The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/666058
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL • Redshirt junior quarterback Shane Morris' debut at wide receiver in Michi- gan's spring game wasn't just for fun or to help Team Blue out because of a lack of numbers, we've been told. The 6-3, 208-pounder is third on the depth chart under center and might fall even further down the list with the de- velopment of freshman Brandon Peters. U-M isn't desperate for receiver help, with the arrival of five freshmen to join early enrollee Ahmir Mitchell and five scholarship veterans. However, Jim Har- baugh has shown a propensity to use ev- ery weapon at his disposal, and sources envision a scenario where Morris plays just enough at receiver to allow for a trick play or two in 2016. • A year ago, Michigan ended the spring with one running back the coaches liked, senior De'Veon Smith, and a bunch of question marks. The year unfolded with Smith and fifth-year senior Drake Johnson ascending while Derrick Green, who transferred out of the program, and redshirt junior Ty Isaac were both de- scending. This year is a different story. U-M is very pleased with the development of Isaac and is ecstatic over the continued return to full health for Johnson. Smith, mean- while, has continued to outwork every back on the roster, setting the pace for the running back room. Harbaugh wants competition, with every starter facing a legitimate challenger. At tailback, Michigan now has three ball carriers it is confident will fight for snaps in the fall. • Fifth-year senior Bobby Henderson is the dark horse to emerge at fullback. Redshirt junior Henry Poggi is a better blocker at the moment, though he does not offer much in terms of a running and receiving threat, while redshirt junior Khalid Hill has the athleticism but is still adjusting from tight end. Henderson, 5-11, 245 pounds, is said to be most polished and versatile of the three, and could eventually take away opportunities from Poggi and Hill like Sione Houma did from Joe Kerridge in 2015. • If the season started today, the Wolverines would feel very good about receiv- Offseason Buzz Redshirt junior quarterback Shane Morris saw action at wide receiver during the spring game and could be making a move to the position. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN