The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1147681
20 THE WOLVERINE AUGUST 2019 he could envision scenarios down the road (or this year if something happened to one of the guards) in which those two would be the start- ing tackles. The guards look great, though, and senior Michael Onwenu has dropped a lot of weight in preparation for his final campaign. The wide receivers should all be healthy and ready to go, too, which is good news, considering juniors Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones were both out for much of spring ball. On defense, Harbaugh confirmed junior corner Ambry Thomas was "working through something," ex- pressing only hope that he'd return in August. That could affect depth at a position that's already lacking, though redshirt freshman Vincent Gray has had a great summer. Harbaugh also said he would re- ally like for his team to improve its interior pass rush when asked for one thing he wanted to see get better. "We have a chance to do that this year, some athleticism with [redshirt sophomore] Donovan Jeter, [redshirt junior] Mike Dwumfour, Ben Mason. These guys have that capability," he noted. He also loves Central Michigan graduate transfer Mike Danna, a vet- eran who will provide a boost off the edge and in other areas as well. "He has been so good. … All re- ports from everybody are that he has a high level of athleticism, strength and desire," the coach said. "There's a high leadership level Mike's been giving the football team this summer." TWO-QUARTERBACK PLATOON? One of Harbaugh's most interest- ing statements, however — other than an impending announcement he teased of the team playing over- seas in the near future — was cen- tered on the quarterback position. The versatility of senior Shea Patter- son and redshirt sophomore Dylan McCaffrey's was one of the reasons he sought out Alabama's Josh Gat- tis, an expert on the spread and RPO (run-pass option) football. "They're used to that," Harbaugh said. "Shea found that was better for him, and we went more to it as the season went on last year. Also, Dylan has the ability to get out and go. He has tremendous running ability. He and Shea are comfortable [in Gattis' offense]." Patterson threw for 2,600 yards a year ago and returns with something to prove, but McCaffrey had a great spring. Harbaugh said the plan right now is to play both. "Where it stands right now, that could change later — or not — is I see them both playing," he said. "As it stands now, I see maybe redefining what a starter is. Like I talked about with defensive ends … you could see that. I just want to get both on the field, either at the same time or separately." He wasn't talking about position switches, he went on to clarify. Harbaugh revealed the plan is for both senior starter Shea Patterson and redshirt sophomore Dylan McCaffrey (above) to play in every game under center this season. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN