Michigan Football Coaching Staff

10 Golden Rules of Offensive Football

Players who contributed in 2013

Quarterback

Morris
Cleary/Bellomy/Gardner

Comments: Devin Gardner took Tom Harmon's Jersey #98. He set a school record in passing yards and total offense. He was 208 of 345 for 2960 yards, 21 TDs and 11 Interceptions (2 for TDs). He ran for 483 yards on 165 carries for 11 TDs, a 2 point conversion, and 4 fumble giveaways. Gardner ranked 32nd in the nation in passing efficiency, #3 in the Big Ten. Although he is our top offensive player; he was guilty of 17 turnovers, that also led the Big Ten. His efficiency rating was 146.07. His medical redshirt was granted so he will be eligible in 2014. Gardner Interview Morris Interview Shane Morris earned the backup position, and was 5 of 9 with one interception. Morris may start the Kansas State game due to Gardner's Turf Toe Injury. Wilton Speight enrolls in January to compete which will give Michigan four quarterbacks in the Spring: Gardner, Morris, Bellomy and Speight for 2014.

Our offense was potent, but inconsistent in 2013. We lose our best receiver in Darboh, and our team MVP was Gallon for 2014. We return Gardner, Green, Kerridge, Funchess, Chesson, and Butt along with Redshirts Amara Darboh, Csonte York, Jaron Dukes, and Khalid Hill. Freddy Canteen and Drake Harris are enrolling in January, and both should contribute as true Frosh in 2014. Ian Bunting has pledged at Tight End, and Maurice Ways at Wide Receiver. We've got to be a better offense in 2014, more consistent with fewer negative plays and a better rushing offense if we are to be successful.

Running Back (Tailback)

Hayes
Smith/Toussaint/Green

Comments: Fitz Toussaint had 183 carries for 646 yards, and 12 TDs plus 17 receptions for 203 yards. Johnson out for season with torn ACL. Derrick Green had 82 carries for 265 yards, and 2 TDs. DeVeon Smith had 22 carries for 110 yards. Justice Hayes caught 3 passes for 18 yards, but started the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. Thomas Rawls rounded out the five back contingent; he had 12 yards, and has played on special teams, but was injured at Iowa. Smith did not make the travel team to MSU; Brady Hoke said he was trying to send him "a message." 

H-Back

Kerridge
Houma

Comments: Joe Kerridge caught 5 passes for 25 yards; he showed improved blocking against the Buckeyes. Sione Houma eared two starts against Akron and Indiana, and caught a 9 yard pass. Wyatt Shallman has been impressive in Fall drills, but redshirted.

Wide Receiver-X

Funchess
Chesson/Jackson

Comments: Devin Funchess moved to wide receiver; he had 47 catches for 727 yards and 6 TDs. Jehu Chesson had 15 catches for 221 yards and a TD. Jeremy Jackson had 5 catches for 53 yards. C'sonte York saw action against CMU, but redshirted along with Jaron Dukes. Amara Darboh was out for the season with foot surgery, and redshirted with 3 years of eligibility remaining, 2014-2016.

Wide Receiver-Z

Gallon
Reynolds

Slot

Dileo
Norfleet

Comments: Jeremy Gallon set Big Ten and Michigan records against Indiana; he had 89 catches for 1373 yards and 9 TDs. Joe Reynolds had 4 catches for 69 yards. At slot, Drew Dileo had 16 catches for 174 yards and a TD. Dennis Norfleet has 5 catches for 37 yards plus 4 runs for 53 yards.

Wide Receiver Position Group: Jeremy Gallon, Devin Funchess, Drew Dileo, Jehu Chesson, Joe Reynolds, Dennis Norfleet and Jeremy Jackson are the receiving corps along with the running backs, Fitzgerald Toussaint, Joe Kerrigan, Sione Houma, Justice Hayes, and the Tight Ends Jake Butt and A.J. WIlliams. C'sonte York played in the CMU game, but still could redshirt. DeMario Jones played on punt returns teams in 11 games.

Tight End-Y

Butt
Williams/Paskorz

Comments: Jake Butt started 4 games; he had 20 catches for 235 yards, and 2 TDs. Williams suspended against MSU. A.J. Williams hurt his ankle against Notre Dame, but was suspended against the Spartans for a DUI; he caught his first pass as a Wolverine in two seasons for a 2 yard TD against Iowa. Jordan Paskorz got his first start at Tight End against the Spartans. Dylan Esterline and Michael Jocz also saw action against CMU. Khalid Hill made the first several travel teams, but the plan for him is to redshirt so he didn't trip to Northwestern or Iowa.

Right Tackle

Schofield
Braden

Comments: Mike Schofield started 13 games at Right Tackle; he moved to Left Tackle when Lewan couldn't continue at Penn State, and Eric Magnuson took over at Right Tackle. Ben Braden and Erik Gunderson were also in reserve. Logan Tulley-Tillman and David Dawson redshirted.

Right Guard

Kalis
Bars

Comments: Kyle Kalis had 9 starts at Right Guard; he hurt his leg against Minnesota, and Joey Burzynski replaced him. Kalis Opens Up About Struggles. Erik Magnuson also started 4 games at Right Guard. Blake Bars didn't make the trip to Penn State or MSU, but did make the Northwestern and Iowa road trips; there are rumors he may be considering a transfer at the end of the semester.

Center

G.Glasgow
Miller

Comments: Garrett Glasgow started 8 games with two high snaps over Gardner's head; Hoke said he's done a fine job at center this season. Jack Miller started the first 4 games at center, and did not have a good game against Akron and was replaced. Patrick Kugler redshirted although he made the travele teams. Miller Interview

Left Guard

Magnuson
Bosch/Bryant

Comments: Erik Magnuson started the last 7 games at Right or Left Guard. We have had 5 different starters at this position in 2013: Magnuson, Kyle Bosch, Chris Bryant, Joe Burzynski, and Garrett Glasgow. Ben Pliska saw action against CMU. Chris Fox and Dan Samuelson redshirted.

Left Tackle

Lewan
Schofield/Braden

Comments: Taylor Lewan started 13 games at Left Tackle; he was moved to Right Tackle and Tight End in different blocking schemes. Schofield moved over when Lewan was hurt against Penn State. Ben Braden is listed on the depth chart as the backup, and is now backing up both tackle positions with Magnuson starting at left guard. Magnuson may be the starter in 2014 at Left Tackle.

Lewan called "an idiot" by an old lady at Kroger's for turning down millions

Lewan-Magnuson-G.Glasgow-Kalis-Schofield

Schofield-Bosch-Miller-Bryant/Bars-Braden

Samuelson-Fox-Kugler-Dawson-Tulley-Tillman

Offensive line is amongst the poorest in Wolverine history. We ranked 123rd nationally, and 12th of 12 teams in the Big Ten in tackles for loss allowed. We ranked 99th in the nation, and 11th in the Big Ten in rushing offense. Five Freshman redshirted. We lose Lewan and Schofield, and expect Magnuson to replace Lewan at Left Tackle, and Ben Braden to replace Schofield at Right Tackle with Bosch starting at Left Guard. Chris Bryant and Blake Bars could also be factors. Redshirts David Dawson, Christopher Fox, Patrick Kugler, Dan Samuelson, and Logan Tulley-Tillman will all be competing in 2014. Mason Cole is enrolling in January to compete for playing time along with Juwan Bushell-Beatty in June.

Defensive Back-Wideside (LCB )

Countess
Lewis/Stribling

Comments: Jourden Lewis had 15 tackles in 13 games. Freshman Channing Stribling got his first start against Indiana; he had 14 tackles and a forced fumble in 13 games with one start plus another two tackles on special teams. Douglas saw action on special teams against Akron. Terrence Richardson is apparently "too small" to play the position according to Greg Mattison; he is considering a transfer at the end of the semester according to rumors. Avery Aims High

Defensive Back-Shortside (RCB)

Taylor
Hollowell

Comments: Ramon Taylor was the leading tackler on defense with 86 tackles, 1.5 for loss, 0.5 sack, 9 pass break ups, and 4 interceptions. Taylor thinks he's good enough to go "Pro" so he is exploring his options for the May draft. Delonte Hollowell played well in the Notre Dame game with 2 tackles.

