The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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11-2 record last season. He'll be asked to do even more in that role for the 2011 Wolverines. "Steph is one of those guys who has a good understanding, and has accepted that role in a real positive way," Hoke said. "He's grown a lot, maturity-wise, in the 18 months we've been here. It's for the positive. He's become a teammate. He fits a great role for us." 24. Frank Clark, So., DE start to his season in doubt. He fin- ished the 2011 campaign on the up- swing, making a great interception in the Sugar Bowl against Virginia Tech, causing many to pencil him in as Michigan's rush end following Preseason 2011: NR Postseason 2011: NR Clark's recent legal issues put the Roh's move to the strong side. Clark wound up with 10 tackles in 12 game appearances, along with the one very memorable pickoff. But he'll have some hurdles to clear be- fore he's in position to pick up where he left off. "We liked him immediately," Mat- 25. Brandon Moore, 5th-Sr., TE tison said of Clark's on-field ability. "He was a sprinter, a hurdler, he was a safety, a wide receiver, and to do all those things you have to be a great athlete. "And when you look at the po- Preseason 2011: NR Postseason 2011: NR Moore represents Michigan's most veteran tight end, in a position beg- ging for someone to step forward. The Wolverines are razor thin at the spot, at least in terms of proven con- tributions, and Moore will contend for the starting job. He played in 12 games a year ago, sition we had in mind for him, the rush end, you look for an angular athlete that can get strong. That guy has to be able to get big enough, and you have to have a frame to do that, and at the same time he has to be a sprinter. He has to have speed and explosion. He has to get off the ball." catching one pass for nine yards in Michigan's win over Purdue. How well he performs in fall camp could help determine the Wolverines' level of employing the tight end spot, at least early on. "With Brandon, his biggest weak- ness was with being physical all the time, and he did that today pretty consistently," Hoke said after a re- cent camp effort. ❑ Five Freshmen Most Likely To Play 1. Amara Darboh, WR — His fall camp roommate, Roy Roundtree, in- sisted Darboh has been the most im- pressive freshman so far, regardless of position. Darboh also plays at an area of need, and came into camp looking physically ready at 6-2, 220 pounds. 2. Devin Funchess, TE/WR — Funchess is another rookie who can potentially help the Wolverines in the passing game. His length and leap- ing ability could make him a red zone threat, and Michigan is looking for tight ends. 3. Kyle Kalis, OL — Kalis entered fall True freshman linebacker Joe Bolden is looking to battle his way into some early playing time for the Wolverines' defense this fall. played a true freshman linebacker last season and, while that's rare, Bolden features instincts and talent well above the average rookie. He'll be pushing hard to make himself part of the defensive rotation. verines also require more beef in the middle of the defensive line, and Pip- kins has plenty of that. How he learns and demonstrates that he can be effective in fall camp will say plenty about his chances for getting into the mix. 5. Joe Bolden, LB — Michigan PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL — John Borton SEPTEMBER 2012 THE WOLVERINE 25 camp carrying more than 300 pounds, meaning he doesn't have to beef up to play with the big boys. He does have a lot to learn, but Michigan's needs in terms of offensive line depth could come into play. 4. Ondre Pipkins, DL — The Wol-