The Wolverine

September 2016

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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SEPTEMBER 2016 THE WOLVERINE 9 M ichigan football coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed the suspensions of two Wolverines in his first post-Media Day meeting with the press. The U-M coach did not mention players by name, but a questioner noted that true freshman wideout Ahmir Mitch- ell, redshirt freshman defensive end Shelton Johnson and true freshman running back Kareem Walker were missing from the team picture. Harbaugh eventually mentioned that two of the three are suspended, saying the matter is being handled internally and rebuffing questions about the length of the suspen- sions. A U-M spokesman later clarified that Walker is not facing a suspension. The disclosure injected a somewhat tense, press confer- ence-ending moment into what had been an upbeat session for Harbaugh. He spoke excitedly about Michigan's fresh- men, a number of whom caught his attention in the early days of practice. Harbaugh went out of his way to praise 6-3, 350-pound Michael Onwenu, a lineman whom the head coach con- firmed is working on both sides of the football at this point. "He could be a contributor on either side of the ball," Harbaugh said. "He's that good. He's going to school, tak- ing tests, and he's playing both ways. He might just be my favorite guy right now. He's awesome. I really like him a lot." Harbaugh also specifically mentioned that tight end Devin Asiasi, offensive lineman Ben Bredeson, defensive end Rashan Gary, running back Chris Evans, safety Khaleke Hudson, wide receiver Kekoa Crawford and placekicker Quinn Nordin were standing out in practices. "There are some really good players in that class that have heated the competitive waters at multiple positions," Harbaugh said. "That's a good thing." The coach wasn't ready to disclose any separation among his top QBs in the Aug. 15 meeting with the media. He did note, though, that the Wolverines are looking better at that position than they did a year ago at the same time. "Shane Morris is doing good, having a good camp," Harbaugh said. "Wilton Speight is having an outstand- ing camp. John O'Korn is having a very good camp. The quarterback play has been really good in camp, right from the first day. "I've been very pleased with that. They're completing balls, they're running the team, they know what they're do- ing. They're competing at a good, high level. It's been good … better than most camps I've seen at the start." Inside Michigan ATHLETICS Jim Harbaugh Acknowledges Suspensions And Talks Camp Many college football pundits believe that head coach Jim Harbaugh's presence on the U-M sideline makes the Wolverines legitimate national title contenders. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL

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