Michigan Football: 2016 Roster Loaded with Familiar Faces

The Michigan football team may have 19 returning starters in 2016.

Last month’s loss to Ohio State sent Michigan football fans racing to the exits before the two teams switched ends for the final quarter. Feelings of anger and disappointment were obvious as the Maize and Blue quietly succumbed, 42-13.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way.

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Defeating the Buckeyes a must for Michigan

Michigan hired its favorite son, Jim Harbaugh, to make the Wolverines competitive but chiefly to beat Ohio State.

Maybe it was unrealistic for Harbaugh to do better than a 9-3 record (with a bowl game to come) in his first season. Perhaps the near-victory over Michigan State gave the Michigan fan base a taste of over confidence.

Next season should be different. The Wolverines should benefit from 19 returning starters, a top 10 (2016) recruiting class and Coach Harbaugh having one year under his belt.

Rudock moves on

Michigan has everyone back on offense except QB Jake Rudock, center Graham Glasgow and fullbacks, Joe Kerridge and Sione Houma.

Don’t be surprised if Jabrill Peppers spends most or all of his time at the running back position—it’s no secret Michigan’s rushing attack has been subpar for quite some time (after Denard Robinson).

It’s entirely possible that some of the redshirt seniors won’t be back in 2016, even if they’re penciled in as starters. A few could transfer to another school and a few more might not be asked back by the coaching staff. Some will lose their positions to more talented players.

Durkin takes Maryland job

Harbaugh lost his first assistant Tuesday (Dec. 2) when defensive coordinator DJ Durkin accepted the Maryland head coaching job.

Durkin also worked for Harbaugh at Stanford and led the Wolverines this season to a No. 4 national ranking in total defense.

Most likely, nine offensive and 10 defensive starters will return in 2016.

They are listed below (Classes reflect 2016 season):

OFFENSE
WR: Jehu Chesson RS SR
WR: Amara Darboh RS SR
TE: Jake Butt SR
RB: De’Veon Smith SR
RB: Jabrill Peppers, RS SO
LT: Mason Cole JR
LG: Ben Braden RS SR
RG: Kyle Kalis RS SR
RT: Erik Magnuson RS SR

DEFENSE
BUCK: Taco Charlton SR
SSDE: Willie Henry RS SR
NT: Maurice Hurst RS JR
DT: Chris Wormley RS SR
ILB: Ben Gedeon SR
OLB: Delano Hill SR
CB: Jourdan Lewis SR
CB: Jeremy Clark RS SR
S: Jabrill Peppers RS SO
S: Dymonte Thomas SR

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