Three reasons for optimism, concern with Michigan's 2017 football team
Carlos Monarrez
Free Press sports writer Carlos Monarrez takes a look at reasons for optimism and concern for Michigan football this season:
Three reasons for optimism
Harbaugh: It’s coach Jim Harbaugh’s third season, which means many of his own recruits are now in the system and expected to play significant roles. The Wolverines have improved each of Harbaugh’s first two years. This probably isn’t the season to expect U-M to win its first conference title since 2004, but Harbaugh seems to have the program headed in that direction.
The schedule: Back in January, oddsmakers liked the Wolverines’ chances this season and gave them 12-to-1 odds to win the national title, tied for sixth-best odds in the country. Michigan’s two biggest rivals, Ohio State and Michigan State, visit the Big House. Road games at Penn State and Wisconsin will be challenges, but it’s a schedule in which nine or 10 wins are easily possible.
Gary glitters: Sophomore end Rashan Gary, along with tackle Maurice Hurst, will anchor the defensive line. Gary, who had 27 tackles with five for loss and one sack as a freshman, is expected to make a big leap. He was named a preseason All-America by the Sporting News, which wrote: “He will emerge as an elite defensive lineman in the Big Ten this year.”
More:
Breakdown: Michigan football's 2017 schedule
Three reasons for concern
Decimated defense: Defensive coordinator Don Brown has the unenviable task of trying to replace the 10 starters he lost from last season’s superb defense. This likely won’t be an elite unit and Brown is trying to get help wherever he can, especially in the secondary. Redshirt junior Drake Harris is switching from receiver to cornerback, and freshman Brad Hawkins is converting from receiver to safety.
More:
U-M def. coordinator Don Brown excited to gain Harris, Hawkins
Speight's fate: Harbaugh went from saying at last year’s team banquet that Wilton Speight could be one of the nation’s best quarterbacks to saying, after spring ball, the QB job would be an open competition the first two weeks of fall camp. Did Speight regress after his shoulder/collarbone-area injury? Can he bounce back? Senor John O'Korn and redshirt freshman Brandon Peters are the contenders to unseat Speight as QB.
Oh, that O-line: Coaches expect the offensive-line shuffle to continue into the fall and have said the best five will play. Mason Cole will start either at center or tackle, but the other four jobs are undecided. One big blow is the loss of left tackle Grant Newsome, who would have been a sure starter but is doubtful to play this year after his life-threatening knee injury.
U-M football coverage:
Pep Hamilton: Jim Harbaugh will pick QB, my job is to have him ready
U-M's athletic Jon Runyan Jr. making his case at offensive tackle
Talkin' Wolverines podcast: Michigan football recruiting bonanza
Contact Carlos Monarrez: cmonarrez@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez.
Download our Wolverines Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!
Contact Carlos Monarrez: cmonarrez@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez.