The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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failed to earn positive chatter dur- ing Michigan's first week of spring ball. Center Who Left — Graham Glasgow: A po- tential third- or fourth-round pick in this year 's NFL Draft, Glasgow started 13 games at center in 2015 and another nine in 2013, sand- wiched around 15 starts at left guard in 2013-14. Leading Contender — Mason Cole: Michigan tried Cole at center last spring but ultimately decided to keep him at left tackle, where he started 13 games in 2015. He's back to snapping the ball this March and is the clear frontrunner to take over for Glasgow. "I wouldn't say Cole is set in stone, but we're looking to experiment there, trying to get our best five on the field," Harbaugh said. The 6-5, 305-pounder would lend experience to a position otherwise lacking it, having played in 25 career contests. His move inside coincides with the coaches' desire to find room for sophomore Grant Newsome, who appeared in four games a true fresh- man last season. "You don't see it very much that an offensive lineman plays as a true freshman," Harbaugh noted. "He was one that handled it very well. "I truly believe no player makes a bigger jump than freshman to sopho- more year, year one to year two. We have high hopes for Grant and what he can accomplish. He definitely has the ability and license to be a starter on the offensive line." Michigan is trying to figure out if Cole at center and the 6-7, 300-pound Newsome at left tackle makes its best starting five. "You want your most physically impressive lineman to play left tackle, and maybe that's what they think [Newsome] is," TheWolverine. com analyst Clint Copenhaver said. "So when you've got him out there and Cole at center, maybe that's bet- ter than Cole at left tackle and an- other guy in at center." Also In The Mix — Patrick Kugler: Offensive line coach Tim Drevno mentioned that Kugler is doing a good job this spring, but if the 6-5, 302-pound redshirt junior was re- ally the right answer at center, New- Junior Mason Cole started every game at left tackle last year, but he has been moved to center this spring. PHOTO BY BRANDON BROWN