The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/116680
The wideouts feature fifth-year senior Jeremy Gallon (5-8, 187) and senior Drew Dileo (5-10, 177) as returning performers with 20 or more catches from a year ago. That leaves plenty of room for a bigger wideout to step up, before a tall trio of freshmen arrives in fall camp. Senior Jeremy Jackson (6-3, 206) has seen significant game action, but redshirt freshmen Amara Darboh (62, 213) and Jehu Chesson (6-3, 193) have a mark to make. Fifth-year senior Joe Reynolds (6-1, 200) could also be in the mix. "I think we'll be okay there," Hoke said. "Darboh, you see his improvement and his growth. Chesson is a competitive guy. He can run by guys, and he's long. Jeremy Jackson has had a great winter. He has made strides. "Then you've got the two little guys in there, Dileo and Gallon, who both are very competitive football players. Reynolds has done a nice job." Tight ends A.J. Williams (6-6, 265) and Devin Funchess (6-5, 228) saw action as freshmen in the fall, and they'll team with early enrollee Jake Butt (6-6, 231) to head up an extremely young position in the spring. At fullback, redshirt sophomore Joe Kerridge (6-0, 241) and sophomore Sione Houma (6-0, 229) will battle for time. "We've got more depth at tight end now, more depth at U-back," Hoke said. "The fullbacks are two tough, young guys who will do a nice job for us." Defense Getting Deeper A recruiting emphasis on the defensive side of the ball is beginning to pay off. With the loss of defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery and the hiring of former Wolverine Roy Manning to coach outside linebackers, responsibilities have also shifted. Hoke will coach the tackles up front, with defensive coordinator Greg Mattison taking the ends. Neither lacks raw materials. At the rush end spot, the Wolverines feature a wealth of riches in junior Frank Clark (6-2, 277), sophomore Mario Ojemudia (6-3, 244), junior Brennen Beyer (6-3, 254) and newcomer Taco Charlton (6-6, 265). At the strongside end, the Wolverines have Keith Heitzman (6-3, 277), redshirt freshman Matt Godin (6-6, 277), redshirt freshman Tom Strobel (6-6, 262) and redshirt freshman Chris Wormley (6-4, 290). "He can be kind of a three-technique, if you needed him," Hoke said. "He's 290-some pounds now. He's a big dude." At the tackle spots, fifth-year senior Quinton Washington (6-4, 305) follows up his breakthrough year as a starter, with sophomore Ondre Pipkins (6-3, 308) battling as well. Both are capable of playing either nose tackle or three-technique. Other defensive tackles include senior Jibreel Black (6-2, 276), redshirt junior Richard Ash (6-3, 316) and redshirt freshman Willie Henry (6-2, 306). "There are areas we have more competition, because our depth is better," Hoke said. "The defensive