The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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be typecast by Brown. Jones was originally brought in to compete for snaps at rush end, but with a greater need at linebacker, the 6-4, 222-pound redshirt freshman transitioned to that position in bowl practices and has remained, compet- ing with Gedeon and McCray. Free Safety Who Left — Jarrod Wilson: A three- year starter, with 48 games under his belt, Wilson was a polarizing player. He was productive, totaling 169 tack- les, but lacked the game-changing plays desired from a free safety, re- cording just four interceptions and 11 passes defended in his career. Leading Contender — Dymonte Thomas: The 6-2, 195-pounder made four starts in 10 games at safety in 2015, impressing his coaches with an ability to break on the ball. Thomas does not possess over- whelming experience, having played very little his first two seasons un- der the Brady Hoke administration. However, he was one of the fastest- rising performers in the second half of the season, and the senior should start next fall. Also In The Mix — Tyree Kinnel: The Huber Heights, Ohio, native earned most of his 2015 snaps on special teams and it showed early in the spring with Kinnel struggling at safety. However, the 5-11, 201-pound sophomore is a quick study that has impressed the coaches with his work ethic. Defensive End Who Left — Willie Henry: Henry de- clared for the NFL Draft, voiding a senior season that could have been special. The Cleveland native had doubled his production from 2014 to 2015, recording 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in his junior season following a 2014 in which he pro- duced 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Leading Contender — Taco Charlton: The 6-6, 285-pounder played consid- erably a year ago, starting three of 13 games while registering 5.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. He makes the most sense to inherit Henry's spot, and in the first weeks of spring practice made it very clear he intended to earn the job, not take it by default. Also In The Mix — Chase Winovich, Shelton Johnson and Lawrence Mar- shall: Winovich has moved in from tight end/H-back (after playing linebacker during his redshirt year in 2014) and while still needing to add weight to his 6-3, 245-pound frame, he is not as small as the 6-5, 212-pound Johnson. Winovich is considered "a foot- ball player" by those who work with him, the type of compliment that means something to Harbaugh. By the start of preseason camp in Au- gust, it would not be a surprise if the redshirt sophomore is 10 pounds heavier and ready to compete for playing time. Johnson simply can't be effective at his current weight and must make major gains heading into his red- shirt freshman campaign. Marshall is 6-4, 250 and now beginning his redshirt sophomore season, but he