The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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30 THE WOLVERINE OCTOBER 2016 see the field while concentrating on his academics. Davis has carried twice for 17 yards, both attempts coming in the opener. "He's a downhill guy but surpris- ingly has some light feet," Wheatley said. "Just because you don't see a guy every game, everybody suspects bad things. No … he's just developing. We are rotating four guys right now, and while we're rotating them, let's de- velop his game. I want to get him some experience and get a feel for what kind of back he is so we can develop him." Michigan's rookie defensive backs, meanwhile, continue to learn. "Khaleke Hudson came in as a freshman, didn't know much and had played running back in high school … but you could see the maturity he has for a young guy," safeties coach Brian Smith said Sept. 13. "He has really learned a lot in the last couple weeks. I've been happy with his progression from where he started to where he is now … he's just got to keep getting better every day, learning the game, learning the safety position, but I'm happy with his pro- gression so far. "Khaleke can be a very good player … he brings a lot to the table in terms of physicality. He's a good blitzer and has a lot of sudden quickness. There are things he has to work on, but he's done a good job so far." He's also contributed heavily on spe- cial teams. Cornerback Hill made a great play on the ball to break up a pass against Hawai'i, and Long has been battling injury but has a bright future. "David Long covered a go route in yesterday's practice as good as it can possibly be covered. From press cov- erage to competing at the point of the catch, it's as good as it can be covered," Jim Harbaugh said before the opener. "He's going to be an outstanding, out- standing football player." "Both are very gifted," cornerbacks coach Mike Zordich added of Hill and Long. "They are really good players. They're young and have got a long, long way to go, but they've got some really good things in them." The same can be said for the rest of the freshman class, one that's ahead of the curve and should serve as the foundation for great teams to come. ❏ Michigan freshman Ahmir Mitchell, an Egg Harbor City, N.J., native, was initially considered one of the gems of the 2016 recruiting class, but he's no longer on the team. Head coach Jim Harbaugh suspended the receiver entering fall camp for an apparent violation of team rules, and Mitchell later announced his departure with a statement on Twitter Aug. 24. "It's been all love from the fans, community and the people of Michigan. I've made bonds and friendships with people here that will last a lifetime," he wrote. "I love what U of M had to offer me, but what is best for me and my family comes first. Therefore, I will like to announce that I am hereby reopening my recruitment to all Universities and football programs." He later announced he'd transfer to Rutgers, as many ex- pected he would. "I'd like to thank all the coaches and universities that have reached out and gave me the opportunity to attend their presti- gious programs," Mitchell tweeted. "But after long consideration I find it best for me along with my family to go back home." Mitchell enrolled for the winter semester in January and went through spring ball with the Wolverines, including a week in Florida, but he was not in the team photo Aug. 7. When asked about it nearly two weeks later, Harbaugh said two of the three players missing from the photo were suspended — later determined to be Mitchell and redshirt freshman defensive end Shelton Johnson. Frosh running back Kareem Walker was also a no-show. Mitchell will have to sit out the 2016 season due to NCAA transfer rules but will be able to practice with the team throughout the year. He will be eligible to play in 2017. "Everybody here at the University of Michigan is top-notch," Mitchell told NJ.com. "It's a great program, but it just seems like with everything going on back home and things like that, the best thing for me to do was to go home and be with my family. So that's what it all came down to. "But the relationship here with the coaches and my former teammates here at Michigan, it's all great, all positive." — Chris Balas Ben Bredeson has come off the bench as a key reserve along the offensive line. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN Wideout Eddie McDoom has quickly become a favorite at Michigan Stadium for his name — each touch draws a "Doooooom" refrain from the crowd — and production after averag - ing 11 yards per carry in the first three games. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN Frosh Receiver Ahmir Mitchell Transfers To Rutgers