The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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impacted the offensive game plan. Moving forward, Gardner will be a fifth-year senior, Morris is a more experienced sophomore and redshirt junior Russell Bellomy is a third option. The battle between Gardner and Morris to be the starter should bring out the best in both of them, and the battle for No. 2 will also guarantee that a capable backup is waiting in the wings. Sense Of Urgency: Michigan athletics director David Brandon is the only one privy to a timetable for turning the Wolverines into a Big Ten champion, but every coach and administrator involved with the program can feel the restlessness of the fan base growing, especially with both Michigan State and Ohio State elevating their programs. U-M has been able to tolerate the Buckeyes because of OSU's tradition as a national power, but being passed over by the Spartans and relegated to second-tier status in-state has everyone disappointed. The admission that Michigan trails MSU and is falling further down the Big Ten ladder should serve as the best motivation of all to the Maize and Blue this offseason. The 2014 season becomes critical in re-establishing momentum for this program under Hoke, and that urgency should fuel players and coaches to be at their best next fall. Three Offseason Storylines Coaching Changes: Michigan released offensive coordinator Al Borges Jan. 8 and announced his replacement, Alabama coordinator Doug Nussmeier, one day later. While Hoke has not made any more changes, some could still be on their way after Nussmeier has had a chance to evaluate the position coaches he is poised to work with. If anything else arises, though, it will likely be after Signing Day Feb. 5. Early Departures: Over a 15-year stretch of the 1997-2011 recruiting classes, there was a normal attrition of 7.5 players per year. Hoke has lost seven players from his first class of recruits, a joint effort with former head coach Rich Rodriguez, and one from his 2012 group of signees. Expect at least a few players to leave the program this offseason. There are six seniors eligible for a fifth year, but only quarterback Devin Gardner and linebacker Jake Ryan are guaranteed to return. Four departures alone (defensive tackle Richard Ash, safety Josh Furman, punter Will Hagerup and tight end Jordan Paskorz) could come from seniors choosing to graduate. Michigan is still trying to build its depth and increase competition to bring out the best in its starters. U-M cannot afford to lose any key players that could factor into the two-deep next season. Youngsters Displace Veterans: From the bowl game, Michigan returns a senior or junior starter at 13 offensive or defensive positions, but those players should not rest on their laurels because there are 39 players in their sophomore or redshirt freshman campaigns nipping at their heels, eager to win a coveted role. The competition along the offensive