Ok...Lloyd is gone, for all intensive purposes, and even I am tired of beating his dead carcass. Ok lets look at the team for next year.
Offense:
Offensive line- Look there is plenty of talent here. it is loaded 4 star guys who are in need of health, another year of conditioning, and stronger coaching. This is where it all begins and ends, for next year. If michigan can get strong line play, this can be a very strong team.
Quarterback- yeah Mallet was rough, but you can see he already has more upside than Henne. And, with Threet, cone, and the 4 star kid from Illi coming in, he at least get some push.
Tight ends- both guys mallet and Butler will be back. Again, this is another area where new coaching will help. I think much of butlers problems were due to the off season suspension which costly him dearly as far as practice time. In addition, a nice crop of tight ends are coming in, and Martell Webb is still growing into the position.
Wide Recievers- Even if Manningham leaves, this is a stocked area with Arrington, Mathews, the youngsters hemmingway & clements, and another good crop coming in. And who knows, maybe Bass will make the big comeback. This area is strong.
Running back- Yep hart will be gone, and it will be running back by committee. But with stronger line play, and a new staff with some new ideas to use the various strengths of these guys, Michigna will be fine.
Defense-
Defensive line- This is going to be one tough group next year. The ENTIRE two deep is back. Jamison, Johnson and Taylor are all solid guys, but this far into their careers they probably won't be that much better. But, Graham, and the bulky bunch (slocum, sargesse and kates) will probably make significant progress, and I expect one of them will supplant Johnson.
Linebacker- Ezeh made a lot of progress as the season progressed, and will only continue to get better. Thompson will be abel to provide some good leadership and consistent play. The question mark will be the third spot with painter and Mouton. But there isn't much depth, or any highly recruited guys behind them. However, there is an excellent crop of freshmen coming in, and hopefully a couple will step up.
Defensive backfield-
Corner position should be strong, with both corners returning. And, look for Donoavan to become the number one DB. Englemon and Adams were strong safetys, but not irreplaceable. Harrison, Brown, stewart, and numerous young guys will be competing, and I expect the new staff will improve this area anyway.
Kicking game- LOoks great. Lopata came on, and Mesko the great is back.
Conclusion: As I said above THE key will be the offensive line play. If we get strong offensive line play, everything else will fall smoothly into place. Again, a lot will depend on the new coach, and who is on the staff. Stay tuned.
