The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/495628
No. 1 receiving threat. Two interceptions thrown should have been completions. The coach knows it wasn't all on the quarterback. "Catching more contested balls — if our receivers can continue to improve in that area, make the tougher catches … [junior quarterback] Shane Morris had one interception, but that was on a ball that really was on and should have been caught, but was deflected into the sec - ondary," Harbaugh noted. There's no shame in the defense shin- ing in the Blue team's 7-0 win over the White, but there is at least some cause for concern. "In spring, the defense is weeks ahead of the offense simply because of all the timing issues, whether it be blocking schemes, backs hitting the hole timely or quarterback/receiver connections," former Michigan wide receiver Curt Ste- phenson said. "In addition, the offense usually opens only half the playbook. There were no deep crossing routes or posts in the entire scrimmage. "Maybe Harbaugh didn't want to show these yet, or maybe there isn't con- fidence that the line can hold the pocket that long. For whatever reason, they didn't run any." They relied on sideline patterns, he noted, the easiest route for a receiver to run and easiest for a quarterback to throw. Darboh hauled in a couple, but one was broken up for an interception on what should have been a catch for red- shirt sophomore Maurice Ways. Darboh made a nice play on another and one went for a touchdown to redshirt sopho- more Jaron Dukes. "Both of these catches were against a guy who was a slot receiver last year [senior Dennis Norfleet], so the receiving corps should not be walking around with their chest out," Stephenson noted. "That group, frankly, is a worrisome situation. We have some big talented guys outside, yet no one can run by anyone. "When you aren't faster you need to incorporate double moves and head fakes, and you have to run your routes to perfection. Rarely was there separation. The staff sees this, and they know the is - sue. The only two times you saw receiv- ers wide open were trick plays. That is a concern. "With two junior receivers and Jim's 'clean slate' attitude, spring and the spring game would be the time to shine." There's still hope, he added. After all, Harbaugh is known as a "grinder," and every position can be made into a grinder position — even receiver. "If you're not faster than your op- ponent, be stronger," Stephenson said. "If he can run with you, can he run that same speed 10 times in a row … can he run the same speed after being hit 10 times in the chest? Make the mental jump to grind and become better every day. Eventually your opponent is going to think, 'I can't keep this up.' "But these boys have a ways to go, still." How quickly they develop will go a long way toward determining the 2015 team's ceiling. ❑ Chris Balas has been with The Wolverine since 1997, working part time for five years before joining the staff full time in 2002. Contact him at cbalas@thewolverine.com and follow him on Twitter at Balas_Wolverine.