The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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goals, the spotlight will shine greater on the Maize and Blue's vulnerabili- ties. If Michigan can answer its ques- tion marks along the defensive and offensive lines positively before Sept. 1, U-M truly possesses the potential to win a conference title and play in the Rose Bowl. Questions For The Offseason Has quarterback Denard Robinson hit his ceiling? Offensive coordinator Al Borges has reiterated that quarterbacks typi- cally struggle in their first season with him, but improve dramatically in year two. The hope is Robinson will follow the trend after an inconsistent 2011 in which he completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes in six con- tests and had six efforts with a pass efficiency rating below 120.0 (150.0 is considered the standard). Robinson's 15 interceptions, which represented the second-highest sin- gle-season total in U-M history, were also a problem. Those numbers seemingly support the argument the rising senior cannot produce the consistency the position demands and is incapable of taking the next step to becoming an efficient passer. But Robinson had his share of suc- cesses, finishing with ratings of 170.67 and 223.11 in wins over Nebraska and Ohio State, respectively, while completing 31 of 45 attempts (68.9 percent) for 439 yards with five touch- downs and two picks during U-M's 3-0 November finish. His ability to perform like that proves what he is capable of — he also rushed for 283 yards and six touchdowns in that stretch — but to quiet his critics and give Michigan its best chance at winning a conference crown in 2012, Robinson has to begin delivering every week. With Darryl Stonum officially off the team, who might step up and secure the catches he could have supplied? There's a significant hole left for a rangy wideout who can go up and get the football. Fifth-year senior Ju- nior Hemingway filled it superbly this season, and Stonum appeared headed for that slot in 2012. That's no longer happening, and it opens up 34 THE WOLVERINE FEBRUARY 2012 snaps and opportunities for a bud- ding pass-catcher. Roy Roundtree led the Wolverines in receptions in 2010, but slipped back to 19 catches for 355 yards and two touchdowns this past sea- son. The fifth-year senior-to-be has played some outside receiver, but at 6-0, he's not as tall as some might desire. He's still experienced, and fig- ures to grow in the Michigan offense this year. Other smaller receivers that will likely see more throws are 5-8 redshirt junior-to-be Jeremy Gallon, Michigan's leading returner with 31 catches for 453 yards and three touchdowns in 2011. Drew Dileo, a 5-10 junior-to-be, started to become a target toward the end of this past season. too. Keep an eye on 6-2, 190-pound Amara Darboh out of Iowa, who is set to sign with the Wolverines on Feb. 1. He has the length and speed (4.4 in the 40) to get a long look early on. Fellow newcomer Jehu Chesson (6-3, 182) from St. Louis will also have a shot. How many veterans will leave the door open for true freshmen in the fall? Michigan will sign a top-10 recruit- ing class in February, buoyed by the nation's top-ranked offensive line haul. Three of the Wolverines' current 24 commitments — linebackers Joe Bolden and Kaleb Ringer, and safety Jarrod Wilson — are already enrolled, and will participate in spring prac- tice with the Wolverines in March and April. Looking ahead, the Maize and Blue's biggest needs for this upcom- ing season are at offensive tackle, de- fensive tackle and tight end. Taylor Lewan (left) and Michael Schofield (right) are slated to start at offensive tackle in their redshirt junior campaigns, but they have no natu- ral backups — fifth-year senior Elliott Mealer played there in a pinch in 2011, but is more a guard — creating the op- portunity for five-star Kyle Kalis and four-star Erik Magnuson to make the two-deep as true freshmen. At tight end, Brandon Moore has the most experience entering his fifth and final year, but he's never started and isn't a complete player. Freshman three-stars A.J. Williams and Devin Funchess could unseat Moore in the fall if they report to camp in college- ready shape and show a propensity for picking up the offense. Along the defensive line, U-M has bodies but no proven difference-mak- ers, offering four-star Ondre Pipkins and three-star Chris Wormley, who both boast college frames and mass, the chance to move into prominent roles if they can pick up the defense. Wide receiver Darryl Stonum, who was sus- pended for the 2011 season, is now no lon- ger on the team, creating an opportunity for a younger wideout to see more action. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN Younger performers already on the roster who could get a look include 6-3 junior-to-be Jeremy Jackson and 6-1 redshirt sophomore-to-be Jerald Robinson. There is undoubtedly room for a true freshman to enter the picture, Potential Position Changes For 2012 Josh Furman from safety to weakside linebacker: The 6-2, 208-pound red- shirt freshman is a freak athlete with legitimate 4.4 40-speed. He is at his best when he's aggressively attack- ing the line of scrimmage and could do that with greater frequency at linebacker. U-M needs some capable