The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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will produce more, though; among the 19 Maize and Blue receivers that caught 40 or more balls and retained eligibility, only seven improved their numbers the following year, by an average of 24 receptions, with the 12 that saw a decline in catches dropping down by an average of 12 grabs. Like Marquise Walker (a 37-recep- tion jump from 2000 to 2011) or Gal- lon (a 40-catch increase from 2012 to 2013), Funchess, however, will enter the season the clear-cut top target while his cohorts find their way. "This year, we're trying to get me the ball more, now that Gallon is gone," Funchess acknowledged. "I just have to make sure I get open so the quarterback can throw me the ball. "I have a couple deep balls that are getting thrown to me. I'm just trying to get vertical as fast as possible." "Devin has an ability to be an excep- tional, exceptional football player," of- fensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier added. "He's a very talented guy — big, fast, can make some phenomenal catches. "Like any other player, he's got to work on the things he needs to master his craft." When spring ball began, many wondered if Funchess might move back to tight end after sophomore end Jake Butt suffered a torn ACL, but the junior stayed put throughout the spring and is poised to anchor the receiving corps. "I'm just trying to do as much as possible for the team," Funchess said. "I'm a ball player. I like doing what I've got to do to get the 'W' on Sat- urdays. "I feel like I should be that guy to have a big role since I'm one of the leading receivers from last year 's team." IT'S THEIR TIME TO SHINE NOW In 2003, fresh off a breakthrough sophomore season in which he hauled in 67 passes, Braylon Ed- wards championed a receiving corps that saw the emergence of sopho- more Jason Avant (47 receptions) and redshirt freshman Steve Breaston (38 catches). To this day, they remain, arguably, the top receiving trio in Michigan football history. Even if Funchess takes the reins, he will need assistance, and the coaches are looking to Darboh and Chesson to provide it. The 6-2, 214-pound Darboh was positioned to be Gallon's right-hand man last season, but a foot injury the third week of preseason camp wound up more severe than ex- pected, sidelining him for the season. "At first, it was real frustrating, but I had guys like Blake Countess that had been through a [season-ending] injury help me get back on my feet," Darboh said. "Devin Gardner talked to me. Taylor Lewan and the rest of the senior class, and all my team- mates made it easier." Darboh even tried to make the most of his forced sabbatical. "I had a chance to sit back and watch, and take mental reps," he said. "Blake told me he came back stronger, and when you get hurt, it gives you a chance to work on things you weren't good at before, and then