The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
gone largely unnoticed thus far, is competing for a starting role or key backup minutes at strongside defensive end. Willie Henry DT 3 Comment: Continues to generate excitement with his work ethic and natural physical ability, and will play many snaps at defensive tackle. Sione Houma FB 3 Comment: Still second on the depth chart to Joe Kerridge, but is improving exponentially and could take over the fullback duties at some point this year. Royce Jenkins-Stone LB 4 Comment: At the very least will continue to contribute on special teams, but is hoping to carve out a bigger role as James Ross' backup at weakside linebacker. Drake Johnson RB 3 Comment: One of six running backs competing for the starting job this preseason, and has impressed, but might still be a year away. Kyle Kalis OG 5 Comment: Will start at right guard and possesses all-conference potential if he can find his bearings, allowing his physical skill to take over. Erik Magnuson OT 4 Comment: Would be the first offensive tackle to come off the bench if anything should happen to Lewan or right tackle Michael Schofield. Dennis Norfleet KR 4 Comment: Back for his second goround at kickoff returner and is expected to handle punt returns this season; is battling for playing time at slot receiver.. Mario Ojemudia DE 3 Comment: Has increased his strength and stamina and will be a third-down specialist with the opportunity to compete for greater snaps. Ondre Pipkins DT 5 Comment: Still needs to get in better shape, but is a physical monster that is slated to back up senior Quinton Washington at nose tackle. Terry Richardson CB 4 Comment: Might be a candidate for a redshirt to add the mass and strength needed (he's 5-9, 162 pounds) to be a viable option at cornerback. James Ross LB 4 Comment: Should be able to pick up some of the slack for an injured Jake Ryan and is capable of 10-15 tackles for loss as the starting weakside linebacker. Tom Strobel DT 4 Comment: Has moved inside from strongside end and could, with a little more time, develop into an athletic and quick three-technique D-tackle. A.J. Williams TE 3 Comment: Should start quite a few games and will play considerably in two-tight-end sets, lending his brawn to the ground game. Jarrod Wilson S 4 Comment: After a strong spring and summer is the favorite to start at free safety next to Thomas Gordon. Chris Wormley DE 3 Comment: Adds incredible size (6-4, 290 pounds) to the strongside defensive end post and finds himself fighting for a starting job.