The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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some would likely be taking snaps at right tackle, shifting fifth-year senior Erik Magnuson to guard. Instead, Michigan has moved Cole to center because it doesn't feel comfortable with its other options. Fullback Who Left — Sione Houma and Joe Kerridge: Michigan captain Kerridge began 2015 as the Wolverines' full- back, but when an injury forced him to the sideline Houma stepped up in his place and excelled. Houma finished with five rush- ing touchdowns — the most by a U-M fullback since B.J. Askew had six in 2002 — while he averaged 4.3 yards per carry on 43 attempts. He also caught eight balls for 77 yards. Kerridge added 62 rushing yards and a score, and caught five balls for 33 yards, ushering in a new era at the fullback position — one that requires more than simply being a lead blocker. Leading Contenders — Henry Poggi and Khalid Hill: The 6-4, 266-pound Poggi started four games and played in 12 last season in an H-back/tight end role and is making an easy tran- sition to fullback. The redshirt junior hasn't shown an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield consistently (and struggled to do so early this spring) and may not be a running-threat option, but he should have no problem paving the way for U-M's ball carriers. Hill is the more versatile of the two, with better ball skills, having played tight end his first three sea- sons. The redshirt junior has eight career receptions, including 20- and 24-yarders in 2015. The 6-2, 263-pounder is adapting to lining up deeper in the offensive backfield and will likely split oppor- tunities with Poggi going forward. Also In The Mix — Bobby Hender- son: The coaches are very high on the 5-11, 245-pound fifth-year senior, be- lieving he has the lunch-pail mental- ity they're looking for at the fullback position. Henderson has appeared in only four career games and little is known about his ball skills, but the native New Yorker could carry on the tradition of walk-on contributors at fullback, following in the footsteps of Kerridge and others. Punter Who Left — Blake O'Neill: Prior to his gaffe against Michigan State, O'Neill was being considered by many to be on track to have the finest punting season in U-M history. He finished his lone year in Ann Arbor averaging 41.3 yards on 53 punts, booming nine greater than 50 yards while dropping 23 inside the 20-yard line. Leader Contender — Kenny Allen: Michigan's starting placekicker in 2015, Allen double dipped in U-M's bowl game in place of an injured O'Neill, punting one ball for 57 yards while making a pair of field goals. Allen is too valuable to take away from kicking field goals, making 18 of 22 last fall, so the fifth-year senior is giving a try to both roles. "He's doing a heck of a job punt- ing the football, doing a real good