The rest of the CFBNews.com preview
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Preview 2005
Michigan offense
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2005 Michigan Preview | Defense Breakdown and Analysis | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
Basically ... On straight talent, it'll be hard to beat the Wolverines if QB Chad Henne and RB Mike Hart improve at all on their fantastic freshman years. The loss of all-everything receiver Braylon Edwards will hurt worse than many will you have you believe. However, Jason Avant and Steve Breaston are very, very good. The line will have three All-Big Ten performers in guard Matt Lentz and tackles Adam Stenavich and Jake Long; now the pass protection has to be better.
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[font=Arial, Helvetica]Returning Leaders
[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica]Passing: Chad Henne
240-399, 2,743 yds, 25 TDs, 12 INT
Rushing: Mike Hart
282 carries for 1,455 yds and 9 TDs
Receiving: Jason Avant
38 catches for 447 yds and 3 TDs[/font]
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Star of the offense: Sophomore RB Mike Hart
Player that has to step up and become a star: Junior OG Adam Kraus
Unsung star on the rise: Junior OT Jake Long
Best pro prospect: Long
Top three all-star candidates: 1) WR/KR Steve Breaston, 2) Hart, 3) OT Adam Stenavich
Strength of the offense: Depth, talent, tackle
Weakness of the offense: Experienced backup quarterback
Quarterbacks
Chad Henne was better than anyone could've ever expected quickly erasing memories of John Navarre while looking like he'll be the leader of the offense for the next three years. Now he has two things to overcome: 1) there's no Braylon Edwards to throw to and 2) expectations. Michigan fans expect few mistakes out of their starting quarterback. Any early problems, or God forbid, another loss to Notre Dame, and many Maize and Bluers will be calling for Matt Gutierrez. Clayton Richard would be one of the nation's best number three quarterbacks and would likely start for at least seven other Big Ten teams, but he decided to concentrate on baseball.Player to keep an eye on: Matt Gutierrez, Sr. ... Quarterback Rating: 8Projected Starter
- Chad Henne, Soph. - Henne was thrown into action as a true freshman and led the Wolverines to the Big Ten title. Yeah, it helped to have Braylon Edwards to throw it up to, but he was great on his won showing a good command from day one and was steady, for the most part, when he had to be completing 60% of his passes for 2,743 yards and 25 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. Most importantly, he was never fazed by the normal freshman mistakes quickly pressing past them. He has an NFL arm and good mobility in the pocket, but he's not much of a scrambler.
Top Backups
- Matt Gutierrez, Sr. - Expected to be the starter going into last year, the 6-4, 232-pound senior has the arm, the size and the talent to be a star, but a shoulder problem kept him out and allowed Chad Henne to take over the starting job. He's good enough to step in and lead the offense without missing a beat, but he was out this spring having surgery on his arm.
- Clayton Richard, Jr. - At 6-4 and 225 pounds, he looks like the typical Michigan quarterback with the arm, the moves and the accuracy, but the left-hander left this spring to concentrate on being a pitcher.
Running Backs
Mike Hart was far better than anyone could've ever expected, but he could use some help after getting 308 touches. He'll be far more effective if Max Martin and Kevin Grady grow into the players they're expected to become. Martin and Grady offer more speed and burst, but they'll have a hard time getting playing time if Hart starts to get on a roll. Replacing fullback Kevin Dudley won't be easy needing Brian Thompson or Obi Oluigbo to show a little of the same run blocking skills. Roger Allison will eventually be the team's top fullback, but it might not happen until next year.
Player to keep an eye on: Kevin Grady, Fr. ... Running back rating: 9
Projected Starters
- Mike Hart, Soph. - It took two games for Hart to get in the mix, but be became, arguably, the nation's most consistent running back. The 5-9, 192-pound sophomore had seven games with 99 yards or more highlighted by a three game stretch against Minnesota, Illinois and Purdue when he ran for 664 yards and finished the season with 1,455 yards and nine touchdowns. He has great quickness and is tough as nails averaging a whopping 27 carries per game over the last ten games. He can also catch finishing fourth on the team with 26 grabs for 237 yards and a score. While he's a workhorse and has moves, he's not a home run hitter and isn't much at creating his own running room.
