Wolverine Weekend: Top 5 Freshman With a Shot at Playing Time

We all know that Rich Rodriguez and staff have had to play a number of true freshman that last two years due to depth issues all over the team.  This year the team has better depth (mostly on defense), so it might be harder for true freshman to get on the field.  The below list does not count redshirt freshman which there are a number who are expected to contribute for example:  Lewan, The Gordon's, Toussaint, Turner, Emilien and many more.

#5: Devin Gardner- Getting to school in January and playing spring ball will help Devin get used to the offense and work on his passing skills.   Coach Rodriguez continues to mention him in the "mix" at QB but I feel it will be a big loss for the Wolverines if they have to play Devin this year.  Watching the Spring Game, Devin needs a year to continue to learn the offense and work on his QB skills.  Michigan has two solid options at QB this year with Tate and Denard and I think it would be a pretty significant loss if Denard doesn't red shirt.

#4: Josh Furman - Will be starting to practice next week and seems like a real athlete that could contribute right away at linebacker.  Of course, he has to get used to Greg Robinson (who is now coaching the LB's full time) defense and what his role will be, but with an athlete like this I expect to see him on special teams and playing some on defense as he learns his position during the year.

#3: Ricardo Miller - I'm not sure I can remember a true freshman that loved Michigan more then Ricardo does.  He moved his family from Florida to Ann Arbor last year just to be closer to the program.   He continues to be one of Michigan's best recruiters in the State of Florida and is actively working on Dee Hart and getting his commitment.  He enrolled in January and played spring ball.   I expect to see Ricardo's name on the X WR position behind Stonum and Stokes or the Z WR position behind Hemingway.

#2: Cullen Christian - was a Army All American at CB last year in high school.  With the losses of Warren the the NFL and Demar Dorsey to Louisville, Cullen might see a lot of playing time early and often.   What will be a big determination in his playing time is where Troy Woolfolk plays this year.  I believe most of him expect to be a CB but he also started the season at Safety last year.   The other wild card is JT Floyd, who was getting good buzz in spring practice and did show some improvements at CB later in the 2009 season.

#1: Will Hagerup - I'm trying to remember a true freshmen pretty much guaranteed a starting position before they even hit fall camp.   Some fans may say: Tate Forcier is an example.  But if you remember Threet and Sheridan was still on the team when he enrolled in January and during fall practice a number of people thought it might be Denard.  (That sounds familiar?)  Will pretty much has this position locked up the putting position with Zolton now kicking in the NFL.

Honorable mentions include: 

Jibreel Black, who I could see getting some time at DE mostly in spot duty.  The Michigan coaches were very high on him.

Austin White at running back.  Austin enrolled early and there is a lot of depth at RB ahead of him but if those guys are not effective and Vincent is still recovering from his ACL he could see some time.

Drew Dileo at punt and/or kick returns.  Could be a factor in special teams if others struggle ahead of him.

Courtney Avery could also see some time at CB and has been participating in Summer 7 on 7's.

Marvin Robinson could see time on special teams and maybe some time at safety.