The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/698673
46 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2016 BY CHRIS BALAS I t's been 11 years since Michigan won a Big Ten title, but for the first time in a long while U-M fans can say with confidence that the streak should end soon. Head coach Jim Harbaugh had the Wol- verines in contention for much of the year in his first season, after all, and he's amassing talent that should be able to compete with the best programs in the country, let alone the Big Ten. Michigan returns 15 starters from a team that won 10 games and destroyed Florida 41-7 in the Citrus Bowl, and the defense should be among the best in the conference — possibly U-M's top group since 2006. The biggest question marks are on of- fense, where the Wolverines will be breaking in a new quarterback for a second straight year and are still shorthanded up front. Of- fensive line depth still isn't where it needs to be, reminiscent of 2011 when the Wolverines were fortunate to avoid serious injuries to make a run to 11-2 and a Sugar Bowl title. There are many pieces, though, that should have U-M in contention. The following is a look at the best — players, games to watch and more — head- ing into the 2016 season. Top Five Players Out Of Spring Ball 1. Redshirt sophomore linebacker/return man Jabrill Peppers — Peppers acclimated quickly to his new position on defense (linebacker from defensive back) … so quickly that teammates said he was a natural. He'll have a chance to make an impact in all three phases of the game this fall, which could be his last in Ann Arbor if he continues to progress as expected. He'll be eligible for the NFL Draft, and most consider him a first-round pick. 2. Senior cornerback Jourdan Lewis — The 5-10, 175-pounder and USA Today All-American broke up 20 passes a year ago, even though he was given the toughest assignment each game. He's also projected as a first-round pick in the NFL Draft and might just be the best cover corner in the country. 3. Senior cornerback Channing Stribling — Stribling was the MVP of the Florida portion of spring practice at Bradenton IMG Academy, picking off at least five passes during the week. That fact alone speaks volumes, considering the talent on that side of the ball. He continued to shine throughout the spring and has a chance at All-Big Ten honors or more if he stays healthy. 4. Senior tight end Jake Butt — The 2015 Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year and first-team All-American (Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports) was nearly impossible to cover this spring, even by U-M's talented defense. He caught 51 passes for 654 yards last year and could break records this season. 5. Fifth-year senior receiver Amara Darboh — Any one of several defensive linemen, especially fifth-year senior end Chris Wormley and senior end Taco Charlton, could have made this list, but Darboh eclipsed fellow fifth-year senior Jehu Chesson as U-M's top receiver, head coach Jim Harbaugh said. Chesson sat out the spring but will have a chance to reclaim the honor this fall. Regardless, that should be quite the duo. A Primer On Michigan's Outlook Entering Year Two Of The Jim Harbaugh Era Season Preview Senior tight end Jake Butt had a strong spring and looks poised to eclipse his career highs — 51 catches for 654 yards and three touchdowns — in each major receiving category. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN