The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL The strength on the line of scrim- mage he possesses … he showed us in spring that kind of ability." • Michigan's quarterback situation looked fairly well set, with fifth-year senior Devin Gardner the clear No. 1 and sophomore Shane Morris chal- lenging on a daily basis. The No. 3 spot had yet to be determined, with redshirt junior Russell Bellomy and true freshman Wilton Speight bat- tling it out for that job. "Probably a couple of more weeks," Hoke noted, when asked if he knows whether Speight might contribute or potentially redshirt. "The first two guys are getting a lot of snaps. Wilton and Russell are shar- ing some reps with the threes. One of those guys will travel and one of them won't." • True freshman offensive tackle Mason Cole could find himself get- ting major playing time this fall. He's said to be challenging for a starting spot at left tackle, and has obviously impressed the U-M staff. "I think he has a very legitimate chance," Hoke said. "If you ask our coaches, I think we all felt that way. He's a little different as a freshman. I attribute that to his high school coach and the program he was in. He really has done a nice job. "He comes every day, works hard, he's physically better now than he was in the spring. Is he still 18 years old? I think so. But he's done a nice job." • Peppers is fighting to become Michigan's nickel back, at least ini- tially. But several other true freshmen could see the field this season. "Jabrill has got a lot of athleticism," Hoke said. "He loves to play. He ab- solutely loves to compete and play. There is an element you love about that, because of how he goes about it every day. "Mason Cole is one of those guys [who could play]. Freddy Canteen. On defense, [Bryan] Mone is another guy who has the ability, as a nose tackle. Of the true freshmen, those would be the guys. I'm really im- pressed with Ian Bunting. He got here as a tight end in June." Mone checked in at 6-4, 312 in the fall, and could provide some serious beef in the middle of Michigan's de- fensive line. Canteen, a fleet wide re- ceiver, has been talked about since his early arrival last January. Bunting, meanwhile, stands 6-7, 227 and finds himself at a position of present need. MICHIGAN TO HOST NIGHT SCRIMMAGE AT STADIUM Michigan fans normally don't get a look at the Wolverines during fall practices. This year they've got a chance to do so, and do it in a big way. On Aug. 16, the Wolverines take the field under the lights at The Big House. An 8 p.m. scrimmage is open to all, free of charge, and will not only give fans an early look at Brady Hoke's crew, it will also allow the players some time under the lights and in front of a crowd. "It will be part practice, but a lot of scrimmage," Hoke said. "It will be 8 o'clock at night. Getting ready for a