- Fullback Brian Thompson, Sr. - Thompson will get the first look at replacing underrated fullback Kevin Dudley. At 6-2 and 230 pounds, Dudley is a big blocker with a little bit of experience playing mostly on special teams. He started out his career as a linebacker, but turned into a good receiver in 2003 with 13 carries for 82 yards.
Top Backups
- Max Martin, Soph. - Martin was a decent backup finishing second on the team with 132 yards and a touchdown as a true freshman. At 6-1 and 215 pounds, he's a bigger back than Mike Hart with more speed.
- Kevin Grady, Fr. - The superstar recruit is a small, fast powerful 228-pound back. He's a tough back who has practice time after graduating early so he could practice with the team before the Rose Bowl. At the very least, he'll take the heat off Mike Hart with several carries each game.
- Fullback Obi Oluigbo, Sr. - The 237-pound senior is the biggest fullback in the mix and will spend most of his time on special teams. He's not going to get any carries, but he has the strength to become a top blocker.
- Fullback Roger Allison, Soph. - An intriguing fullback option, the 233-pound sophomore has more speed than Brian Thompson and Obi Oluigbo and is one of the best all-around combinations of strength, athleticism and speed in the backfield. Unlike the other fullbacks, he might be used as a power runner.
Receivers
This is a great receiving corps, but it's a tad on the overrated side after the loss of 97 catches, 1,330 yards and 15 touchdowns of Braylon Edwards. More importantly, there isn't a sure-thing, win-the-game-by-himself talent that Edwards was. Steve Breaston might be close, but he has to prove he can be a number one receiver. Jason Avant is one of the nation's best possession receivers and a lock to always run the right route. Adrian Arrington and Doug Dutch are good looking young prospects waiting in the wings. The tight ends can also catch, but they need to work on their blocking.
Player to keep an eye on: Doug Dutch, RFr. ... Receiver rating: 8.5
Projected Starters
- Jason Avant, Sr. - Avant has been a fantastic all-around receiver for the last two years catching 85 passes for 1,219 yards. He has good size and good speed, but he's not a deep threat and isn't going to replace Braylon Edwards, even though he'll be a top returning receiver. He's a phenomenal possession receiver and a great route runner always getting the first down.
- Steve Breaston, Sr. - Breaston appears to be ready for a humongous season. He was never quite right last year having problems with a variety of injuries, but he showed just how good he could be late with 112 receiving yards and a touchdown against Northwestern and a scintillating 221 yards on kickoff returns in the Rose Bowl. He's a bolt of lightning who could crank out a big season, but he hasn't produced too much as a receiver yet.
- Tight end Tim Massaquoi, Sr. - One of the nation's faster tight ends, the 6-4, 248-pound former wide receiver has great hands catching 18 passes for 184 yards last year. He could use work on his blocking, but he's going to be a top target in his final year.
Top Backups - Doug Dutch, RFr. - While he could use some time in the weight room, the 5-10, 195-pound sophomore has next-level, 4.3 speed playing behind Steve Breaston. He could grow into a top kick returner if needed.
- Carl Tabb, Sr. - Tabb has good size and speed, but he hasn't done much on offense catching ten passes for 103 yards in 2003. He'll mostly be used on special teams and will with Adrian Arrington behind Jason Avant.
- Adrian Arrington, Soph. - A tall, rangy 6-3 target with 4.45 speed, Arrington will figure prominently in the mix being groomed as one of the main receivers for 2006. He has too much athleticism and all-around talent to be kept on the bench for long.
- Tight End Tyler Ecker, Sr. - A consistent receiver catching 17 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns last year, he's a nice complement to Tim Massaquoi. He's not a dominant blocker, but he's serviceable.
Offensive Line
It's Michigan. The line will be outstanding. Tackle Adam Stenavich and guard Matt Lentz will be locks to be one almost everyone's all-star team, but right tackle Jake Long should be the best of the bunch as the season goes on. Rueben Riley isn't David Baas, but he'll be a great fill in at center. It's a huge line that needs to be better in pass protection after allowing 29 sacks.
Player to keep an eye on: Jake Long, Jr. ... Offensive line rating: 9.5
Projected Starters
- Tackle Adam Stenavich, Sr. - The 6-5, 317-pound All-Big Ten talent will be on everyone's All-America short list entering his third season on the line. He's a nice run blocker on the left side, but his real worth is as a pass protector with long arms, good feet, and great technique.
- Guard Adam Kraus, Jr. - The former tight end spent last year learning how to be a guard. At 6-6 and 311 pounds, he's a big pounder with good athleticism able to play either spot. He'll start out on the left side taking Rueben Riley's spot.
- Center Rueben Riley, Sr. - Riley spent last year starting most of the season at left guard, and now he'll move in side replacing Rimington Trophy winner David Baas. He's versatile and talented enough to play tackle if needed.
- Guard Matt Lentz, Sr. - An all-star on the right side, the 6-6 and 305 pound senior will once again be an All-Big Ten performer and the line's best run blocker. He's physical with a non-stop motor able to bury most linemen.
- Tackle Jake Long, Jr. - One of the most talented prospects to hit the Michigan line in a while, the 6-7, 338-pound junior will be a first day draft pick, and likely a first round selection. He has the talent to be an All-American this if he continues to progress and becomes more consistent.
Top Backups
- G Leo Heinge, Sr. - Heinge is talented, but he has had injury problems seeing time in only five games. At 6-4 and 339 pounds, he's a pounding run blocker who'll start out behind Matt Lentz and right guard and could push for the left guard job.
- T Mike Kolodziej,Jr. - Versatile enough to play either tackle position, the 6-7, 328-pound senior has been a spot starter and will be the first tackle in the rotation behind Adam Stenavich and Jake Long.
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Preview 2005
Michigan defense
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2005 Michigan Preview | Offense Breakdown and Analysis | Depth Chart | Further Analysis
Basically ... One of the most scrutinized defenses in the country this off-season after meltdowns against Ohio State and Texas, there's enough talent returning, and enough pressure on defensive coordinator Jim Herrmann, to expect a bit more consistency. There are some big losses, particularly in the secondary, but there are always enough athletes in Ann Arbor to go around. The line will be the strength with Gabe Watson and Pat Massey one of the nation's best tackle tandems. Can the back seven handle mobile quarterbacks? Will this be a tighter D against the top teams? The jury is still out.
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[font=Arial, Helvetica]Returning Leaders
[/font][font=Arial, Helvetica]Tackles: LaMarr Woodley, 70
Sacks: Patrick Massey, 5
Interceptions: Leon Hall, Scott McClintock, Ryan Mundy, 2[/font]
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Star of the defense: Junior LB/DE LaMarr Woodley
Player that has to step up and become a star: Senior CBs Grant Mason and Darnell Hood
Unsung star on the rise: Junior LB Prescott Burgess
Best pro prospect: Senior NT Gabe Watson
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Woodley, 2) Watson, 3) DT Pat Massey
Strength of the defense: Defensive line
Weakness of the defense: Pass defense
Defensive Line
Adding linebacker/end LaMarr Woodley to the mix, there's little to complain about with Gabe Watson and Pat Massey forming one of the nation's best tackle tandems, while Pierre Woods is sure to come up with a great year after being banged up for most of last season. Rondell Biggs and Alan Branch are good backups who can fill in for a start or three. The line was good at getting into the backfield, but not exceptional, and could stand to be better against the run considering all the size and experience.
Player to keep an eye on: DT Alan Branch, Soph. ... Defensive Line rating: 9.5
Projected Starters
- DE Pierre Woods, Sr. - 22 tackles, 2 tackles for loss ... Woods is a linebacker playing end with great speed and athleticism. At 6-5 and 247 pounds, he has good size against the run, but he's most talented at getting into the backfield. After a 68-tackle, seven sack 2003, his production dipped as he was never 100% healthy last year. Expect a bounceback season.
- NT Gabe Watson, Sr. - 37 tackles, 2 sacks, 7 tackles for loss ... Watson should be in the NFL. The 6-4, 331-pound senior is a true anchor n the nose able to take on two blockers without much of a problem. He's not a statue; he's a quick interior pass rusher when his gas tank is full. He needs to improve his conditioning a bit, but that's nitpicking for the All-Big Ten defender.
- DT Pat Massey, Sr. - 37 tackles, 5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss ... The 6-8 Massey is a slippery pass rusher who feasts on one-on-one blocking. His long arms and wingspan are great at grabbing runners, and he's dangerous at getting a push on field goals.
