The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/696825
THE WOLVERINE 2016 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 71 WIDE RECEIVERS but Jehu Chesson had a skill set that included elite speed," noted Doug Karsch, sideline reporter for Michigan's radio broadcasts. "They found ways to make him a better route runner. He started making more catches in traffic. "He made [Florida's] Vernon Hargreaves look silly in that bowl game. The out-and-up move on the pump fake he made in the Citrus Bowl took place right in front of me. Chesson just slowed down and left Hargreaves standing next to me. I couldn't believe it was the same guy, making a first-round NFL Draft pick look that bad." Several close to the Wolverines insist Chesson will be ready after sit- ting out spring practice due to a leg injury sustained in the Citrus Bowl. His presence is huge for the Wolverines as a likely two-time captain, deep threat and effective runner in the jet series. Chesson took a massive step forward last season, on several levels. He intends to be part of a battle for the Big Ten championship this year, and the Wolverines are counting on him. "Against Utah, Jake Rudock three times overthrew open receivers," Karsch recalled. "One of them was Jehu Chesson. Chesson absolutely slowed down on one of those before turning on the jets. He did not do that later in the year against Maryland, and he didn't do it in the bowl game. "That's just running the route through its entirety. When they talk about route running, it was something that happened against Utah that didn't happen later in the year. At the start of the year, the knock was that Rudock couldn't throw the deep ball, and that was incorrect." Darboh certainly won't be overlooked in the process. He provided the most stunning catch of the season for the Wolverines in 2015, described on the game broadcast as an "Odell Beckham-like" one-handed snag versus BYU. The fifth-year senior will be expected not only to deliver consistently on the field, but also to help mentor the host of younger players just getting started. While the latter will pay long-term benefits, Darboh's delivery on the field will be crucial. "Darboh, when it's all said and done, might have more catches than Chesson," Karsch said. "He might run more routes that lead to it. I like this one-two combination a lot." Darboh has quietly progressed over the years. He did make some headlines last fall, becoming a citizen of the United States after moving from war-torn Sierra Leone when he was a very small child, and he'll again take up residence in opposing defensive backfields. "He's a big, strong, sure-handed young man," Karsch said. "He's ev- erything you want in a receiver. He made some spectacular catches and some spectacular attempts. I think of the trajectory of how much better that kid has gotten and what could happen here going into this year if he keeps getting better. PRESEASON ANALYSIS: WIDE RECEIVERS Starter ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ The Wolverines will be extremely strong here, provided fifth-year senior Jehu Ches- son comes back completely from a Citrus Bowl injury. He, classmate Amara Darboh and sophomore slot Grant Perry give Michigan's new quarterback a trio of targets that has been around and bring both skill and savvy to the table. Depth ✪ ✪ ✪ There are a ton of bodies, but true depth has yet to be determined. Redshirt sopho- more Maurice Ways having surgery on his foot is certainly a depth setback, and class- mate Drake Harris has yet to truly establish himself. With no fewer than six true freshmen coming in, the scramble is on. X-Factor How does Chesson bounce back from the bowl injury? If he's up to his 2015 pace, Michigan has a real weapon, both through the air and on the ground. If he's slowed at all, that's a big setback for Jedd Fisch's crew. Overall ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ Life looks rosy for the Wolverines at wideout, but they're not without some question marks, including the aforementioned Chesson's effectiveness. They're going to be get- ting up to speed with a new quarterback as well, a process that certainly took a little time last season. Michigan didn't skimp on the restocking, but it will hope the veterans are doing most of the damage. Note: Rankings are made on a scale of 1-5 stars. Fifth-year senior Amara Darboh paces all Michigan players with 90 career receptions and 1,200 receiving yards. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL