The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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top 25 players 14. Amara Darboh, So., WR Amara Darboh hasn't cracked the top 10 on this list, yet. That could all change over the next few months. The sophomore piled up extensive on-field experience on special teams in 2012, impressed in bowl practices, offseason workouts and spring ball as a receiver, and now stands ready to make a move. He could provide a crucial third option this season for Devin Gardner, who has fifth-year senior wide receiver Jeremy Gallon and sophomore tight end Devin Funchess as established targets. Gardner makes sure Darboh knows, every day, about the expectations of stepping into a bigger role. "Definitely," Gardner said. "I ask him every day, 'Are you going to be All-American?' just to see what he says. He's always confident and he says he is. I believe him, and he's shown signs that he can be that. I can't wait for the chance to throw to him on game day. "I'm obviously very comfortable with Jeremy, but in the spring, when Jeremy wasn't practicing as much, I got the chance to get comfortable with a lot of guys, like Joe Reynolds, Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson." Darboh is also learning an allaround game, well beyond just catching the football. Strength is not an issue, U-M wide receivers coach Jeff Hecklinski noted, but technique remains in process. "Amara is as strong as an ox," Hecklinski said. "He will be a very, very, very good Z [receiver]. He's got a lot of progression, a lot of things to learn, but he had a great spring. "Amara had about as good of a spring as we could have imagined — probably better than what we'd hoped. Mentally, he's coming around. We talk about all of the little adjustments that have to take place. You're seeing someone who is now starting to gain those adjustments." 17. Cam Gordon, 5th-Sr., LB Cam Gordon has been a traveling man entering his fifth year in a Michigan uniform. He's been a wide receiver, a defensive back and now shares the role of filling in for the injured Jake Ryan at outside linebacker. Gordon's athleticism has allowed for the switches, but he's intent on digging in and making the most of his opportunity now. With many expecting a drop off in production from Ryan's All-Big Ten effort of a year ago, Gordon and fellow veteran Brennen Beyer face a challenge to step up. According to Michigan linebackers coach Roy Manning, Gordon is able to handle coverage aspects of the spot well right now. That harkens back to his days as a defensive back. Other parts of the job, such as pass rush, require more polishing in fall camp and beyond. "That was a strength for Jake," Manning observed. "He gets after it