The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/230001
FOOTBALL RECRUITING neat to realize that." With receivers Drew Dileo, Jeremy Gallon, and Jeremy Jackson departing the team along with preferred walk-on Joe Reynolds, the young receivers should have chances to step in next fall. While tight end Devin Funchess has mostly moved to wide receiver, the other players at the position group are either unproven (Jehu Chesson and three freshmen who did not play this fall) or coming off injury (Amara Darboh). Both Harris and Canteen should have their chances to beat those players out. One more offensive player will hit campus along with Speight, Harris and Canteen. Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake offensive lineman Mason Cole will be able to get ready to contribute later in his career, but with the strength returning up front for the Wolverines — seven players with starting experience during the 2013 season are back — he will have the opportunity to continue preparing for his time to shine a little later in his career. "It's exciting, and I'm ready to get to work there," Cole said. "I'm ready for it all. There's a good amount of us commits going early, so it's going to be fun. It's going to be a lot better having a bunch of us [2014 commits] going early instead of just one or two. We're all excited." The defensive secondary is another area that doesn't have much early playing time available. Elkton (Md.) Eastern Christian Academy cornerback Brandon Watson will have some opportunity — Thomas Gordon will graduate after three years starting at Michigan — but there are several young players expected to step up. The No. 59 corner in the nation will hope to show this spring that his 5-11, 185-pound frame is ready to take on the rigors of college ball. The final early enrollee is the biggest — all of 6-4 and 315 pounds — and perhaps the most college-ready. Still, Salt Lake City Highland defensive tackle Bryan Mone is not a finished product. That's why a spring under the Wolverines' strength and nutrition programs will be important to help him see the field as a freshman. "We do a lot as far as training them in the weight room, but it's tough for us as a high school staff to really monitor and help them with their diet," Highland high school football coach Brody Benson said. "I think once he gets up there and he's under their structure, Coach Wellman, their strength and conditioning coach, is going to be excited to have Bryan in there. "Bryan's a kid who gets in and works his guts out. He's a great kid to have on your team." The interior of Michigan's defensive line could be ready for some immediate help, especially from a player already as massive as Mone, the No. 185 overall player and No. 11 defensive tackle in the country. Starters Quinton Washington and Jibreel Black have completed their eligibility, and although redshirt freshman Willie Henry made an impact this fall — and there are other youngsters