Top Backups
- DE Rondell Biggs, Sr. - 6 tackles ... Even though he's 278 pounds, he's not a stick in the mud with good quickness on the outside. He has a little bit of starting experience and will be a quality reserve behind Pierre Woods.- DT Alan Branch, Soph. - 5 tackles, 2 sacks ... Branch looked good when he got his chance as a true freshman seeing a little time as a big end along with tackle. At 6-6 and 323 pounds, he's a huge body on the inside playing behind Pat Massey.
Linebackers
Even with the loss of Lawrence Reid due to a shoulder injury, this should be a strong corps as long as Prescott Burgess grows into the star on the outside he's supposed to be. LaMarr Woodley is part end and part linebacker, but he excels most when Michigan uses the 3-4. Scott McClintock is a tough veteran on the inside. There's great depth just waiting to bust out.
Player to keep an eye on: Chris Graham, Soph. ... Linebacker rating: 8
Projected Starters
- DE/LB LaMarr Woodley,Jr. - 70 tackle, 4 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 4 broken up passes, 3 forced fumbles ... Woodley works as a defensive end and a linebacker depending on what alignment the front seven likes to go with. At 6-2 and 268 pounds, he's built more for the end, but he has the speed and range to handle himself well as a linebacker. He grew into an unstoppable pass rusher by the end of last year.
- Scott McClintock, Sr. - 58 tackles, 2 interceptions, 6 tackles for loss ... The steady veteran on the inside will be the anchor of the linebacking corps as the only returning starter. He's a tough tackler against the run and isn't bad in pass coverage.
- Chris Graham, Soph. - 6 tackles ... The 5-11, 225-pound Graham will take over Lawrence Reid's spot on the inside after seeing a little time as a true freshman. He has cornerback speed and good toughness to make up for his lack of size.
- Prescott Burgess, Jr. - 27 tackles, 1 interception ... The former safety spent last year as a backup linebacker on the inside. He has the range and speed to be a tone-setting star on the outside. Expect him to be one of the team's leading tacklers.
Top Backups
- DE/LB Tim Jamison, Soph. - 4 tackles ... Jamison is able to play the hybrid role of linebacker and defensive end behind LaMarr Woodley. He has safety speed and is tough enough to handle himself well against the run. He'll be back after getting knocked out for the year in the third game.- Shawn Crable, Jr. - 7 tackles, 1 sack ... Crable is a tall, rangy player with an excellent combination of speed and strength on the outside. He'll start out behind Prescott Burgess and will see time on special teams.
- Dave Harris, Sr. - 10 tackles ... Harris came back from a knee injury that sidelined him in 2003 to be a reliable backup on the inside. He'll play behind Chris Graham.
- John Thompson, RFr. - A terrific blend of skills, the 6-0, 229-pound sophomore can move, has good strength and can jump out of the stadium. He should be a good backup on the inside behind Scott McClintock.
Defensive Backs
The ill-advised early jump to the NFL by Ernest Shazor and the loss of top corner Marlin Jackson means there's a bit of work to be done. Leon Hall is a fine corner and Ryan Mundy is a solid safety, but they're not Jackson and Shazor. Grant Mason and Brandent Englemon will grow into their starting roles and there's good reserves who'll push for the open spots.
Player to keep an eye on: SS Brandent Englemon, Jr. ... Secondary rating: 7.5
Projected Starters
- CB Leon Hall, Jr. - 48 tackles, 2 interceptions, 8 broken up passes ... Overshadowed over the last two years, Hall should be a good number one corner with good size and the speed to lock down on most top receivers. He's a sure tackler and is growing into a sticky pass defender.
- FS Ryan Mundy, Jr. - 51 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 broken up pass ... Mundy will be the quarterback of the secondary with his smarts and experience. He's a consistent tackler with good size and warp speed; he's usually in the right place when he has to be.
- SS Brandent Englemon, Jr. - 13 tackles ... It'll be Englemon's job to take over Ernest Shazor's old spot. He isn't all that big, but he's strong with decent range and good hitting ability. He should grow into one of the team's top tacklers after a few weeks of work.
- CB Grant Mason, Sr. - 20 tackles, 1 interception ... Mason will take over Marlin Jackson's corner spot on the other side of Leon Hall. He has seen enough time in nickel and dime packages to be a fine fill in. A receiver for the first two years, he has been a great kickoff returner averaging 29.5 yards per kick last year.
