2013 Michigan Wolverines Football Preview: Receivers
By Tony Fischer
Jan 1, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jeremy Gallon (10) runs while defended by South Carolina Gamecocks free safety D.J. Swearinger (36) in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-USA TODAY Sports
The 2013 Michigan Wolverines Football Preview focuses on the receiving corps. As the Michigan Wolverines football program completes the transition to a pro-style offensive attack, the receivers will play a major role in this years offense. Last year, Michigan’s receiving corps included two quarterbacks. The Wolverines current signal caller Devin Gardner started the year at WR then switched spots with then quarterback Denard Robinson to finish out the season. Gardner was the teams fourth leading receiver with 266 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Now with the Gardner firmly entrenched at quarterback, the Michigan Wolverines will need someone in their current corps to step up to the 1,000 yard level. The Wolverines will have senior leadership on the wings and talented underclassmen the will contribute to contribute to the air attack. Michigan’s offensive success will depend largely on the ability of the outside receivers to effectively stretch the field.
Jeremy Gallon – WR -Redshirt Senior
Gallon was the team leading receiver in 2012 with 829 and 4 touchdowns. Gallon definitely has the ability to stretch the field and Devin Gardner is more accurate with the deep ball. In 2012 he was a favorite target of Devin Gardner and was the leading receiver in every game Gardner started. Gallon is poised to have a great season if Gardner continues to rely on him as the primary target. Especially considering Gardner is a preseason Maxwell award candidate himself.
Drew Dileo – WR – Senior
Dileo had a solid year for Big Blue in 2012 serving primarily as the #3 receiver behind the departed Roy Roundtree and returning senior Jeremy Gallon. As the #3 he gained 331 yards on 20 catches. He will get his chance to step into a key role as the teams number two receiver but will get pressure from 3-star recruit Da’Mario Jones from Westland John Glenn High School.
Da’Mario Jones – WR -Freshman
Jones is a 6’2″ 195 lbs playmaker with 4.4 speed. He has good offensive awareness and will give Michigan another weapon down the field. Look for Jones to compete for starting time in fall camp with Senior Drew Dileo. Jones has the potential to be the an impactful player in the Michigan Wolverines pro-style offensive attack.
Devin Funchess – TE -Sophomore
The Sophomore tight end was very effective as a safety valve for Denard Robinson in 2012. He was also very effective in the Red Zone scoring 5 touchdowns on just 15 catches as a freshmen. Funchess is another player that stands to significantly gain from the change to a pro-style offense. He has the ability to catch and carry in the middle of the field and will benefit from the gaps left by the Wolverines vertical weapons Gallon and Jones.
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