The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/465847
2015 RECRUITING ISSUE BY TIM SULLIVAN I n recent years, Michigan fans have become accustomed to very few true freshmen seeing the field for the Maize and Blue. Aside from scrambling to fill out the two-deep during the Rich Rodriguez era, U-M has had enough depth to give redshirts to the majority of each recruiting class. Only three players — offensive lineman Mason Cole, de- fensive tackle Bryan Mone and wide receiver Freddy Canteen played as true freshmen this past fall. Of the 27 signees in the 2013 class, 12 saw the field early (though only a few in significant roles). With a new coaching staff coming in under Jim Harbaugh, the roster will see a bit of a shakeup. That could provide more opportunities for fresh- men to see the field, though the task of building the roster was executed much more effectively than that of winning football games under the previous staff. LIKELY TO PLAY Michigan's depth chart doesn't have many openings for immediate contributors, but there are a few play- ers who should be pushed into duty by both their own skills and U-M's needs. The first Wolverine to see the field from this year's incoming freshman class is an obvious one, only because of the need at his position. Massillon (Ohio) Washington kicker Andrew David is just a two-star recruit, but the Wolverines have graduated both its starting kicker (Matt Wile) and starting punter (Will Hagerup), and the 5-9, 170-pounder is ready to step in. By nailing a 58-yard field goal — kicking off the ground, not a tee, for the fourth longest make in Ohio high school history — he showed that he's ready for the rigors of the next level. Wide receiver/athlete Brian Cole is too athletic — and perhaps too versa- tile — to be kept off the field. The 6-2, 190-pounder was ranked as the No. 101 overall player and No. 4 athlete nationally, and can provide game- breaking ability at wideout. He can also contribute on special teams, both returning kicks and covering run- IMPACT FRESHMEN Michigan Staff Lands Several Players Who Could Contribute Immediately