mass and density is as good as anybody on the team," he said. "He's a big human. If he can play at the highest level of intensity … wow, is he talented. His ceiling is so high. Now he's getting some detail with that. He doesn't get tired, practices harder, plays faster, and the details are clicking for him. "If he plays with good pad level, has a good first step and uses his hands, he's un- stoppable. He can do whatever he wants. It's amazing. He just has to consistently do that." Warinner even hammered out a two-deep by the end of spring practice. Whoever doesn't win the job at right tackle will be- come a capable backup in the fall. Beyond that, talented performers are getting ready for one-play-away status while pushing the projected starters. Redshirt sophomore Joel Honigford (6-6, 295) and redshirt junior Andrew Vastardis (6-3, 317) make up the duo battling to back up Onwenu at right guard. "Joel has improved a lot," Warinner said. "He's had some injuries and some illnesses that set him back. Last year, he had mono for most of spring. He had an ankle in the fall. Vastardis earned a scholarship, and he's rotating in there." Redshirt junior Stephen Spanellis (6-5, 300) backs up Ruiz at center, and is "real solid," according to his position coach. Redshirt sophomore Chuck Filiaga (6-6, 341) and redshirt freshman Ryan Hayes (6-7, 271) are Warinner's designated backups at left guard and left tackle, respectively. Junior center Cesar Ruiz earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in his first year as a full-time starter last season. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN "They're at a whole different place now. It's a whole different conversation. We're trying to take them to the next level, which is winning conference championships and playing at a championship level in all the games." OFFENSIVE LINE COACH ED WARINNER ON HIS GROUP COMPARED TO LAST YEAR