Top Backups
- CB Darnell Hood, Sr. - 7 tackles ... Mostly a special teamer so far, Hood will combine with Grant Mason and Charles Stewart at one of the corner spots. He has enough experience and speed to be a major contributor.- SS Jamar Adams, Soph. - 6 tackles ... The 6-2, 207-pound Adams hits like a ton of bricks and will get every shot at taking over Ernest Shazor's strong safety job. Bradent Engelmon has it for now, but it'll be a battle this fall.
- FS Willis Barringer, Sr. - 5 tackles ... The former corner has mostly played on special teams so far. He has decent size and enough experience to see more playing time on defense behind Ryan Mundy.
Special Teams
The punting situation will shake out and could be a strength once huge-legged Zoltan Mesko gets to camp. Garrett Rivas will be one of the Big Ten's better field goal kickers, but he isn't going to nail any 50-yarders. Steve Breaston, now healthy, will be an All-American kickoff and punt returner averaging 12.2 yards on punts and 24.6 yards on kickoffs. The punt coverage unit needs work after allowing 13.1 yards per return.
Special Teams rating: 8.5- Placekicker Garrett Rivas, Jr. - 19-24 FGs, 37-41 extra points ... Rivas doesn't have huge range, but he has become nearly automatic from 47 yards and in. He has the mental makup to hit the big kicks when needed.
- Punter Mark Spencer, Sr. or Zoltan Mesko, Fr.- A walk-on, Spencer will replace Adam Finley until true freshman Zoltan Mesko gets to camp. Expect this to be a battle up until the opener.
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Preview 2005
Michigan Wolverine depth chart
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2005 Michigan Preview | Offense Breakdown | Defense Breakdown | Further Analysis
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OFFENSE Returning Starters: 8
QB 7 Chad Henne 6-2 225 So.
12 Matt Gutierrez 6-4 232 Sr.
TB 20 Mike Hart 5-9 192 So.
23 Max Martin 6-1 215 So.
3 Kevin Grady 5-9 228 Fr.
FB 49 Brian Thompson 6-2 230 Sr. OR
40 Obi Oluigbo 6-0 237 Sr. OR
43 Roger Allison 6-1 233 So.
WR 15 Steve Breaston 6-1 179 Sr.
81 Doug Dutch 5-10 195 RFr.
WR 8 Jason Avant 6-1 210 Sr.
17 Carl Tabb 6-2 192 Sr. OR
16 Adrian Arrington 6-3 184 So.
TE 88 Tim Massaquoi 6-4 248 Sr.
89 Tyler Ecker 6-6 247 Sr.
LT 79 Adam Stenavich 6-5 317 Sr.
76 Mike Kolodziej 6-7 324 Jr.
LG 57 Adam Kraus 6-6 311 Jr.
72 Rueben Riley 6-3 304 Sr.
C 72 Rueben Riley 6-3 304 Sr.
54 Mark Bihl 6-4 297 Sr.
RG 67 Matt Lentz 6-6 305 Sr.
65 Leo Henige 6-4 339 Sr.
RT 77 Jake Long 6-7 338 Jr.
76 Mike Kolodziej 6-7 328 Sr.
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DEFENSE Returning Starters: 7
DE 99 Pierre Woods 6-5 247 Sr.
91 Rondell Biggs 6-2 278 Sr.
NT 78 Gabe Watson 6-4 331 Sr.
97 Will Johnson 6-4 287 So. OR
95 Marques Walton 6-0 280 So.
DT 94 Pat Massey 6-8 284 Sr.
80 Alan Branch 6-6 323 So.
DE/LB 56 LaMarr Woodley 6-2 268 Jr.
90 Tim Jamison 6-3 250 So.
OLB 6 Prescott Burgess 6-3 236 Jr.
2 Shawn Crable 6-5 247 Jr.
ILB 36 Scott McClintock 6-2 246 Sr.
49 John Thompson 6-0 229 RFr.
ILB 37 Chris Graham 5-11 225 So.
45 Dave Harris 6-2 246 Sr.
CB 13 Grant Mason 6-0 196 Sr. OR
4 Darnell Hood 5-11 190 Sr. OR
5 Charles Stewart 6-1 194 So.
FS 21 Ryan Mundy 6-1 204 Jr.
19 Willis Barringer 6-0 202 Sr.
SS 31 Brandent Englemon 5-11 199 Jr. OR
22 Jamar Adams 6-2 207 So.
CB 29 Leon Hall 5-11 191 Jr.
