The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/122487
Other position battles: Offensive Line: The defensive line seemed to get the better of the offensive line in the spring game, but to be fair to the young offensive line, the U‑M defense will make life miserable for many offenses this fall. Redshirt freshmen Kyle Kalis (right guard) and Ben Braden (left guard), as well as redshirt sophomore Jack Miller (center) all received their first start of sorts in the spring game. Hoke said he wasn't concerned with the interior line play in the spring game. "We're going to focus on all of it," Hoke said. "What we do from here on as a team, what they do together … the seniors are really going to tell you where we are at the end of the day. Objectively, there were some good plays offensively and some good plays defensively." Veteran Joey Burzynski, a redshirt junior, was No. 2 at left guard, while redshirt sophomore Chris Bryant, coming back from a knee injury, saw time at right guard. All positions remain up in the air, including the ever-important center battle. "Miller and [redshirt sophomore walk-on] Graham Glasgow have done a great job at center," Hoke said. "The competition is making them both better. Joey Burzynski is in the mix a bit. At guard, Braden has really done a nice job. [Freshman] Kyle Bosch has really shown he's got the toughness and ability to knock guys off the line of scrimmage." Tight Ends: Sophomore A.J. Williams has slimmed down 20 pounds from his freshman weight, and he caught one pass for six yards in the spring. Sophomore Devin Funchess, though, will be the go-to guy at the position. "This spring, he's taken a lot of pride in improving every phase of his game," Borges said. "Devin Funchess during the season was featured more as a receiver because that's where the emphasis is, whereas in spring football, we're not concerned about that. We're concerned about developing his overall game versus seeing how many passes he can catch. We know that's his strength." Funchess (one catch for 34 yards in the spring game) admitted he was getting more comfortable as a blocker. "I have to do whatever I have to do to help the team," he said. "If I need to get bigger, I need to get bigger." Finally, freshman tight end Jake Butt caught a spring game touchdown pass from senior Devin Gardner during a scrimmage situation. The TD reception delighted Gardner, who jumped on Butt and brought him to the ground in celebration. "Jake being here has made us stronger at that position," Hoke said. "He's a guy who can catch the ball in space and can run well, but also block at the line of scrimmage pretty well for a guy who has been here since January. We're excited about what he brings, added to the guys who are here." — Chris Balas