The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/558143
Jehu Chesson, WR: Through the years, the likes of Derrick Alexan- der (1990), Mercury Hayes (1994-95), Marquise Walker (1999-2000), Jason Avant (2003-04) and Adrian Ar- rington (2006-07) have been solid No. 2 receivers, and Chesson aims to ful- fill that role this season. Averaging 15 catches the past two years, though, it remains a question of whether he can meet the expectation or if he is an ideal No. 3 or No. 4 wideout. Blake Bars, OL: While OL class- mates Kyle Kalis (16 starts), Ben Braden (12) and Erik Magnuson (11) have all started for the Maize and Blue, Bars has appeared in only one game as a reserve. Matured, both physically and mentally, he finds himself likely the first lineman in the game due to injury or ineffectiveness if he doesn't win a job outright. Drake Johnson, RB: Over the final four games of the 2014 season, John- son rushed for 320 yards and four touchdowns on 55 carries (5.8-yard average) — the best November per- formance by a Michigan ball carrier since Fitz Toussaint had 508 yards in 2011 and Denard Robinson had 338 yards the same year. Johnson is coming off an ACL injury that might delay his return into late September, but when he's back, he is capable of unseating the Wolverines' starting tailback. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Kaleb Ringer, LB: Ringer trans- ferred to Division II Ferris State af- ter just one season in Ann Arbor. In 2013, Ringer appeared in six games, recording 14 tackles with 1.5 for loss for the Bulldogs. He spent the 2014 season at Butler Community College, recording 114 tackles and 10 for loss in earning all-conference honors. He signed with Georgia State and en- rolled early in January 2015. He is expected to start at inside linebacker for the Panthers. Devin Funchess, WR: A tight end in 2012 and 2013 and then a wide receiver in 2013 and 2014, Funch- ess caught 126 balls (14th all-time) for 1,715 yards (16th) and 15 touch- downs (12th) in three seasons be- fore leaving for the NFL. He was a Senior linebacker Royce Jenkins-Stone has played in 36 games but most of that has come on special teams. He hopes to take a big step forward this fall. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN