The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/116680
Looking At The Rest Of The Offensive Positions The offensive line is not the only area where the Wolverines will have question marks this spring. Who are the players to keep an eye on? Tight End Although the Wolverines were extremely young at tight end last season, the position group was a pleasant surprise. Devin Funchess led the team in touchdown catches as a true freshman, grabbing five. He finished the year with 15 catches for 234 yards (15.6 yards per catch). Now a sophomore, Funchess is working on his blocking ability to round out his game. "We're trying to make him a more complete tight end and not just a receiving tight end," offensive coordinator Al Borges said. "That will help him here, and it will help him if he wants to play next-level football." When the Wolverines needed a blocking tight end last year, Funchess checked out and sophomore A.J. Williams checked in. "We'd like to get A.J. a little more involved in the passing game," Borges said. "I'd never put a number on it, but as long as he's productive, we are happy. He has worked very hard to improve his game, shape his body." Wide Receiver When redshirt junior quarterback Devin Gardner took over for an injured Denard Robinson in the last five games of the 2012 season, one wide receiver saw huge dividends. With Gardner at the helm, fifth-year senior wide receiver Jeremy Gallon averaged 6.2 catches and 102.2 yards per game. In 2013, the Wolverines will need another reliable pass catcher to emerge to have a consistent passing game. Last year, as a true freshman, tight end Devin Sophomores Amara Darboh Funchess made 15 receptions for 234 yards and a (6-2, 213 pounds) and Jehu team-high five touchdown catches. Photo by Lon Horwedel Chesson (6-3, 193 pounds)