The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/495628
Tight End: Junior Jake Butt 6-6, 248 pounds Butt still looks relatively small despite his listed 248 pounds, and he'll never be a dominant blocker at the position, but he can catch the ball and should be a weapon in Jim Harbaugh's tight end-friendly offense. He's eclipsed 200 yards in each of his first two seasons and should easily top that mark this year. Backup: Senior A.J. Williams Wide Receiver: Redshirt junior Jehu Chesson 6-3, 207 pounds Chesson has great speed, but he still needs to improve his route running in order to get open more frequently. He has caught 29 passes in two seasons and will need to be more productive in 2015. Backup: Redshirt freshman Maurice Ways Quarterback: Junior Shane Morris 6-3, 209 pounds The lefty has yet to live up to lofty expectations, but he did make strides in the spring and was solid in the spring game, leading the Blue team to the game's only score. He completed only 14 of 40 passes for 128 yards with three interceptions last year, including 7 of 19 in his only start, a home loss to Minnesota. He has plenty to prove and will be pushed by incoming graduate transfer Jake Rudock (Iowa), who might be the favorite to win the job. Backup: Freshman Alex Malzone Fullback: Fifth-year senior Joe Kerridge 6-0, 249 pounds Kerridge saw the field in 12 games last year and has become a dependable lead blocker. He's also got good hands and could become an option in the passing game. He ran 52 yards on a fake punt last year, but carried only twice on regular running plays. Backup: Redshirt freshman Chase Winovich Running Back: Junior De'Veon Smith 5-11, 228 pounds Smith was reportedly the best — and healthiest — of the running backs this spring, and he had the only running play of note in the spring game, a 34-yarder early in the contest. He finished with 50 yards on seven carries and seemed a bit quicker to the hole than last season. Smith rushed for 519 yards and 4.8 yards per carry last year and was the best back in pass protection. Backups: Junior Derrick Green and redshirt sophomore Ty Isaac