The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers. Dennis Norfleet, KR: Michigan's career record-holder in kickoff return yards (2,203) and seventh all-time in yards per return (23.4) among play- ers with at least 25 attempts, Norfleet ran into off-field trouble in the winter and will not rejoin the team. He will play this fall at Tuskegee University, a Division II school in Alabama. Ondre Pipkins, DT: The former five-star defensive tackle had a his- tory of injuries, appearing in only 10 games the past two seasons. He an- nounced this summer he was trans- ferring to Texas Tech after U-M doc- tors, according to Pipkins, refused to clear him for physical contact at Michigan. He must sit out the 2015 season per NCAA rules and will have one season of eligibility remain- ing in 2016. REPORT CARD — C+ Individually, a significant number of Wolverines from the Class of 2012 have experienced some triumphs, but collectively, there is not much on the class' résumé to be proud of. Poor records the past two seasons, when the cohort was moving into more prominent roles, a lack of suc- cess against rivals and the dearth of a Big Ten division crown presently hinder the class' grade. There is potential with the 2012 class to play a major role in the re- juvenation of Michigan football, but until players like linebacker Joe Bolden, wide receiver Jehu Chesson, offensive lineman Kyle Kalis, defen- sive end Mario Ojemudia and safety Jarrod Wilson actually change the culture of the program, they will re- ceive an average grade. ❏ 2012 Class Overview Players In Class: 25 Rivals.com Team Ranking: No. 7 Players Still At Michigan: 21 Name Pos. Recruiting Stars Blake Bars OL 4 Comment: Should contribute as a primary reserve along the offensive line at any of the three interior line positions. Joe Bolden LB 4 Comment: Looks to become the first linebacker since Jarrett Irons in 1995-96 to have back-to-back 100-tackle seasons. Ben Braden OT 3 Comment: Expected to move from right tackle, where he had 12 starts last season, to starting left guard in 2015. Jehu Chesson WR 3 Comment: Has 29 career receptions for 375 yards and looks to match those num- bers in one season alone this fall.