BY MICHAEL SPATH
T
here comes a time when an
understudy must take center
stage, and for the 2012 class
that season has arrived. Con-
tent to contribute behind the scenes,
with a few athletes — wide receiver
Devin Funchess, linebacker James
Ross III and safety Jarrod Wilson,
among others — already emerging as
starters in their freshman or sopho-
more campaigns, the 24 Wolverines
remaining from the class of 2012
could occupy 12 starting assignments
this fall.
This class, the first one signed by
head coach Brady Hoke, was to serve
as the foundation for Hoke's vision
at Michigan. It was to be the class
that altered the look of the offensive
and defensive lines, brought greater
athleticism to linebacker and tight
end, boosted the big-play potential at
wide receiver and safety, and added
a special teams difference-maker.
In glimpses, some of those predic-
2012 CLASS REVIEW
Ready FoR
action
The 2012 Group, Brady Hoke's First
Full Recruiting Class, Is Positioned To
Contribute Significantly This Season
Junior Devin Funchess, who started his U-M
career at tight end before moving to wide
receiver last year, has recorded 64 recep-
tions for 982 yards and 11 touchdowns in
his first two seasons.
PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL
