Michigan football: Expect Wolverines to be vastly improved this season
By Joel Greer
Oct 5, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesman Graham Glasgow (61) gets set against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive line experienced
The offensive line has taken a lot of heat the last few seasons, so it’s about time these highly-regarded veterans show some improvement. New offensive line coach, Tim Drevno, who doubles as the offensive coordinator, has a group of five starters with 77 starts between them. Center Graham Glasgow leads the team with 24, right guard Kyle Kalis has 16, right tackle Erik Magnuson has 13 while left tackle Mason Cole and left guard Ben Braden have 12.
Probably the biggest plus for Michigan are the two graduate transfers Harbaugh wrestled from Iowa and Stanford, respectively. (Who can forget QB Russell Wilson’s success when he transferred from North Carolina St. to Wisconsin a few years back?)
Michigan was planning to start a quarterback in Shane Morris who’s not exactly polished before Jake Rudock arrived from Iowa. If he wins the job this fall, his role will be that of a “game manager.” Rudock will avoid sacks and throw few interceptions. Rudock, at 6-3, 208 lbs, had a .617 passing percentage along with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions last season.
Defensively, 10 starters will most likely be upperclassmen, which obviously doesn’t include Jabrill Peppers, the redshirt freshman who is undoubtedly Michigan’s best all-around player.
Next: Peppers brings versatility