The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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Wide Open Devin Funchess Elevates Wolverines At Wideout A By John Borton ny self-respecting 5-10 cornerback isn't going to shrink from the challenge. But when he sees a 6-5, 235-pound wide receiver with a Velcro version of Incredible Hulk hands steaming at him, he probably wishes Devin Funchess had stuck to playing tight end. That wasn't really an option, given the spot Michigan found itself in. Losing Roy Roundtree to graduation last year, and projected replacement Amara Darboh to a foot injury in fall camp, the Wolverines were short on options. Yes, redshirt freshman Jehu Chesson was coming along, and would definitely contribute along the way. Yes, senior Drew Dileo could certainly handle the slot, supplementing established standout wide receiver Jeremy Gallon. The Wolverines needed more, their brain trust calculated. That's when Brady Hoke's crew dipped into the tight end ranks and began splitting Funchess out, helping free Gallon for a 1,000-yard receiving season. "Those two both play off each other," wideouts coach Jeff Hecklinski observed. "And they have to. If we've only got one … believe me, it's easy to eliminate one." Funchess eliminated any secondtarget worries the moment he began running with the wide receivers. He still plays some tight end, and his future position draws a forceful to be determined by anyone commenting. Hecklinski loves him in the receivers' room right now. And why not? His skills and physical makeup have produced 42 catches for 684 yards (16.3 yards per reception) and five touchdowns through Michigan's first 10 games, and the sophomore continues to get better. "He's 6-5, 235, and he's probably a low 4.5, high 4.4 in the 40," Hecklinski noted, ticking off the measureables. "At 235 pounds, and you're moving that fast? He's got really good strength. He has a really good understanding of body position. He has really good hands, in terms of being able to use them well while he's running. And he's good at tracking the football. "There are a lot of things that go with it. I promise you, if we put his hand on the ground and went to a 40-yard dash with everybody in our program, I bet he'd end up in the top five, which is pretty fast, now. "You combine the size and the weight and the strength that go with that … when you have a guy run-