The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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time in bowl practices to prepare, that helps. "When you first get here, it's overwhelming for a freshman quarterback, particularly if he wasn't in spring football. All that stuff is hitting him at one time, and it's tough. But now he's had 12 games, bowl practices, and he's catching up. "He's learned how to pace the ball better. The idea with the guys that have strong arms is you have to make it clear to them is it's a finesse art game —- it's not a see-how-hardand-far-I-can-throw-the-ball game, otherwise you should just go throw the javelin." Redshirt junior Russell Bellomy's return from injury provides more depth and competition heading into the spring. RECEIVING CORPS WILL MISS JEREMY GALLON The wide receiver position was a question mark entering the season, and it officially became a concern when sophomore Amara Darboh went down with a broken foot in camp. Still, the group had its moments in putting up solid numbers throughout the year. The passing game was never consistent due in large part to the protection problems. Fifth-year senior Jeremy Gallon was the one constant, earning team MVP honors with 1,373 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. "I thought he was incredible," said former Michigan wide receiver Tyrece Butler, who is now with HuddlePass.com. "He almost reminds me of Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers. He's short, but he plays like he's 6-4 or 6-5. I think he's got a future in the NFL." He was also one of the Wolverines' better blockers at the position. Butler learned from one of the best in former receivers coach Erik Campbell. He said receivers coach Jeff Hecklinski obviously taught Gallon well. "He was great," Butler said. "As a group I thought they were pretty good, though I'd like to see them be a little more aggressive. That will help you stay in NFL. Certainly at Michigan we want to pound the ball, so you've got to be a good blocker. Slot receiver Drew Dileo — "Mr. Dependable, like [Denver 's] Wes Welker," Butler noted — might have been No. 2 in the blocking department, while the others developed. Blocking is one area in which 6-5, 235-pound Devin Funchess still needs to improve dramatically, but most of his 748 yards came when he moved outside and became a matchup problem for Big Ten corners. "He's a defensive back's nightmare," Butler said. "He can be in the slot, go against a strong safety or linebacker and still be a nightmare. He's like Braylon Edwards with his ability to jump over people. I love seeing him play." Concentration will be key for him going forward. He dropped too many passes, but still caught enough to be voted the Big Ten's best tight end from his hybrid role. It will be up to rising redshirt sophomore Jehu Chesson and Darboh to