The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/575020
but they could turn around quickly as a new quarter- back and receivers gain familiarity. The Wolverines turned it over five times in the opening two games, while producing just two turn- overs, one an intercepted Hail Mary pass at Utah. Then against UNLV, an early interception set the tone for a dominant first half, the kind of start Harbaugh hopes to see more often. Secondary Receivers Scrutinized: Redshirt junior wide receiver Amara Darboh clearly led the way in the early going among the pass catchers, kicking things off with an eight-catch, 101-yard opener at Utah. The question becomes who steps up behind him? Classmate Jehu Chesson bolted away on a 36-yard touchdown run against UNLV, but needs to get the timing down on deep balls from grad-senior quarter- back Jake Rudock. "I want to so bad," Chesson said. "It's frustrating, but at the same time, at the receiver position, it's so tough. You either make the play or you don't. There are times they launch the ball up 45 yards, and whether it's a miscommunication, you slowed down, he overthrew, whatever it is, if you catch the ball, you're a hero. If you don't … that's how we live, out on the edge." Tight end depth: Similarly to the receivers, Michigan's tight ends feature an unquestioned go-to guy in junior Jake Butt and have potential for more. With an established star, it's about who develops beyond Butt. Redshirt freshman Ian Bunting looks like an early answer to that question, and he's one to watch as the season goes along. Rudock Stretching The Field: Defenses will certainly creep closer and closer to the line of scrimmage, unless Michigan backs them off. This involves getting Rudock and his wideouts in sync down the field. Harbaugh certainly isn't afraid to go that route and demonstrated so in the opener at Utah. Rudock not only has to make those throws but connect on them to ensure the respect required to keep defenses off balance. It's not all on him, like Harbaugh made clear after the early misses, but it's essential the Wolverines aren't facing a stacked box on a regular basis. "It will show up eventually," Chesson assured. "You've got to just keep trying." Jabrill Peppers Playing Offense: It didn't happen in the first three games, and it may not. Still, the thought of the redshirt freshman dynamo slipping over to the other side of the line of scrimmage and getting his hands on the football has to be awfully tempting, and intriguing, for some big games down the road. — John Borton Redshirt junior wideout Jehu Chesson says it's only a matter of time before the Michigan passing game connects on a deep ball. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN