The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
top 25 players 2013 Michigan Top 25 Rk. Player Position 1. Devin Gardner QB Michigan's hopes hang on the health of this redshirt junior, who possesses the skills and experience to lead the Wolverines to the Big Ten championship game. OL 2. Taylor Lewan Lewan's return for a fifth year brought smiles all around, and the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year gives U-M the up-front anchor the team needs. WR 3. Jeremy Gallon The diminutive pass-catching demon lifts with the offensive linemen, can dunk a basketball and won't back down to anyone, giving Gardner a comfortable option. 4. Michael Schofield OL Schofield plays in Lewan's large shadow, but brings talent and experience of his own to the other end of Michigan's offensive line. 5. Thomas Gordon DB Gordon factors in as an absolute key to pulling Michigan's secondary together, both from a vocal and playmaking standpoint. 6. Desmond Morgan LB In the lineup since his true freshman season, Morgan is tough to dislodge. He'll need to remain that way after a move to the middle linebacker spot. 7. James Ross III LB Ross should take a huge leap forward after playing as a true freshman a year ago. He possesses the speed and instincts to make crucial plays. 8. Devin Funchess TE An impact player as a true freshman a year ago, Funchess should be unleashed in a much more dramatic fashion this fall. 9. Quinton Washington DL Washington anchors a defensive line with depth and surprising quickness, and he's grown into a leadership role in his fifth season on the roster. DL 10. Frank Clark Michigan's greatest pass-rushing weapon, Clark can push the Wolverines a long way toward their oft-stated goal of increased pressure on opposing quarterbacks. DB 11. Blake Countess Countess' return, following a season out with injury, gives the Wolverines a seasoned and talented cornerback who has a year's worth of waiting to turn into action. 12. Brendan Gibbons PK Gibbons has been money in the bank ever since Brady Hoke arrived on campus.