14 Morgan Trent 6-0 185 So.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK 38 Garrett Rivas 5-9 216 Jr.
P 2 Mark Spencer 6-0 223 Sr.
KR 15 Steve Breaston 6-1 179 Sr.
13 Grant Mason 6-0 196 Sr.
16 Adrian Arrington 6-3 184 So.
PR 15 Steve Breaston 6-1 179 Sr.
29 Leon Hall 5-11 191 Jr.
13 Grant Mason 6-0 196 Sr.
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Preview 2005
Michigan further analysis
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By John Harris | Michigan Preview | Offense | Defense | Depth Chart
http://cfbnews.com/2005/Preview/Preview2005.htmGet the 2005 CFN Preview in print
With a fresh set of downs…
1<SUP>st</SUP> and Ten – “Catch the Chicken, Rock” – Remember the movie Rocky II? Rock’s trainer Mick wants to work on Rock’s quickness and movement, so he puts the fighter in the chicken coop with a chicken. He then sets the chicken free and forces a frustrated and uninspired Rock to catch the chicken. Of course, you know the rest – it doesn’t happen until after Adrian’s ‘situation’ at the hospital - he’s inspired, he catches the chicken, he knocks out Apollo Creed. Okay, so to the point, in the Rose Bowl, the Wolverines’ ‘chicken’ was Vince Young and suffice it to say, they didn’t finish the job, although they did at least touch him. The difference in Young and the chicken is about a few hundred pounds (uh, obviously) and Young perhaps did it more with strength and power than quickness. But, the Wolverines’ tackling problems illustrated tackling techniques gone awry. And, that must improve this season. Now, before you think this is meant to pick on Michigan, it’s not, because there are so many teams that have tackling issues – good teams too. But, it also represented what has perhaps been lacking for a while now from the Michigan defense. Think back to 1997. Great year for the Wolverines, huh? That team played with discipline and focus all season long. They rarely made mental mistakes and they were physical on every level. On defense, they didn’t miss you. If one guy got there, the rest were coming to finish the deal. They weren’t out of position, and they didn’t lose games due to fundamentals, as they did in the Rose Bowl (well, they didn’t lose period). Tackling is fundamental and it’s about how much heart and desire you have to get a job done. If one guy can get there, everyone can sprint to the ball and help him out. This defense was torched by Young last year, but they weren’t the only one (just ask Nick Reid from Kansas). However, that’s no excuse for a team that had their hands on Young on a number of his ‘escape’ runs. This defense is going to be challenged all year to come up and finish a play, a tackle, a series or a game, and that’ll be the major key to their season.
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2<SUP>nd</SUP> and Seven – Breaston with a B – On the other side of the Rose Bowl ledger was the sublime performance of wide receiver/returner Steve Breaston. Throughout the year, Breaston was not fully healthy and the Wolverines’ offense wasn’t fully able to take advantage of his gamebreaking abilities. He thrived in Pasadena against the Texas return teams and smoked any one-on-one coverage in the passing game. He’s going to be more of a marked man this fall with no Braylon Edwards wearing maize and blue, but if the Michigan offensive staff can keep him on the move – in motion, in the slot, shifting, etc, it’s going to be that much more difficult for defenses to contain him.
3<SUP>rd</SUP> and Three – Ready for Prime Time – LaMarr Woodley, the Wolverines magnificent defender, might seem like a man without a true position, but he very well might be the best football player on this team. Part DE, part LB and all man, Woodley is perhaps the best perimeter run stopper in this league. The junior from Saginaw had a strong year, racking up 16 TFLs, and had a tremendous Rose Bowl against Young and the Longhorns. At 268 pounds, Woodley can line up and play over tight ends, just as much as he can be used in the pass rush. But, the man can play the run, and if you didn’t know that last season, you’ll realize it in 2005.
4<SUP>th</SUP> and One – The Wolverines have Hart – Hindsight is always 20-20, but do you think that Lloyd Carr and his offensive staff would have liked to have known how good Michael Hart really was before the Notre Dame game last year? Uh, yeah. Similar to his freshman counterpart at North Texas, Jamario Thomas, Hart is built like a compact mack truck, but he can make you miss as well (that and he wears #20 also). He’s the perfect blend of quickness, power and vision, and with another season like the one he had last year, this time for a full 11 games, the Wolverines could ride their horse to another Big Ten championship.
