The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/52988
the starting job while younger, promising players are given time to develop. Ondre Pipkins, 6-3, 325, Freshman Defensive Tackle WILL CAMPBELL 6-5, 322, Senior It's now-or-never time for the former In 2012, offensive linemen Elliott Mealer (No. 57) and Patrick Omameh (No. 65) will both be fifth-year seniors for the Wolverines. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL Right Guard PATRICK OMAMEH 6-4, 300, Fifth-Year Senior Omameh was sup- posed to be one of Michigan's best line- men in 2011 after starting 26 career contests entering the season, but he seemed to regress during the first two months, showing an inability to adapt the skills needed to succeed in U-M's hybrid pro-style of- fense. Omameh continued to learn and develop, though, and finished his junior year with a solid November that should springboard him into 2012. Elliott Mealer, 6-5, 310, Fifth-Year Se- nior Right Tackle MICHAEL SCHOFIELD 6-7, 299, Redshirt Junior Pressed into duty at left guard in the sea- son opener, Schofield would go on to start 10 games at the post, filling in for an injured Barnum. A more nat- ural tackle, though, Schofield is the logi- cal choice to move to the right side of the offensive line. Depth is a concern, which is why a true freshman such as Kyle Kalis or Erik Magnuson may end up No. 2. Kyle Kalis, 6-5, 302, Freshman 38 THE WOLVERINE FEBRUARY 2012 Defense Weakside Defensive End FRANK CLARK 6-2, 228, Sophomore Likely closer to 250 pounds now — U-M has not updated weights since August — Clark had a break- out performance at the Sugar Bowl, mak- ing five tackles and intercepting a pass at the line of scrimmage. He has the type of athleticism and burst off the edge that could give Michigan the bona-fide pass rusher it has lacked since Brandon Graham departed in 2009. There will be competition, though, from junior Jibreel Black or if senior Craig Roh stays at the position. Jibreel Black, 6-2, 260, Junior Defensive Tackle QUINTON WASHINGTON 6-4, 302, Redshirt Junior Washington has significant gains to make in the offsea- son, needing to show greater commitment to technique and a comprehension of his responsibilities within the defense. How- ever, with few other experienced options at the position, the redshirt junior will be given first crack at five-star recruit. In 2011, Campbell played in all 13 games as a reserve defensive tackle for the Wol- verines, most promi- nently in the Sugar Bowl filling in for an injured Heininger. He didn't contrib- ute much — 14 to- tal tackles, including two sacks, this year — but he has a mas- sive frame and immense potential to be a dominant interior lineman. Chris Rock, 6-5, 267, Redshirt Fresh- man Strongside Defensive End CRAIG ROH 6-5, 269, Senior Roh has played three different posi- tions in his three seasons — the quick in 2009, outside linebacker in 2010 and weakside defensive end in 2011 — and he could play his fourth in 2012, hav- ing the best tools of those available to move to strongside defensive end. Doing so shores up a weak- ness at the position and puts another playmaker on the field at the weakside. Roh would need to add 20 pounds and strength, how- ever, to reach his potential as a run- stuffing end. Keith Heitzman, 6-3, 251, Redshirt Freshman Will Linebacker DESMOND MORGAN 6-1, 220, Sophomore Capable of ab- sorbing instruction quickly, Morgan was one of the biggest surprises in 2011, starting seven games — including each of the last six — even though he was a true freshman. He ranked fifth among Wolverines with 63 tackles,