The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/246097
An Early Top 10 For 2014 Michigan returns plenty of experienced talent in its bid to bounce back from a season that left a bitter taste. Here's a projection of two fistfuls of Wolverines who should be at the front of the pack. 1. Devin Gardner, QB — From offseason conditioning to spring ball to the grueling labors of summer, Gardner needs to be the take-charge leader of the Wolverines. He learned a lot through the travails of 2013. Now he has to capitalize. 2. Jake Ryan, LB — Ryan should be fully back from the devastating ACL injury that took away the first half of his 2013 season. He'll have nine months to continue moving forward physically, and drive himself and his defensive teammates to reach another level next fall. 3. Devin Funchess, WR — The other half of "The Devin Connection" emerged as a prime target in 2013. He dropped a few big potential catches along the way, but he also showed he should be Michigan's No. 1 receiver in the fall. 4. James Ross III, LB — Ross experienced his own ups and downs, but with two years of extensive on-field efforts behind him, he should step up as a clear leader on Michigan's 2014 defense. 5. Blake Countess, CB — Six interceptions signaled that Countess is back from the injury that cost him 2012, but the veteran can continue getting better in run support and other areas of the game. Still, it's a comfort to have him in coverage. 6. Frank Clark, DE — Clark has one more season to show he can channel all of his potential into big-time production. He checked out a possible jump to the NFL, and the feedback told him to stay and prove himself again, which means he'll be highly motivated. 7. Desmond Morgan, LB — Morgan remains a technically sound linebacker who has risen above most expectations. He'll be asked to reach another level in 2014, along with Michigan's defense. 8. Raymon Taylor, CB — Taylor makes some spectacular plays, and led the team in tackles with 86, but he needs to become more consistent for the Wolverines. 9. Jake Butt, TE — Butt features a wealth of talent, and enough experience now to post a huge 2014 season. 10. Brennen Beyer, DE — He'll be one of the old men of the defense, and Beyer took solid strides this year, playing both linebacker and defensive end. He should remain a key part of a more veteran crew. — John Borton