The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/859588
SEPTEMBER 2017 THE WOLVERINE 47 4. WR Eddie McDoom: McDoom came up with huge plays in the run game on jet sweeps last year, and he'll be asked to do more as a re- ceiver this season. He notched 160 rushing yards compared to 59 receiv- ing yards in 2016, but he's got sure hands. 5. LB Devin Bush Jr.: Bush became a special teams standout as a true freshman, laying some of the year's biggest hits. Harbaugh said he ex- pects him to start — and flourish — this year. READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT THIS FALL 1. S Josh Metellus: The versatile sophomore and big hitter moved from safety to linebacker then back to safety, and he'll likely start this fall in the defensive backfield. He was impressive in the Orange Bowl, when he stepped in for an injured Jabrill Peppers at viper and finished with six tackles plus a defensive two- point conversion on a blocked extra point return. 2. LB Khaleke Hudson: Another versatile defender, Hudson moves from safety, where he appeared in a pair of games, to viper linebacker to try and pick up where Peppers left off. He had a great spring and seems the perfect fit for the position. 3. CB David Long: Long battled injuries last season, but earned praise for his coverage skills and should start at one cornerback position. He needs to learn how to play through bumps and bruises, but he's got all the tools. 4. CB Lavert Hill: U-M's other sophomore corner also needs to channel his toughness genes, but he also has the tools to become an out- standing corner. He should start op- posite Long after playing on defense in nine contests last year. 5. OL Michael Onwenu: If he can control his weight — a big if — On- wenu can become a road-grading guard who is especially good in the run game. He needs to improve in pass protection, but he's the favorite to start at right guard. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? TE Devin Asiasi: Looked like a multi-year starter and ready for a breakout campaign, but transferred to UCLA after the 2016 season to be closer to home. RB Kingston Davis: Ended up at Independence Community College in Kansas after leaving the program this spring. LB Dytarious Johnson: Never made it to campus, prepping and ending up at Eastern Illinois Uni- versity. WR Ahmir Mitchell: Struggled off the field and left the program before playing a game, transferring to Rut- gers. ❏ Michael Onwenu played on both sides of the ball as a true freshman and appeared in nine games total. This year he has shifted his focus to offense, where he's looking to earn a role at guard. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN REPORT CARD — B+ This grade figures to go up in the next few years, but the group is off to a very good start. There are difference makers and a num- ber of future starters in the class, initially 29 players but down to 28 after safety Brad Hawkins prepped and joined the 2017 group.