The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
and is expected to start at weakside linebacker for the Broncos. Adrian Witty — The defensive back never qualified academically for the Maize and Blue, but he found a home at Cincinnati and is expected to com‑ pete for a starting job in his redshirt junior season (he enrolled in 2010). In 27 games with the Bearcats, the 5-10, 182-pounder has compiled 41 tackles, three passes broken up and two forced fumbles. Vladimir Emilien — A former fourstar prospect out of Florida, Emilien Report Card — B+ It would be easy to suggest this class will be remembered as Denard Robinson and the rest, but his classmates have enjoyed distinguished careers themselves. Ten of the 22 original signees (including Robinson) started at least one season for the Wolverines and nine are set to finish their time in Ann Arbor as multi-year starters. Members of this class played key roles in the rejuvenation of Michigan football in 2011, and with seven in line to start this fall — left tackle Taylor Lewan, right tackle Michael Schofield, tailback Fitz Toussaint, placekicker Brendan Gibbons, wide receiver Jeremy Gallon, safety Thomas Gordon and defensive tackle Quinton Washington — the class could be at the forefront of a Big Ten title run in 2013. If that happens, the class of 2009 will be lauded for its many achievements individually and as a team, and could lay claim to an 'A' grade. Linebacker Mike Jones (27) and safety Vladimir Emilien (5) both transferred to MidAmerican Conference schools, with Jones ending up at Western Michigan and Emilien landing at Toledo. Photo by Per Kjeldsen was supposed to develop into a start‑ ing safety for the Wolverines, but he played in just five games at U-M be‑ fore transferring to Toledo. He began 2012 as a starting linebacker, but was besieged by injuries. He played in nine games and started six last year, and recorded 33 tackles and an inter‑ ception. This fall, the 6-1, 215-pound senior is the favorite to start at a line‑ backer/safety hybrid position. No longer in football: Linebacker Isaiah Bell; quarterback Tate Forcier; running back Teric Jones; lineman Anthony LaLota; wide receiver Je'Ron Stokes; and cornerback Justin Turner. Completed eligibility: Defensive tackle Will Campbell; linebacker Brandin Hawthorne; quarterback Denard Robinson; defensive end Craig Roh; and running back Vincent Smith. ❑