Five Questions Michigan Spring Football

1. What did we learn about Michigan this spring?

We learned that the offense will look much more like a typical Al Borges offense, and that the defense will probably be fine despite losing Jake Ryan.

Devin Gardner is shaping up to be one of the better quarterbacks that Michigan has had in a long time, and his receiving corp seems to be developing a groove with him already. The staff’s want for a better four-man rush is apparent on the defensive side.

2. Were any of the pre-spring question marks successfully addressed?

This is hard to answer. The interior of the offensive line was definitely a question mark heading into the spring. Kyle Kalis, Ben Braden and Jack Miller all looked capable at times during the spring game, but it was also apparent that it will be a while before they’re all properly integrated into the offense.

The only other real question mark on offense is at receiver, where Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson look like strong candidates to step up next to Jeremy Gallon.

Defensively, the staff knew that the pass rush needed help heading into the spring. They’ve worked tirelessly on developing rush moves, and it was apparent in the Spring Game: OLB Cameron Gordon used the spin move successfully, Frank Clark added a bull rush to his arsenal, and the interior defensive lineman got into the backfield often enough to warrant an improvement.

The SAM linebacker spot became a question mark when Jake Ryan went down, but Gorgon and Beyer look capable of filling the spot. The secondary is deep with talent both young and old.

3. Who are a few unknown players who could breakout this season?

Drake Johnson is a kid that Michigan offered two years ago, causing many Michigan fans to scratch their head because of his two-star rating. He was an elite track prospect and is beginning to show that athleticism on the field, so the staff’s willingness to offer an unknown local athlete might pay off soon.

Defensively, look for strong side defensive end Matt Godin. He stands at 6’6″, 277 pounds, and I really think he could push Keith Heitzman for the starting position at the five-tech position. Godin is slightly more explosive and has a much longer frame, so it might only be a matter of time before Greg Mattison turns him into another Ryan Van Bergen.

Michigan RB Drake Johnson (AnnArbor.com / Daniel Brenner)

4. Can you quickly grade each position group?

QB – B

Gardner is an A- starter and could develop into a Heisman type of quarterback, but the backup situation is scary. Shane Morris could help the situation a little bit when he arrives in the fall.

RB – C+

The talent here is decent, but there isn’t an elite back on Michigan’s roster right now. Toussaint needs to get healthy and Derrick Green needs to hurry up and get here. For now, C+, but this could develop into a B+ group.

WR – B

There’s more talent here than anticipated, with Darboh and Chesson stepping up next to Gallon, who is downright nasty in one-on-one routes.

TE – B+

Michigan has a true blocking TE in A.J Williams and an All-American type of talent in Devin Funchess. The only thing holding the group back from elite status is the lack of a tight end who can do it all and do it all at a high level.

OL – B+

The interior looked shaky at times, but Kyle Kalis was a unanimous five-star prospect and Ben Braden is just freaking huge. Jack Miller should be able to play at a decent level by the time Big Ten play comes around, and Michigan already starts the best tackle combination in the conference, maybe even in the country.

DL – B

The defensive tackles are good but not great, although Washington looks like he could be developing into a mid-round NFL pick. The three-tech spot is only okay with Jibreel Black starting. The five-tech spot is also only okay as well. The weak side could turn out to be one of the defense’s strength, with Clark developing and Charlton/Ojemudia backing him.

LB – B+

James Ross will start and dominate at the WILL spot; he looks much thicker, stronger and plain ready to knock heads. I still have some doubts about Desmond Morgan’s ability, but putting him at the MIKE spot allows him to make plays between the tackles without being exposed in the open field too much. The SAM spot should still be alright despite losing Jake Ryan thanks to Cameron Gordon.

CB – B+

This group will range from good to great, all depending on if Blake Countess comes back healthy. Taylor and Avery both looked very strong during the spring, and the Wolverines are deep at the nickel spot with Hollowell, Richardson and Douglas all vying for time. If Countess comes back healthy the staff will have three legitimate starting corners to toy around with, and plenty of nickel options to go with it.

Safety – B

This is another position that could blow up. Thomas Gordon is a steady rock at one safety spot, although he lacks elite athleticism and doesn’t do much in terms of coverage. Marvin Robinson is a solid athlete and Jarrod Wilson is a rangy young safety, so whoever starts next to Gordon will be solid. Jeremy Clark is a physical freak to keep an eye on as well.

K/P – A-

Matt Wile is still Matt Wile. Will Hagerup is a fine option at punter when he actually manages to stay out of Hoke’s doghouse.

5. Are there any “surprises” we can expect from this team? 

I think some people will be shocked at how well this offense moves the ball at times. Some people outside of Ann Arbor don’t realize just how high of a ceiling Devin Gardner has; I think he could end up being the first overall pick in the draft if he continues to watch film and study the game like he does now. There are more weapons on offense than we expected, and once Derrick Green arrives there’s no telling how good this offense could be.

The defense should range from good to great. Some of that rides on the healthy return of a dominant Blake Countess, and the other part falls on the front seven’s ability to get pressure without Jake Ryan in the fold. If the unit plays well as a whole Michigan could be in great shape come November.

Check out our Michigan 2013 Spring Preview here.

Anthony Mammel of Maize N Brew provided the information for our Michigan football spring update.  For more Michigan football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Anthony on Twitter @anthonyfmammel and Maize N Brew @maizenbrew.