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Michigan football 2018: Starting lineup and depth chart projection

By Derek Grochowski

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 25: Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Rashan Gary (3) plays defense during game action between the Ohio State Buckeyes (8) and the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 25: Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Rashan Gary (3) plays defense during game action between the Ohio State Buckeyes (8) and the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 02: Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Tarik Black (7) catches a touchdown over Florida Gators defensive back Shawn Davis (31) during the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Florida Gators on September 2, 2017 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 02: Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Tarik Black (7) catches a touchdown over Florida Gators defensive back Shawn Davis (31) during the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Florida Gators on September 2, 2017 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Offense

Notable Losses:  The most noticeable loss will be senior quarterback Wilton Speight. He was not a great, program changing quarterback but he was steady and lead the team well. John O’Korn also graduated out of college football. He was not great for Michigan but he provided a good depth option. Outside of Speight, the next biggest loss was Khalid Hill. Hill played a hybrid fullback and tight end position. He was a huge factor in the red zone for the Wolverines.

QB: Shea Patterson JR. Ι QB: Brandon Peters JR.

The transfer of Shea Patterson was a huge win for Michigan this offseason. It got even better when the NCAA ruled him to eligible this year. He becomes the top quarterback in the room for Michigan. For the first time in a long time, Michigan has steady depth at quarterback. Brandon Peters is next in line in case Patterson struggles or is injured. Peters played well for Michigan when he filled in last season and showed signs of growth before suffering injuries.

WR: Tarik Black SO. Ι WR: Donovan Peoples-Jones SO. 

WR: Grant Perry SR. Ι WR: Kekoa Crawford JR.

This wide receiver core should have Wolverines fans very excited. Understandably the Wolverines saw a big drop off in production last season compared to the 2016 season with Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh. Now with Tarik Black healthy and Grant Perry ready for a bigger role, the Wolverines passing attack will be potent. Outside of the top two wide receivers Michigan our layered with even more quality. Donovan People-Jones and Kekoa Crawford are both quality options off the bench.

LT: Juwann Bushell-Beatty 5th Ι LT: Grant Newsome SR.

LG: Ben Bredeson JR. Ι LG: Andrew Vastardis JR.

C: Cesar Ruiz SO. Ι C: Stephen Spanellis JR.

RG: Michael Onwenu JR. Ι RG: Stephen Spanellis JR.

RT: Jon Runyan Jr. SR. Ι RT: Nolan Ulizio SR. 

The Wolverines offensive line will need to be better this season for the offense to have success. All eyes will be on Cesar Ruiz. The first year starter will be anchoring the offensive line as the center. The rest of the offensive line will fall into place with returning players. One of the most interesting players on the line to watch will be Grant Newsome. He suffered a gruesome injury that nearly caused him to lose his leg. He has worked hard to rehab and has a chance to play again. If he can regain his form from before the injury, he can be a starter again.

TE: Sean McKeon JR. Ι TE: Zach Gentry SR.

Jim Harbaugh likes to use his tight ends in all situations. In the past, they were an important part of Michigan’s offense when it comes to blocking to help a struggling offensive line. That will be the same this year as the line continues to grow together. The Wolverines have also used their tight ends to be important pass catchers.

Jake Butt was one of the most best tight ends in 2016 and in 2017 Sean McKeon tried to fill that role. He did not have the same production as Butt but was able to have three touchdowns and 29 receptions. McKeon will see a bigger role in pass catching as the quarterback position gets stronger.

RB: Chris Evans JR. Ι RB: Karan Higdon SR.

While watching the Wolverines last season it would seem that they would often abandon their run game early in games. Karan Higdon leads the team last year almost hitting 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns. Chris Evans gave the Wolverines some balance in the backfield and had a nice season himself. He had six touchdowns of his own. In 2018 the Wolverines should look to get the running game more involved on offense. All of the focus will be on Shea Patterson and the talented wide receiver group. A strong rushing attack will win Michigan games this year.

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