2004 Statistics

Quarterback
It is safe to say that no one in Ann Arbor saw the impacting emergence of true freshman Chad Henne coming. After leading the Wolverines to a 9-3 record, and a second consecutive Big Ten title (by default, earning it only through other's losses), Henne has consequently placed himself in Michigan's infamous quarterback trap. The lack of depth behind the sophomore seems somewhat alarming, though. Whether or not redshirt junior Matt Gutierrez will be fully recovered from shoulder surgery is still an unknown, and redshirt sophomore Clayton Richard has already elected not to participate in spring practice(s). This means that another true freshman, Jason Forcier, would be thrust into a starting role should Henne go down early on. Forcier is a dual threat with a quick first three steps. Despite a year of wisdom and experience, don't expect Chad Henne's numbers to improve dramatically. Without the high-flying antics of Braylon Edwards, some of the off-target throws saved by '#1' will now likely become incompletions. Henne will remain a steady enough pocket sitter (132.56 passer rating), but his continued development is crucial for the team to take any next steps.

Running Back
As for the other UM true freshman 'coming-out' party, Michael Hart has placed himself amongst the nation's premier backs. The sophomore fits Michigan's offensive play-calling perfectly, an inside vision-skilled runner with a consistent ability to make plays in the passing game (26 catches). Expect Hart (NC.net third-team all-American) to be used more in this twin-role. Unfortunately, a crop of inexperienced talent lurks just behind Hart's 282 totes at tailback. The next closest ball carrier, sophomore Max Martin, had a mere 32 tries with the pigskin. Frosh blue-chipper Kevin Grady (Rivals.com ranked him 4th for all incoming RBs) is, too, expected to contribute. When indeed conjured, Grady's power running style and size will be used as a one-two punch with Michael Hart. Michigan's lone backfield loss, FB Kevin Dudley, may create a case of situational usage. Senior Brian Thompson is more of a traditional hard-nosed blocker, whereas redshirt freshman Roger Allison (4.54-40 speed) has been praised for bringing great athleticism to the spot. When Allison is in, look for him to get the rock early, which will keep LBs/blitzers honest. Expect more production from the position in 2005.

Receiver
Despite the return of two-thirds of Michigan's "triple threat", the loss of Biletnikoff Award-winner Braylon Edwards could leave Michigan's WR struggling with an identity crisis. Now, with the apparent lack of a consistent deep threat, the Wolverines need a big play man to emerge. Jason Avant, now taking the place of Edwards, brings great hands to the table, but also lacks the breakaway speed needed for a dominant senior season. Redshirt junior Steve Breaston had previously been used for his YAC (yards after catch) capacity, but his role this season will likely be as that deeper threat. Breaston's lack of size, along with Avant's apparent lack of game speed, creates a need for a 'go to' receiver to emerge. The likely candidate to replace Edwards this way is sophomore Adrian Arrington. In spite of limited action, Arrington has all the physical skills necessary to take on a larger role in 2005. His optimal size and speed make him ideal for the flanker spot. Michigan has plenty of youthful talent, but a new "big man" becomes a definite necessity that could, if not found, affect the teams win total.

Tight End
Tim Massaquoi responded to Michigan's TE hiccups by placing himself as a unanimous first team all-Big Ten selection, albeit via hauling in just 18 catches. Massaquoi's WR background makes him a mismatch (for LBs and safeties) with tight end size and wideout speed. He and fellow tight end Tyler Ecker had a combined 35 catches last season, but we would expect that number to soar as Michigan adapts its ever-changing offensive philosophy to suit new personnel (especially at WR).

Offensive Line
The lack of continuity and an abundance of youth (especially on the offensive front) showed last campaign in the form of poor communication, missed assignments, and confusion during secondary/linebacker blitzes (see OSU game). The Wolverines allowed a marginal 29 sacks on the year, the most for a Michigan team since 2001, and paved the way for an un-glorified 3.8 YPC. Michigan still returns four of five big eaters up front. Seniors Adam Stenovich (LT) and Matt Lentz (G), both third-team all-Americans in our opinion, will ground this crew well. Transplant guard Leo Henige will battle with Mark Bihl for the crucial center position, a competition which bodes well (both men have starting experience and excellent footwork). Sophomore starting guard Jake Long has surpassed expectations - his continued development says much, too, about this line's status. Barring injuries, a year of experience, along with stellar backs, should lead this unit to its most productive effort in quite some time.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Even in light of losing two first team all-Americans on this side of the ball, Michigan has an abundance of skill position talent that shouldn't be doubted by foes. There aren't any major weaknesses at first glance, and playmakers dot the horizon in every unit. Expect the young duo of Chad Henne and Mike Hart to decimate defenses early and often with great balance. Be sure to watch out for how offensive coordinator Terry Malone utilizes his other backs and tight ends in a shorter passing game now without any home-run hitters (yet) at WR. Once such a methodical approach is in place, then look for Henne to establish the deep ball. If no deep threat emerges, the second half of the season could be that much tougher as the underneath routes are easily anticipated by foes. And even if this happens, the running game is strong and deep enough that UM's backs could carry them through such adversity and keep Ann Arbor a winning town.

Defensive Line
First-team all-Big Ten defensive tackle Gabe Watson, and senior Patrick Massey will anchor a razor-thin defensive front for the Wolverines. The sudden lack of depth, due to losses of starting DE Larry Harrison (legal) and second-string DT Alex Ofili (NFL Draft), has left the Wolverines scrounging for younger players willing to fill the void. Such a task will be likely left to outside "swing-players" Pierre Woods and LaMarr Woodley should UM go with a 4-3. But this may also constitute a stay of the 3-4. Both Woods and Woodley are listed at outside linebacker, but both had played defensive end early in their college careers. Look for both to be on the line, though often in menacing two-point stances. In a 3-4 base, the Wolverines will need to find a "tweener"-DE/DT who is large enough to play the strongside end spot. The vacated end spot should wind up in the hands of second-year man Alan Branch. Branch has shown great explosiveness off the ball in the strongside spot, and has occupied it well for noticeable stints. Development of incoming freshman talent is promising, and a few will emerge from spring ball to meaningfully impact any needs. The loss of line coach Bill Sheridan will only be a minor bump here.

Linebacker
News of starting MLB Lawrence Reid's career-ending nerve condition has left Michigan thin on starting talent here, too. The Wolverines, now without two starters from 2004, will make adjustments up front to compensate for a lack of starting experience. The starting talent is adequate, but not overly appealing. Should they elect to stick with a 3-4, capable linebackers at every position will be tough to find, and injuries would prove decimating. The Wolverines seem to have stocked up with a modest crop of quick linebackers in the past three recruiting classes. The spring developments of the incoming youth here will most determine the Wolverine's defensive scheme choice. Movement within the depth charts all throughout the front seven will tell all, so keep your eyes peeled here.

Defensive Back
After losing most of a shaky secondary, it seems as if the current backs could still be the weakest link of them all on this side of the ball. Michigan has just two corners with meaningful experience, and will be tested depth-wise against opposing three- and four-receiver sets. The Wolverines will rely on junior Leon Hall to blanket opposing studs. Hall's 12 career starts make him the most experienced in a thin defensive backfield. Opposite Hall will be fifth-year senior Grant Mason, who has just a single start in his career. Ryan Mundy is the free safety as of now, but five-star ILB-recruit Prescott Burgess came in as the nation's highest-rated safety and is a prime candidate to bolster underneath coverages.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
With such an immense lack of depth up front, it seems inevitable that Michigan will elect to stay with the 3-4 base. This would keep the play in front of the newbies until they can match-up one-on-one and not get (the team) burned. Until such an aggressive effort is put forth, Michigan will continue to struggle on the defensive side of the ball. The Wolverines allowed 23.2 PPG, their highest tally since the 1962 campaign. The loss of two all-Americans in the secondary provides a basis for disaster. With so much youth in the defensive backfield, Michigan can no longer rely on secondary players to come up and make tackles in the box. Accordingly, the front seven has to stop most activity as it develops. In allowing 37 (to Ohio State) and 38 (to Texas) points in their last two outings, this crew has its work cut out just to prove to themselves they are still viable. The first few games will tell much about all of these character issues.