Team 134 Depth Chart Preview

It is almost Labor Day which means I am back blogging for the upcoming football season.  There has been a lot of discussion about Michigan's depth chart so far during training camp, and even though the answers will be revealed in 8 short days I thought I could take my guesses. 

There are some easy choices, and some shots in the dark (especially with Darboh now out for the season with a foot injury).  I will bold the players that I think are locks.  Take a look and tell me what you think.

QB:
Devin Gardner
Shane Morris

RB:
Fitz Toussaint
Derrick Green
Justice Hayes (3rd down back)

FB:
Joe Kerridge
Sione Houma

WR1:
Jeremy Gallon
Joe Reynolds

WR2:
Jehu Chesson
Joe Reynolds
Jeremy Jackson

Slot:
Drew Dileo
Dennis Norfleet

TE1 (Y):
Devin Funchess
A.J. Williams
Jake Butt

TE2 (U):
Jordan Paskorz
Khalid Hill
Wyatt Shallman

LT:
Taylor Lewan
Michael Schofield

LG:
Chris Bryant
Graham Glasgow
Ben Braden

C:
Jack Miller
Graham Glasgow

RG:
Kyle Kalis
Graham Glasgow

RT:
Michael Schofield
Ben Braden

The biggest offensive battles that still need to be determined are WR2 after the Darboh injury, LG and C.  The coaching staff has mentioned that they would not be opposed to using a platoon for the 2nd receiver position.  The LG is a little disconcerning since after spring ball all signs pointed towards Ben Braden staking claim to the guard next to Lewan.  Now insiders are saying that Braden hasnt even been taking snaps at guard during the fall, and Chris Bryant has taken over the lead.  According to Coach Borgess, Bryant was on track to win one of the starting guard spots last year before an injury sidelined him for the year.  The final spot, center, is likely the most important battle still taking place in camp.  We have seen how important a quality center is with the dropoff from David Molk.  If you are an optimist, whoever wins the starting job should be as good, if not better, than last year's.

 DT:
Quinton Washington
Ondre Pipkens

3-Tech:
Jibreel Black
Willie Henry

SDE:
Chris Wormley
Keith Heitzman
Tom Strobel

WDE:
Frank Clark
Mario Ojemudia
Taco Charlton

SAM:
Jake Ryan (in October)
Cam Gordon
Brennan Beyer

MIKE:
Desmond Morgan
Joe Bolden

WILL:
James Ross
Desmond Morgan
Royce Jenkins-Stone

CB1:
Blake Countess
Delonte Hollowell
Jourdan Lewis

CB2:
Raymon Taylor
Courtney Avery
Ross Douglas

NB:
Dymonte Thomas
Blake Countess
Courtney Avery

S1:
Thomas Gordon
Jarrod Wilson
Delano Hill

S2:
Courtney Avery
Jarrod Wilson
Jeremy Clark

K:
Brendan Gibbons
Matt Wile

P:
Matt Wile

KR:
Dennis Norfleet
Jourdan Lewis

PR:
Dennis Norfleet
Drew Dileo

The biggest battles on the defensive side of the ball are at SDE and the 2nd safety position.  The strong side defensive end seems to be a battle between high-floor/low-ceiling Keith Heitzman and high-ceiling/low-floor Chris Wormley.  Since Greg Mattison likes running 8-10 defensive lineman in every game, both of these guys should see plenty of time.  It will be interesting to see if Tom Strobel can break into the 2-deep.  Look for him to get some snaps in the 2nd half of the season opener. The 2nd safety position is the top priority right now for the defensive coaches.  It seemed like Jarrod Wilson was the heir apparent after the Outback Bowl, but while the physical tools are all there, the mental understanding is still limited.  It seems like this side of his game hasn't developed as much as the coaches would like, so they decided to let Courtney Avery take some snaps at safety.  My theory right now is that Michigan will start the season a lot like they did in 2011.  I think the personnel will change depending on running or passing downs.  During running plays I think Wilson will be playing the majority of the snaps along with Thomas at nickelback.  Durring apparent passing plays, Michigan will likely opt to get more cornerback-type players on the field. This could be where Avery slides into the underneath safety, Blake Countess switches to the nickelback, and Delonte Hollowell takes over the outside corner back.  Personally, I think the 2nd safety position is Wilson's to lose, so as he gains more game experience I would hope he takes over the full time job.