The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/362774
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL versus South Carolina. That makes Michigan 2-3 in non- traditional gear. They'll have a chance to square that mark against Penn State, a game that will give them a chance to shine in various ways. EARLY CAMP DETAILS COME OUT ON U-M'S MEDIA DAY Michigan conducted its annual media day Aug. 10 at Schembechler Hall, and inquiring minds might have gleaned a little more clarity than expected. Head coach Brady Hoke spoke fairly bluntly about U- M's running back situation, rookie Jabrill Peppers and a number of other topics. The Wolverines were only a week into fall camp, so plenty can change. But here are some of the choicest nuggets to emerge when U-M's head coach offered his insights. • Through the early fall camp, sophomore running back De'Veon Smith and redshirt sophomore Drake Johnson stood Nos. 1 and 1-A in the competition to start at the tailback spot. Sophomore Derrick Green was slightly behind them, as a performer still wrestling with some of the pass protections. Transfer Ty Issac's play- ing status for 2014 still had not been determined, so he was not clearly defined in the competition. "De'Veon is probably as tough a guy as I've been around," Hoke said. "His identity is toughness. He's a guy that can get dinged up, but he's still going to go … right now, it would be Drake Johnson and De'Veon." • The Wolverines still have junior Dennis Norfleet returning kicks and punts, but he's not the only one with the ability to do so. Hoke indicated Michigan has a pair of freshmen with excellent return skills. "Norfleet has really taken most of them, but a guy like Freddy Canteen, a guy like Jabrill Peppers — those guys have skill sets that we think are pretty good," Hoke said. • Redshirt sophomore wide re- ceiver Amara Darboh is back in the thick of the action, following a year and a half away from game compe- tition. Darboh last played against South Carolina in the Outback Bowl following the 2012 season, but with his foot injury healed he's competing to give the Wolverines another big, athletic wide receiver. "He gives us another guy as a re- ceiver who has got some game expe- rience," Hoke said. "When you look at his genetics, his size, he's able to really challenge a defense vertically. 2014 Football Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Appalachian State Noon Sept. 6 at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13 Miami (Ohio) 3:30 p.m. Sept. 20 Utah TBA Sept. 27 Minnesota TBA Oct. 4 at Rutgers 7 p.m. Oct. 11 Penn State 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at Michigan State TBA Nov. 1 Indiana 3:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Northwestern TBA Nov. 22 Maryland TBA Nov. 29 at Ohio State TBA