The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/362774
tions have manifested, but the 2014 season is when the class must assert itself. THE TOP FOUR CONTRIBUTORS SO FAR 1. Devin Funchess — With 64 re- ceptions for 982 yards and 11 touch- downs in his first two seasons, Funchess is already outpacing such U-M receiver greats as Jason Avant (49 catches, 2002-03), Tai Streets (49, 1995-96), Amani Toomer (45, 1992- 93), Marquise Walker (41, 1998-99) and Derrick Alexander (38, 1989-90) in production over their first two seasons, while he has scored more touchdowns than either Braylon Ed- wards (10, 2001-02) or David Terrell (nine, 1998-99) through their first two winged helmet campaigns. 2. James Ross III — A full-time starter in 2013 and a part-time starter in 2012, Ross has racked up 121 career tackles with eight for loss, and already has four double- digit tackle contests to his name. If he continues to start over his final two years, he should have a shot to join the exclusive 300-tackle club, of which there have been only four new members in the last 20 years — Steve Morrison (360, 1990-94), Jar- rett Irons (440, 1993-96), Sam Sword (377, 1995-98) and Jordan Kovacs (334, 2009-12). 3. Dennis Norfleet — Serving as Michigan's primary kick returner the past two seasons, Norfleet has more total touches (92) than any other player in his class. He has averaged 23.5 yards on 75 kick returns, 10.4 yards on five punt returns, 7.7 yards on six receptions and 11.0 yards on six rushes. He currently ranks first all time at U-M in career return average (both kickoffs and punts) with 22.71 yards per play, and is already second all time in career kickoff return yards (1,765). 4. Jarrod Wilson — No Michigan safety has recorded more than three interceptions in a single year since DeWayne Patmon had four in 1998, but Wilson could be the position's most dynamic playmaker in nearly two decades. A year ago he nabbed two picks and two passes broken up in his first season as a starter. Wilson also added 50 tackles and two stops for loss, and is slated to patrol the deep secondary this fall. READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT THIS FALL Ben Braden — A year ago, the hope was Braden would win a start- ing job at left guard, teaming up with classmate Kyle Kalis to form a domi- nant interior. It didn't happen when Braden struggled with the nuances of the position. He moved back to tackle — the spot he was recruited for — and spent last season honing his technique to be ready for open- ing day 2014. The 6-6, 322-pounder will have the first crack at replacing Michael Schofield at right tackle this season. Amara Darboh — Perhaps if Dar- boh remained healthy last year, Devin Funchess would not have moved from tight end to wide receiver, but Darboh broke his foot and missed the season, and now the Maize and Blue could have two physical speci-