The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/480355
A move to safety this spring will allow Peppers to perform in a number of dif- ferent situations. He's completely healthy, turning handsprings in practice and ready to spring into opponents' consciousness. • Ty Isaac, Jr., RB — Isaac possesses the size (6-3, 240), skills and experience to become a force for an upgraded Michigan rushing attack in the fall. After a freshman year at USC, and a redshirt year practicing with Michigan following his transfer, the junior will look to assert himself in a big way. He may be Michigan's best combination of runner and pass catcher out of the backfield. Now he needs to demonstrate his skill in the Wolverines' new offensive system, including the ability to pass protect at a high level. • Jake Butt, Jr., TE — Injuries have kept Butt from fulfilling his considerable promise in his first two years with the Wolverines. He still accomplished plenty last season, coming back from a spring anterior cruciate ligament tear to catch 21 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns. Now he has a chance to do much more. U-M's new offensive coaches love using tight ends, and he's one who could be a prime target all season long. • Bryan Mone, So., DT — The huge (6-4, 325) sophomore defensive tackle gets to go home to Salt Lake City to start the 2015 season. He should be ready to make offensive backfields his home, following an impressive start as a true freshman. Mone appeared in all 12 Michigan games as a rookie, making one start. He posted nine tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. He also got better at taking on blockers and making his presence felt. His role in D.J. Durkin's defense remains to be seen, but Mone could be a point-of-the-spear force in a 3-4 look or capably man a tackle spot in a 4-3. • Taco Charlton, Jr., DE — With Frank Clark gone, Charlton becomes an even bigger factor for Michigan up front. The rangy (6-6, 273) junior can play at ei- ther end of the defensive line, and could become Michigan's top pass rusher this season. Charlton saw action in 11 games a year ago, starting one. Among his 19 tackles were 3.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. He's been hungry for a bigger role these past two seasons, and looks ready to go and seize it. — John Borton Defensive end Taco Charlton posted 19 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss in 11 games last season, and he'll be looking for more this year. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL