The Wolverine

August 2013

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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Pre-Camp Buzz A Roundtable Discussion Zeroes In On Brady Hoke's Wolverines M By John Borton ichigan football appears to be coming back in a big way, an observation few pundits dispute. Early results, recruiting efforts and the overall aura surrounding Schembechler Hall suggest it's so. The question becomes, can the Wolverines break through to that championship level this season? Opinions vary, and we culled some from a variety of close observers: Tom Dienhart, Big Ten Network senior writer; Doug Karsch, WXYT-AM radio personality and on-field reporter for Michigan's radio network; and Will Heininger, former U-M defensive lineman. Here are their takes on the Wolverines, the season, and whether or not this is the year Michigan makes it to the Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis. The Wolverine: In your estimation, what are the strengths of this football team? Karsch: "I really like the talent they have coming back at the corner position, with Raymon Taylor and, hopefully, a healthy Blake Countess. If Countess is healthy, that's a great strength of this team. I think they are really talented at linebacker. It's just a matter of guys getting healthy and comfortable. "Talking to people, it seems that Devin Gardner is ready to take the next step and be the next in line of great Michigan quarterbacks. Denard [Robinson] was such a weapon, but much of it was done based upon his physical ability. Gardner, with his arm, has a chance to be special. "It's just a matter of knowledge of the offense, knowing where to go with the football, and protecting him. If they can give him time, Devin Gardner has a chance to be something else. "I also think very highly of this coaching staff. They do a great job of getting the most out of what they've got." Dienhart: "The linebackers could be decent. Jake Ryan's back in Octo- Digital Bonus: Click to play or stop the podcast Former All-Big Ten offensive lineman Doug Skene joins Michael Spath and John Borton of TheWolverine.com to talk Michigan offseason football.

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