Michigan Football: Starting Lineup Beginning to Take Shape on Offense
By Joel Greer
Sep 13, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) rushes in the first half against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Receivers
With 62 receptions Devin Funchess was Michigan’s go-to wide receiver in 2014.
But the NFL called after the season, and Funchess was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round.
So Michigan will be depending on wide receivers Amara Darboh (36 catches in 2014), Jehu Chesson (14) and of course tight end Jake Butt (21).
Butt, who’s been named to the John Mackey preseason watch list (nation’s best tight end), just might be Michigan’s leading receiver.
Because of nagging injuries, its unclear who the starters might be when the season opens at Utah.
With Darboh’s finger in a splint and Freddy Canteen’s arm in a sling, true freshman Grant Perry saw some playing time in the scrimmage and redshirt freshman Chase Winovich got some reps at tight end.
Drake Harris, who will play both wide receiver and in the slot, missed his senior high school season and all of last year at Michigan with hamstring problems. Now healthy, the 6-4 redshirt freshman will show why he was selected for the 2014 Under Armour All-America Game and was a member of the Detroit News Blue Chip List as a senior.
Michigan also has a wild card in Jabrill Peppers, who will play mainly on defense, switching between free safety, nickelback and cornerback. The nation’s No.3 recruit in 2014 will also line up occasionally at wide receiver or running back. If that’s not enough, look for Peppers to field punts and possibly kickoffs.
Wolverine fans expected Peppers to shine last season, but he missed most of the year with ankle and leg injuries.
Next: 3 takeaways from Michigan football media day