The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/859588
44 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2017 with the team, though it's not known if he'll face further internal punish- ment. 2. RB Karan Higdon: The shifty 5-10 back played in three games and managed only 19 yards on 11 carries and one catch out of the backfield for three yards his first year. The speed- ster took off last year and ran for 425 yards and six touchdowns. He has a chance to start this year after a great offseason of conditioning. 3. OL Grant Newsome: Newsome saw the field as a true freshman two years ago, starting with a game at Minnesota Oct. 31, and played well in his four appearances (one start). He secured the left tackle job in 2016, but a gruesome knee injury suffered last year against Wisconsin nearly cost him his leg, doing him in for the rest of the season. He'll redshirt in 2017 in an attempt to rehab and return. 4. TE Tyrone Wheatley Jr.: Wheat- ley, always an impressive blocker, has slimmed down and figures to be much more involved in the pass- ing game this year. He should be tar- geted much more after catching only three passes last year. READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT THIS FALL 1. S Tyree Kinnel: Kinnel picked up valuable experience last year, playing in all 13 games and notching 17 tack- les, and he had a very good spring to secure one of the starting safety spots heading into fall camp. He should start, barring something unforeseen, after showing well in the spring game and throughout practice. 2. TE Zach Gentry: The former quarterback caught a long pass for a touchdown in the spring game, and there was a buzz around him throughout the spring. He needs to continue to work on his blocking, but he has an opportunity to be one of the biggest, most pleasant surprises of this class. 3. CB Keith Washington: Washing- ton, a high school quarterback, con- tinues to make strides at cornerback and was one of the most physical at the position this spring. He was the best corner against the run in the spring game and should be in the ro- tation this fall after playing primarily on special teams last year. 4. OL Jon Runyan Jr.: Runyan made huge strides in the spring and has a legitimate chance to start at right tackle, performing the best of all the candidates there. He contin- ues to add strength and plays with some of his All-American father 's characteristics — going all out until the whistle. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? WR/DB Brian Cole: Cole moved from wide receiver to safety, but he was kicked off the team after his rookie year and transferred to Ken- tucky, initially — but he then ended up at junior college powerhouse East Mississippi and signed with Missis- sippi State. PK Andrew David: David trans- ferred to TCU before the fall last year after leaving the team in the summer. He sat out last season due to NCAA transfer rules. ❏ REPORT CARD — C This is a group that needs to be groomed, but there are still enough players who could make the class a success when it's all said and done. Much of that depends on if the guys on the cusp make the most of their opportunities the next couple of years, but it appears many have put in the time and will compete for playing time this fall and beyond. Redshirt sophomore Jon Runyan Jr. is the son of a former U-M standout of the same name who played in the NFL from 1996-2009 and served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-15. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN