The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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CLASS REVIEW: 2010 for Pittsburgh this fall after sitting out the 2011 campaign, and he is a projected starter this fall. Christian appeared in 11 games with the Wol- verines, recording six tackles as a true freshman cornerback. Demar Dorsey — The high-profile Stephen Hopkins excelled in limited opportuni- ties after moving to fullback last season, and he will likely be used more extensively as a blocking back, a runner and a receiver in 2012. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL 2010 Class Overview Players In Class — 27 Rivals.com Ranking — 20th Players Still At Michigan — 15 Name Comment: Rapidly improving behind the scenes to the point where he should log heavy minutes as a backup defen- sive tackle. Richard Ash Pos. Ht. Wt. Stars DT 6-3 300 4 Comment: Can fill in at either corner- back position and has seemingly locked down the nickel back role for the Wol- verines. Courtney Avery CB 5-11 173 3 Comment: Is expected to face one-on- one matchups at defensive tackle and has to emerge as a playmaker against the run and the pass. Jibreel Black DT 6-2 279 3 Comment: Solid possession receiver proved last year he can make the big catch, and should receive greater op- portunity this fall. Drew Dileo WR 5-10 180 3 Comment: Sat out the spring due to an arrest, but was found innocent and now begins the long journey back to competing for a two-deep spot. Josh Furman S 6-2 203 3 Comment: Expected to see time at wide receiver this fall in addition to serv- ing as Denard Robinson's backup. Devin Gardner QB 6-4 203 4 Comment: With his off-field demons in the past, hopes to regain 2010 form en route to All-Big Ten honors. Will Hagerup P 6-4 227 3 Comment: Could be Michigan's most versatile fullback since B.J. Askew rushed for 568 yards in 2002. Stephen Hopkins FB 6-0 240 3 Comment: Fred's son is ready to step out of the running backs coach's shadow and make a name for himself as a go-to target of Robinson's. Jeremy Jackson WR 6-3 204 3 Comment: Miller has bounced around between wide receiver and tight end, but is back at tight end for now, hoping to earn a starting job. Ricardo Miller WR 6-4 226 3 Comment: Moved over from line- backer in the spring and will likely need another full year to get the hang of the position before he can contribute. Jordan Paskorz TE 6-3 254 3 Comment: Potentially the most physi- cally gifted of the three receivers in the 2010 class, Robinson has to make the most of his chance. Jerald Robinson WR 6-1 216 3 Comment: Physical, punishing hitter is the perfect fit at strong safety and would be wise to soak up everything he can from Jordan Kovacs as he prepares to succeed him. Marvin Robinson S 6-2 200 4 Comment: Sky is the limit for the strongside linebacker that may just challenge Shawn Crable's single-season record of 28.5 tackles for loss. Jake Ryan LB 6-3 242 3 Comment: Improving, slowly, Wilkins will add depth to the middle of the Michigan defensive line. Ken Wilkins DT 6-3 294 4 52 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2012 case of Dorsey may have a happy end- ing if all goes well the next few weeks. A Michigan signee in 2010, Dorsey was denied admission to school — both poor academics and a history of felony charges too much to overcome. He spent a year at Grand Rapids Community College and told report- ers this spring that he intends to begin a Division I college career at Hawaii in 2012. However, the Warriors have not added him to the roster yet. three games at outside linebacker for the Wolverines in his rookie cam- paign, and recorded 2.5 tackles for loss among 18 overall stops in seven appearances. He went into 2011 fall practice a favorite to start at free safety, but was edged out by Thomas Gordon. Still, he was a key reserve early in the season and played in six games before deciding to transfer. He chose Hampton and will be eligible this fall for the Pirates. Ray Vinopal — Undersized and Carvin Johnson — Johnson started burg, S.C., athlete Conelius Jones; Youngstown, Ohio, linebacker An- tonio Kinard; Avon Lake, Ohio, cen- ter Christian Pace (injury); Warren, Ohio, linebacker Davion Rogers; Hu- ber Heights, Ohio, cornerback Ter- rence Talbott; Huber Heights, Ohio, defensive tackle Terry Talbott (in- jury); Livonia, Mich., running back Austin White; and Warren, Ohio, wide receiver D.J. Williamson. ❑ undervalued in his recruiting class — he was a two-star prospect — Vinopal started six games among 13 appearances as a true freshman for the Wolverines in 2010, tallying 33 tackles, one interception and three passes broken up. Homesick, he left U-M for Pittsburgh to be closer to his native Youngstown, Ohio — Pitts- burgh is 65 miles away versus 225 miles to Ann Arbor — and is pro- jected to start at safety for the Pan- thers in 2012. No longer in football: Spartan- ranks among the biggest ever since scholarship limits of 85 were imposed in 1992, but the class has dwindled considerably already, with 12 signees no longer wear- ing the winged helmet. That puts a greater onus on the 15 remain- ing to contribute, and this season, after two years of helping out a little here and there, the class is prepared to play a big role for the Wolverines. How they perform this season Report Card Michigan's 2010 class of 27 and next will ultimately determine the grade the members of the 2010 class receive. Jake Ryan, Devin Gardner, Courtney Avery and Will Hagerup have paved the way for a positive mark, but cannot achieve an "A" on their own: B