The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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ning 4.5 or lower, that's moving pretty good." But for Michigan's issues in pass protection, Funchess' numbers could be even bigger. He found himself running free more than a few times in the Michigan State secondary, only to discover quarterback Devin Gardner unable to throw to him from a horizontal position. Funchess has still been able to produce in ways that impress even longtime Michigan football watchers. Jerry Hanlon, who coached a number of positions for the Wolverines from 1969-92, strongly endorsed the move when U-M first made it. He sees in Funchess someone who can ease Gardner's burden in seeking downfield threats, especially when given the time to unload the football. "Put him out there and let him go against those defensive backs," Hanlon said. "Maybe he won't be able to out-run them, but he'll sure be able to out-jump them, and he has really tremendous hands. If you put him out there and get the ball somewhere in the area, he has an awfully good opportunity of going up and getting it. "I've thought all along that he can develop into a good tight end. But he really needs to learn how to block. He isn't someone you ought to keep on the bench, because he's such a bigplay threat. Playing him out there was a great move by that offensive staff." Former Michigan wide receiver Tyrece Butler concurred with that as- sessment, seeing a major challenge to smaller defensive backs when Funchess takes off. "It's a great move," Butler said. "He's a big receiver, going against 5-10 cornerbacks. You can just imagine those guys trying to jam Funchess on the line. He takes his big meat hooks and just clobbers them and gets open. "He has some speed, too. It's a great move. I can see the guy wearing the No. 1 jersey. If he keeps on improving, I can see him wearing No. 1." Funchess is presently well occupied with U-M legend Ron Kramer's No. 87. More importantly, the sophomore finds himself worrying far more about those in other jerseys than his own. He's doing double duty in the football learning department. Still occupied with the tight end position, Funchess works with coach Dan Ferrigno on his blocking and other points of potential progress there. Funchess then turns to Hecklinski for wide receiver training. The sophomore sees it as triple schooling, with his Michigan academics, plus learning two different positions each week. It's not easy, but he remains committed to doing it all as efficiently as possible. "I'm very comfortable," he said. "I just want to help the team and make sure I have everything down pat. I don't want to be responsible for a play-kill as Coach [Al] Borges puts it." Missed blocks often make for play- PODCAST: The Wolverine staffers John Borton and Andy Reid talk about sophomore Devin Funchess' move from tight end to wide receiver, and what it has meant for Michigan's offense.