The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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this offseason, they are confident in their ability to impact next fall, specif- ically the more experienced Campbell and Washington. "They are good to the point that, if they had to start in the Sugar Bowl, we'd be happy with them starting," Heininger said of the classmates. "Their improvement is outstanding." Michigan will also spend the next few months grooming a center to take over for All-American and the Rim- ington Award winner (as the nation's top center) David Molk. U-M must also replace right tackle Mark Huyge, but Michael Schofield, who started 10 games at left guard this past season, is prepared and capable of moving out to a bookend for his redshirt junior campaign. Rocko Khoury served as Molk's backup in both 2010 and 2011, while classmate Ricky Barnum started three games at left guard this past fall and could take over in his fifth-year cam- paign. Jack Miller, a redshirt freshman next fall, is the wild card of the bunch. "It's going to be a long offseason of a grueling battle between the three to see who is going to step up and be able to take on the position," Molk said. "Jack's a smaller, quick guy like I am, but at the same time he's young so he doesn't have the strength yet to back it up. He's intelligent, he knows the calls, and he knows what to do. He has the potential to be something good, but it all depends on how he works, studies and progresses in the next couple of years. "Rocko has filled in for me when I've been out, been my backup for- ever. He has the ability to play, and I think he can play. it's is he ready? No one will know until I'm gone." Seniors depart, and new players step in. This offseason is no different than any other year. However, with excitement returning to a program with high aspirations for 2012, and enough veteran skill to fulfill their FEBRUARY 2012 THE WOLVERINE 33