The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/52988
rushers, in an offense that averaged 33.3 points per game and put a com- bined 85 on the board against Ne- braska and Ohio State at the end of the regular season. 17. Thomas Gordon, R-So., FS Preseason 2011: No. 23 Gordon factored in as one of Michi- gan's biggest playmakers on defense. He finished third on the team in tackles with 67, evidence of his ability to always be around the ball. He also secured an interception, broke up a pair of passes, forced two fumbles and recovered a team-leading four. Gordon staked his claim for a major spot in defenses of the future with nine starts, including against Ohio State and in the Sugar Bowl. 18. Patrick Omameh, R-Jr., OL Preseason 2011: No. 6 Omameh proved another dura- ble blocker for Michigan's offense in transition. The fourth-year Wol- verine started all 13 games at right guard, helping give Robinson and Toussaint the running room they re- quired. Omameh was also part of a crew that allowed only 18 sacks all season. 19. Craig Roh, Jr., DE Preseason 2011: No. 17 Roh worked extremely hard with defensive coordinator Greg Mattison on his move to defensive end. The third-year Wolverine wound up with 32 tackles, including eight for loss and four sacks. He also posted a pair of quarterback hurries and forced one fumble. 20. Martavious Odoms, Sr., WR Preseason 2011: NR Odoms got off to a very slow start in Michigan's new system, following an offseason injury. But as he worked his way back into the lineup, Odoms made an impact. Of his seven catches (for 131 yards) on the season, three of them went for touchdowns. He also settled in as Michigan's primary kick returner, taking back 19 for an aver- age of 21.2 yards. 21. Michael Schofield, R-So., OL Preseason 2011: NR Schofield stepped up to the chal- lenge when offensive lineman Ricky Barnum succumbed to injury. Scho- field, a tackle, made the move inside Fifth-year senior defensive lineman Will Heininger started all 12 regular-season games this year, making 23 tackles, includ- ing four tackles for loss and one sack. PHOTO BY PERKJELDSEN Five True Freshmen Most Likely To Play In 2012 1. Amara Darboh, WR — U-M needs another taller contributor at wideout. 2. Mario Ojemudia, DL/LB — This quick performer could make an impact. 3. Ondre Pipkins, DT — With some big bodies moving out, this one could move in. 4. Devin Funchess, TE/WR — This versatile player could fill different roles. 5. James Ross, LB — U-M will be looking to bolster its linebacker corps. — John Borton to perform at the left guard spot. He started the opener against Western Michigan, then drew starts in the fi- nal nine games of the season, includ- ing wins over Nebraska, Ohio State and Virginia Tech. 22. Will Heininger, 5th-Sr., DL Preseason 2011: NR Heininger's injury that kept him out of the Sugar Bowl proved one of the biggest disappointments in Michigan's holiday period. Heininger emerged from walk-on status to be- come a significant contributor for the Wolverines. He started all 12 regular- season games on the defensive line, securing 23 stops, including four be- hind the line of scrimmage and one sack. Heininger also broke up a pass, taking his place in Michigan's rejuve- nated defense. 23. Blake Countess, Fr., CB Preseason 2011: NR Countess demonstrated he could be counted on, working his way into Michigan's lineup and starting the final six games at cornerback. The true freshman held up well, finishing eighth on the team in tackles with 44. He broke up six passes, second most on the team, and also forced a fumble. His presence gives the Wol- verines a solid cover corner who has played in some of the biggest games he'll face as a U-M performer. 24. Roy Roundtree, R-Jr., WR Preseason 2011: No. 7 There were bound to be changes in switching from one offensive system to another, and Roundtree's bottom- line numbers reveal one of them. U- M's leading receiver from 2010 slid to fourth on that list in 2011, catching 19 passes for 355 yards and two touch- downs. One of those scores won't ever be forgotten. Roundtree soared to secure Robinson's last-seconds toss against Notre Dame, completing a furious fourth-quarter comeback and giving the Wolverines a 35-31 victory. 25. Drew Dileo, So., WR Preseason 2011: NR Dileo is quickly becoming a folk hero among Michigan fans, for his use in fake field goals on U-M's spe- cial teams. His desperation toss in the Sugar Bowl — that deflected off Virginia Tech players and into the hands of long snapper Jareth Glanda — will go down as one the Wolver- ines' craziest plays of the season. But Dileo is also proving capable as a re- ceiver. He made a clutch catch against Ohio State among the nine passes he snagged for 121 yards this season. He also made a pair of touchdown grabs. ❑ FEBRUARY 2012 THE WOLVERINE 27