The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/213966
Five Offensive Players To Watch In 2014 C Patrick Kugler: The Wexford, Pa., native is one of five true freshman offensive linemen redshirting this season, learning behind the scenes and developing the physical strength to be a factor next fall. And U-M needs Kugler and his classmates to push for playing time after a miserable campaign for the offensive line. The son of a football coach — his dad, Sean, is the head coach at UTEP — Kugler is more polished than many, and possesses the mean streak to be the nasty, intimidating player the Wolverines have lacked up front. He's also smart and should be able to challenge returning starter Graham Glasgow for the center position. TE Khalid Hill: The departure of seniors Jeremy Gallon, Drew Dileo and Jeremy Jackson will create a need at wide receiver, a position that 6-5, 235-pound Devin Funchess has excelled at this fall. Those factors make it likely Funchess will not be returning to tight end next season, leaving a permanent void that must be filled. Certainly freshman Jake Butt is presently, and will be, the No. 1 tight end on the team, while sophomore A.J. Williams and redshirt junior Jordan Paskorz will continue to see the field in blocking roles. But U-M needs another dual-threat end that can be a factor in both the passing and running games. Enter Hill. The 6-2, 258-pounder has good hands, surprising quickness and the ability to play the H-back role. Freshman Wyatt Shallman could also be an option at Hback/tight end in 2014. WR Amara Darboh: The 6-2, 212-pound Iowan was supposed Redshirt freshman wide receiver Amara Darboh to be a breakout player in 2013 looked set to be a breakout performer for U-M lining up opposite Gallon, but a this year, but he was sidelined for the season foot injury in fall camp sidelined with a foot injury in fall camp. him for the season. He'll have photo by lon horwedel