The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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Wolverines' hopes for upgrading the defense overall. 3. Devin Funchess WR He'll be Gardner's top target from day one, and Michigan's greatest offensive weapon other than the quarterback. Funchess has the size, speed, and leaping ability to make defensive backfields look silly, and the more he does it, the bet- ter others around him have the chance to become. 4. Frank Clark DE Clark represents Michigan's best pass rusher, on a crew that talked the talk a year ago but couldn't get home nearly often enough. There's a lot that goes into pass rushing beyond individual talent, but Clark has his senior year to show the sort of consistent production and highlight impact that could elevate a defense. 5. Raymon Taylor CB If the Wolverines want to play more aggressively, more press coverage up front, the cornerbacks immediately take on even more importance than they typically do. Taylor has the speed and athleticism to get the job done. As a senior, he's also seen enough to make big plays. 6. Jarrod Wilson S Like Ryan, Wilson plays a major role in making Michigan's defense work. He's quietly moved himself into a leadership role as a junior starting safety. How well he directs a talented, experienced unit will greatly affect the Wolverines' defensive fortunes. 7. Erik Magnuson OT Magnuson is like so many Michigan offensive linemen — relatively young as a redshirt sophomore, past the wide-eyed opening handful of games stage, and anxious to put the struggles of 2013 far behind. He'll be called on to do it at a high-profile position, protecting Gardner's blind side at left tackle. 8. Jourdan Lewis CB Michigan's other likely starting cornerback, Lewis proved to be a playmaker throughout spring practice. The sophomore needs to keep that progress go- ing and show he can do so in games, especially when the heat is on to cover effectively in man-to-man schemes. 9. Matt Wile PK Wile has proven he can handle a number of the kicking game aspects, includ- ing punting and field goal work. He'll focus on the latter this year, and that means he'll be in position to win some games for the Wolverines. Wile's senior season rolled around quickly, and he'll certainly sense the spotlight. 10. Blake Countess DB Michigan's best playmaker on defense picked off six passes last season, and