Defensive Back-Nickel

Countess
Thomas

Comments: Blake Countess grabbed 6 interceptions, 4 pass break ups, and had 46 tackles, 2 for loss while starting 13 games. Dymonte Thomas was backup, and he was in on 6 tackles plus another on special teams where he blocked a punt. Countess Confident

Strong Safety

Furman
T.Gordon

Comments: Thomas Gordon was suspended for the first game against CMU; he had 56.5 tackles starting in 10 games with 2 pass break ups, 3 interceptions, and 2 tackles for loss. Josh Furman had 3 starts with 11 tackles playing in 8 games. Delano Hill impressed in Fall Drills, and earned playing time on special teams; he was in on a tackle against Penn State on a kickoff. Gordon Interview

Free Safety

Wilson
Avery/T.Gordon

Comments: Courtney Avery had 31 tackles for the season, plus 0.5 sack in 5 starts. Jarrod Wilson has 48.5 tackles, one for loss, 2 pass break ups, and 2 interceptions in the red zone in 8 starts. Jeremy Clark saw action on special teams.

Countess-T.Gordon-Wilson-Taylor

Thomas-Avery-Lewis-Stribling-Hollowell

Douglas-Richardson-Clark-Dawson

Defensive Backfield: Ramon Taylor was the leading tackler on defense with 86, and has the most pass defenses with 13, 4 interceptions and 9 pass break ups. Blake Countess was steady at Nickel; he has the most interceptions of any Wolverine defensive back since 1989 with 6. Thomas Gordon is weak on pass coverage, and our opponents have been successful exploiting this weakness; however, he came away with 3 interceptions, and forced a fumble against Ohio State. Courtney Avery started at Free Safety the last 5 games after Jarrod Wilson started the first 8 games; the two have combined for 79.5 tackles, 2.5 for loss, 2 interceptions, but no pass break ups which is also indicative of weak safety play. Delonte Hollowell, Channing Stribling, and Jourdan Lewis all contributed. Overall, one has to be pleased with the defensive backfield, they had 18 turnovers in 13 games, and 35% of the tackles on defense. We graduate Thomas Gordon and Courtney Avery. We redshirted Ross Douglass and Reon Dawson. In 2014, we return Ramon Taylor and Blake Countess at the corners, but our real problem is at safety; Josh Furman, Jarrod Wilson, Delano Hill, Dymonte Thomas, Jeremy Clark and possibly pledge Jibreel Peppers will compete for playing time there along with backup cornerbacks Jourdan Lewis, Channing Stribling, Delonte Hollowell, and Terry Richardson. We have the pledge of Brandon Watson, and he'll enroll in January to seek early playing time. Unless we get better safety play, even though we have strong cornerbacks, we'll continue to flounder on defense in 2014.

Special Teams

Jehu Chesson was the leading tackler on special teams; Dennis Norfleet and Joe Kerridge also showed a lot of hustle. Joe Bolden, Sione Houma, and Ben Gedeon are also excellent on kickoff returns. Starters Thomas Gordon and Ramon Taylor also contributed.

Placekicker/Field Goals/Extra Points/Kickoffs

Wile/Gibbons
Allen/McGrath

Comments: Matt Wile had 76 kickoffs for a 59.8 yard average with 37 touchbacks, and 4 out of bounds. Brendan Gibbons hit all 44 extra points, and set a new Michigan record with 16 field goals in a row; however, the streak was snapped against the Zips. Gibbons was 15 of 20 on field goals; he lost the opportunity to win the game against Penn State three times, two misses and a block. We had another one blocked against Indiana. He didn't play in either the Ohio State or Kansas State games. Matt Wile hit 3 of 5 field goals including a 49 yarder; he made all five extra points against Ohio State. Our kickoff coverage ranked 8th in the Big Ten, and 100th nationally.

Long Snapper

Glanda
Sypniewski

Comments: Jared Glanda was our snapper all 13 games, and got in on a tackle against the Huskies. Scott Sypniewski backed him up while redshirting; he was on all travel teams.

Holder

Drew Dileo was our holder with Kenny Allen as backup.

