The Wolverine

September 2021

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1404875

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 20 of 67

SEPTEMBER 2021 THE WOLVERINE 21 "Luke Schoonmaker is running so, so much better, so much faster," Har- baugh said. "Catching the ball, block- ing. He's really elevated his game." In the very next breath, the head coach offered up someone else to keep in mind. Freshman tight end Matt Hibner continued the strong play he established during spring sessions, prompting a special men- tion from Harbaugh. "The guy to watch out for is Hib- ner," the coach said. "Hibner is off to a blazing start in camp. Catching all the contested balls. Talk about being thin, he was thin last year compared to what he is now. Some great things coming from him." Converted offensive lineman Joel Honigford, a redshirt junior, has completed a serious slimming-down process and could also contribute, according to the head man. "Talk about a guy that's changed his body, I mean it's completely changed," Harbaugh said. "You probably wouldn't recognize him if he walks by. He was an offensive tackle in the 290s and now he's 250s, low-250s. He's running; he's catch- ing. He's a real tight end. "[Fifth-year senior] Carter Selzer, he's the other player at that posi- tion. He's in the rotation and doing a heckuva job." McNamara certainly won't be without weapons when he leads the offense onto the field against West- ern Michigan. His father, Gary Mc- Namara, summed up the optimistic outlook those in and around Schem- bechler Hall are taking. "We're just happy he's there," the elder McNamara said. "He loves Michigan football, he loves his coaches. His love for Jim has been steady since the day he walked in the door. He's loved every single one of the assistants. He's got a fantastic opportunity in front of him. "You've got to have a leadership aspect to the quarterback position. He brings that. You have to play both sides of the ball, and no one can do it by themselves." They're all together now, and plan to do it much better. ❏ Michigan averaged 28.3 points per game last season, amid COVID delays, injuries to its starting tackles, an evolving quar- terback situation and more. The Wolverines are looking to jump those numbers up in 2021. How much they can — combined with a tightening down on defense, where the Wolverines surrendered an average of 34.5 points a game in 2020 — will tell the tale of the coming campaign. Here's a quick look at the top three scoring offenses since head coach Jim Harbaugh came to town, and the major ele- ments helping to get them there. 1. 2016 (40.3 points per game) — This campaign marks the best yet under Harbaugh, and it's not hard to see why. In addi- tion to a staunch defense, the Wolverines were churning out big numbers on offense. Wilton Speight led the way at quar- terback, connecting on 204 of 331 passes (61.6 percent) for 2,539 yards with 18 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. The Wolverines also featured a strong rushing attack, led by veteran De'Veon Smith (846 yards, 10 touchdowns). They ran for 2,768 yards while passing for 2,756, demonstrating strong balance. The unit ranked 11th nationally in points per game. 2. 2018 (35.2) — The Wolverines featured a transfer quarter- back in Shea Patterson, and an attack that proved steady if not spectacular. Patterson connected on 210 of 325 throws (64.6 percent) for 2,600 yards with 22 touchdowns and seven inter- ceptions. Michigan featured three receivers with 500 or more yards: wideouts Donovan Peoples-Jones (612) and Nico Collins (632), along with tight end Zach Gentry (514). Karan Higdon supplied a big year at tailback, carrying 224 times for 1,178 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Wolverines fin- ished 21st nationally in scoring and even put 39 points on the board in Columbus, but it wasn't nearly enough. 3. 2015 (31.4) — Harbaugh engineered a complete offen- sive turnaround in his first season at Michigan. The Wolverines averaged a meager 20.9 points per game in Brady Hoke's last season, but Harbaugh's 10-win crew in 2015 did much better behind a graduate transfer quarterback. Jake Rudock enjoyed a sterling final year, connecting on 249 of 389 passes for 3,017 yards with 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions. That got the Harbaugh era off to a strong beginning. — John Borton Head coach Jim Harbaugh has spoken glowingly about sophomore tight end Erick All and his potential impact in 2021. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL Ready For Takeoff In A New Season

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of The Wolverine - September 2021