2013 Michigan Wolverines Football Preview: Offensive Line
By Tony Fischer
Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesman Taylor Lewan (77) during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The University of Michigan offensive line is going through a couple of transitions this season. The first is the new fully installed offense scheme being used by the Wolverines this season. With about 5 games left in the 2012 season, Coach Hoke began installing a pro-style offense that he hopes will best capitalize on the talents of QB Devin Gardner and new 4-star QB recruit Shane Morris.
The other need for transition has been created by turnover. The offensive line has lost 3 starters from the interior of the line from last season. But with senior leadership at the tackles, the newcomer to the offensive line could have a quick learning curve.
Taylor Lewan – Senior Offensive Tackle
A senior season for a Michigan offensive linemen hasn’t been this anticipated since Jake Long. After receiving All-Big Ten honors last season, Lewan has been projected to receive All-America honors in 2013. Lewan figures to be a big factor in the success of new offensive scheme. Despite losing three seniors on the interior of the line, Lewan told the crowd at Media Day the his is confident the offensive line will be effective.
"Obviously everyone’s going to question when a senior leaves, that stuff is going to happen but these guys are working so hard and they’ve done some really good things. The biggest thing we have now is we have depth. We have five, six guys that are really vying for that spot and all of them are capable of playing Big Ten football — it’s just who is going to step up and pull themselves apart from the rest of the team.”"
Micheal Schofield – Senior Offensive Tackle
Th other incumbent offensive linemen isn’t as highly touted but should provide solid play and senior leadership. Although Lewan is receiving most of the attention on the offensive line, he has been quick to point out how talent level of his linemate, Micheal Schofield. Schofield appreciated the praise from his senior teammate,
"It’s a huge deal, especially coming from Taylor, who’s an All-American and probably one of the better left tackles to play here, it’s great praise.”"
Interior Competition
Senior tackle Taylor Lewan said during media day that the most intense competition is for the interior line positions calling them “totally up for grabs.” The competition for center may be most intense. Redshirt sophomore Jack Miller is the favorite going into camp. But Head Coach Brady Hoke said on Media Day, noone is going to just be handed a position.
"Jack (Miller) has done a really good job. I think him and Graham Glasgow, and Joey Burzynski being the third element in there, I think they both have competed well. I think both of them, and really all three of them, have really good intelligence and that helps because they can play guard. We’ve worked them at all three. Jack (Miller) has mainly stayed at the center position, but he knows the guard position. I think it’s a good competition. This week is a big week for all those things to see how they play out. I think by the time we’re 13 days out we ought to have them figured out a little more. Obviously you don’t just hand it to a guy — he’s going to have to earn it every day.”"
Hoke has employed this “flex” strategy when filling out the depth chart at linebacker as well. Having lost upper classmen to graduation and star linebacker Jake Ryan to injury, Hoke has worked those competing for starting spots at multiple positions. The hope to make his team more versatile in case of injury.
Hoke is banking on the same strategy working for his offensive line.