The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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competition at that spot for starter Desmond Morgan. Jordan Paskorz from linebacker to tight end: With the arrival of four freshmen, Michigan will feature 14 linebackers on its roster, and that's at least two too many. A redshirt freshman, Pas- korz has a tight-end build at 6-3, 246 pounds and played the position in high school, too. There is a far greater need, and opportunity, on offense than at his current position. Isaiah Bell from linebacker to fullback: Bell hasn't seen the field yet during his career with the Wolverines and likely won't see the field, at least in an important role, if he stays at line- backer. The 6-1, 250-pound redshirt sophomore could be a candidate to add weight and play along the defen- sive line or move to fullback, using his low center of gravity and girth to move defenders from the path of U- M's ball carriers. Devin Gardner from quarterback to wide receiver: This isn't permanent. In fact, Gardner should continue to practice at quarterback because he will be Michi- gan's No. 2 signal-caller, and might even challenge Denard Robinson for No. 1, but the 6-4, 205-pound sopho- more is too talented to stand on the sidelines for the majority of a game and could impact at receiver like Min- nesota senior quarterback MarQueis Gray did during his sophomore sea- son with the Gophers. ❑ Devin Gardner was No. 2 on the depth chart at quarterback this past season, but will the Wolverines try to find other ways to use his talents in 2012? PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL Michigan's Potential Finish In 2012 The writers from The Wolverine weigh in on their predicted finish for Michigan next season. Editor John Borton: Although it's way too early to get any kind of grasp on how the Wolverines will do filling the numerous holes they must for 2012, it's not unreasonable to think they could get to 10 wins again. We'll call it 10-4 at this point, with a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis. That's shooting high, but with a senior quar- terback and the defensive development demonstrated in 2011, it's entirely possible. TheWolverine.com Editor Chris Balas: Michigan's best chance at a BCS bowl next year will be to win the Big Ten, and it's not out of the realm of possibility. The Wolverines get Michigan State at home and have several winnable games on the Big Ten slate. Split road games with Nebraska and Ohio State and they'll be playing for a title. We'll go with 9-4, a slight step back before the program takes a huge leap forward in 2013. Associate Editor Michael Spath: The Sugar Bowl raised some red flags, but this offense will be more prolific in 2012 and the defense will not take a significant step back. Michi- gan goes 10-2 in the regular season and earns a trip to the Big Ten Championship Game with a 7-1 mark. Staff Writer Andy Reid: It's easy to look at the returning starters — or lack thereof, along the lines — and say this team cannot match Team 132's success. There seems to be too many gaping holes and unanswered questions. But it was easy to say Team 132 couldn't win more than eight games back in August, too. These coaches know how to get kids to play above themselves. A national title is too lofty a goal, but a Big Ten championship certainly isn't. Recruiting Editor Tim Sullivan: Although Michigan re- turns a lot of notable players, it will still take a big hit along both lines. Because of that, the team will take a step back. The schedule is much tougher next year, also. Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Ohio State are all on the road, and the season opener against Alabama in Dallas is a tall task. A 9-3 regular- season record and a shot in the Big Ten title game are lofty goals, but ones that Team 133 can reach. FEBRUARY 2012 THE WOLVERINE 35