Punter

Wile
Allen

Comments: Matt Wile had 61 punts for a 40.6 yard average, 12 fair catches, 2 touchbacks, and 16 downed inside the 20. Kenny Allen had one punt for 51 yards. Our net punting ranked 53rd nationally, and 7th in the Big Ten. Hagerup is off the team in 2013, but may compete in 2014.

Punt Returns

Dileo
Norfleet/Gallon

Comments: Jeremy Gallon had 6 punt returns for 32 yards; he has replaced Dileo who is injured. Norfleet fumbled his first attempt inside the 10, but Delano Hill bailed him out with a fumble recovery. Norfleet fumbled his second attempt, but recovered it. Coach Ferrigno replaced him in the previous 8 games with Dileo until his injury. We had 17 returns for 6.7 yard average as a team with one punt block; we ranked 88th nationally and 11th in the Big Ten. Demario Jones gave the Huskies a red zone opportunity which they converted into a TD. Overall, Dileo had 6 returns for 44 yards. Our punt coverage team is ranked 38th nationally and 6th in the Big Ten.

Kickoff Returns

Norfleet
Dileo/Chesson/Lewis/Stribling

Comments: Norfleet gained 938 yards in 40 returns including a 44 yarder for a 23.5 yard average. Drew Dileo, Drew Dileo, Jehu Chesson, Sione Houma, Jourdan Lewis, and Royce Jenkins-Stone also had returns. Our kickoff return team had 51 returns for a 22.1 yard average; this ranked us 48th nationally and 4th in the Big Ten.

Garrett Glasgow, Joe Kerridge, and Joe Reynolds were awarded scholarships. Anthony Capatina made three travel teams, and Bobby Henderson made one; Ryan and Graham Glasgow, Brian Cleary, Joe Reynolds, Kenny Allen, and Joey Kerridge have made all travel teams.

Michigan Football Schedule-2013

Observations on the win over Central Michigan, 59-9

Observations on the win over Notre Dame, 41-30

Observations on the squeaker over Akron, 28-24

Observations on the win over Connecticut, 24-21

Observations on the win over Minnesota, 42-13

Observations on the loss to Penn State, 40-43

Observations on the win over Indiana, 63-47

Observations on the whipping by the Spartans, 6-29

Observations on the loss to Nebraska, 13-17

Observations on the overtime win over Northwestern, 27-19

Observations on the loss to Iowa, 21-24

Observations on the loss to Ohio State, 41-42

Observations on the loss to Kansas State, 14-31

Comments on season: Offensively, we had a poor offensive line that led the nation in negative offensive plays, and was ranked 11th of 12 teams in the Big Ten in rushing the football. We had a few exciting players on offense: Devin Gardner, Jeremy Gallon, Taylor Lewan, and Devin Funchess; however, the turnover problem on offense has contributed to further difficulties. On the bright side, we reduced our turnovers towards the end of the season while losing five of our last six games. On defense, we gave up 53 "big plays" of 20+ yards in 13 games. We do have some good players on defense, Ramon Taylor and Blake Countess have given us turnover capability; however, our defensive line was poor, and didn't create enough hurries, negative plays or sacks. If one is honest in their overall assessment of this year's team, one must conclude that Team 134 was not good at the basics of the game: blocking and tackling; we lack team leadership, and that is why we didn't have a successful season. The injury to Amara Darboh really devastated the offense more than many suspected. On defense, there have been several disappointments; Hoke and Mattison have had 3 seasons to develop and build the defensive line, and all they have to show for those 3 seasons is the development of a converted linebacker, Frank Clark, at defensive end. It was also unfortunate that Ondre Pipkins was injured as he was developing into a much improved Nose Tackle. Willie Henry helped, but the 3-4 scheme Mattison developed with moving Beyer to Defensive End still didn't create enough pressure on opposing offenses.

Wisconsin and Purdue have new head coaches. One may conclude that Michigan and Northwestern have been disappointments in the Legends Division with Michigan State, Iowa, and Minnesota as the most improved teams with the coaching of Dantonio, Ferentz, and Kill. Michigan wants to run the football like Wisconsin, and play defense like Michigan State; hopefully, they will improve for the 2014 season.

Big Ten Composite Schedule (Big Ten Media Guide)