The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/859588
46 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2017 BY CHRIS BALAS J im Harbaugh said during camp last fall that several freshmen could see the field, and he backed it up by playing most of them. A number of them became key contributors on a team that finished 10-3 and a bounce or two away from the program's first Big Ten champi- onship game appearance. Many of those in the 2016 class will be expected to take huge leaps this year in order for the Wolverines to contend. Here's a look at where things stand with the rising sopho- mores and redshirt freshmen: THE TOP FIVE CONTRIBUTORS SO FAR 1. OG Ben Bredeson: The big line- man started eight games and ap- peared in all 13 a year ago, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention hon- ors. He was also named a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and will be a stalwart for the next several years. The Hartland, Wis., native figures to start at left guard for the second straight year. 2. RB Chris Evans: A shifty back, Evans played in all 13 games and made one start at slot receiver, be- coming the team's second-leading rusher with 614 yards on 88 carries and four touchdowns. Among regu- lar rushers, he averaged a team-best 7.0 yards per carry and caught six passes for 87 yards. He has only con- tinued to ascend, winning the team's spring combine on offense as the top finisher in seven of eight categories among running backs, and is the fa- vorite to start this year. 3. DE Rashan Gary: Gary notched 27 tackles (five for loss) and a sack last year, playing in every game. He's ready to be a full-time contributor, and many believe he can dominate the position. Like Evans, he won the team's spring combine on his side of the ball, posting some impres- sive results, including a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, 31-inch vertical jump, 25.98-second 200-yard shuttle, 9-foot- 6-inch broad jump and 6.70-second L-drill. The former No. 1 overall recruit won five of a possible eight categories among defensive linemen and placed second in two others. Sophomore Ben Bredeson started eight times at left guard last, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention and Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America honors. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN 2016 CLASS REVIEW EARLY IMPACT The 2016 Class Is Off To A Great Start