The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/362774
READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT THIS FALL Taco Charlton — The 6-6, 275- pounder continues to add the mass and muscle to develop into the pro- totypical strongside end under co- ordinator Greg Mattison. Charlton notched two tackles and appeared in eight games last year, mostly in a pass rushing role, and he should see the field more consistently this fall as the top reserve at his post. Delano Hill — While plenty of folks salivate over the prospect of classmate Dymonte Thomas starting at strong safety, Hill has quietly passed his teammate on the depth chart and has a great chance to win the starting job for opening day. The 6-0, 205-pounder is plenty big and plenty fast, and does his job with discipline. Jourdan Lewis — Senior Ray Taylor and redshirt junior Blake Countess' top backup in 2013, Lewis is making a play for their jobs, and entering pre- season camp was poised to displace one of them at cornerback. The 5-10, 174-pounder plays the physical, ag- gressive game at the line of scrim- mage the coaches are eager to employ. De'Veon Smith — Smith carried the ball in four games last season, to- taling 117 yards on 26 attempts (4.5 yards per rush). He showed off his repertoire against Ohio State, going 38 yards on a long run while show- ing the resolve and leg strength to avoid coming down behind the line of scrimmage for any of his other six totes. The 5-11, 220-pounder could be the Aug. 30 starter but figures to earn 10 carries regardless. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? No one had left the program as of our print day of Aug. 12. REPORT CARD — B Set to begin its second season at Michigan, the class is graded more on potential than on production. In a year, there will be a better idea of whether this class is destined for star- dom or will simply fill the role of pro- viding depth while others demand the spotlight. ❏ Sophomore quarterback Shane Morris got the starting nod for the Wolverines in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl last season. PHOTO BY TIM NELSON