Harbaugh mentioned that Amara Darboh earned the most helmet stickers, and that Jake Butt and Graham Glasgow graded out the best on offense against Utah. Peppers on playing both offense and defense.

Michigan doubled its penalties from 2014 (42 for 381 yards) to 2015 (83 for 748 yards)

Tim Drevno on March 31 Tim Drevno on August 7 Tim Drevno on November 4

We did not havemany negative plays like we did over the past several seasons, but even though our offensive line and tight ends did a decent job, and our backs did not block all that well. We got good pass protection overall which made Rudock's turnovers and bad throws even more of an issue to the offensive team. I gave Houma credit for the interception vs. Maryland rather than Rudock because he handed the defender the ball. Peppers after Rutgers Game on being "Really Good" Jabrill Peppers, The Journey

NCAA Football Statistics

Big Ten Football Statistics

Michigan Football Team Statistics

Three Outstanding Michigan Quarterbacks: Rick Leach, Don Moorhead and Jim Harbaugh

Quarterback

Rudock
Speight

Comments: Jake Rudock was 249 of 389 for 3017 yards, 20 TDs, 9 interceptions (+11), 4 fumbles for 13 turnovers plus he ran for 4 TDs, 166 net yards on 58 carries after deducting 15 sacks for 88 yards. Rudock BTN Interview. His efficiency rating was 141.5 which ranked him 5th of 14 Big Ten quarterbacks, 5th in passing, 4th in passing efficiency, and 4th in total offense. Rudock takes over 1st Team. Wilton Speight was 9 for 25 with a TD, an interception, and a 2 point conversion. Harbaugh claimed Shane Morris was the backup, but after the Minnesota game announced he's 3rd string; the plan was to redshirt him. Alex Malzone and Zach Gentry also redshirted. Transfer of Jake Rudock is Official! Rudock Article Russell Bellomy transferred to Texas-San Antonio. Jedd Fisch on the Quarterbacks Brandon Peters has pledged for 2016, and will enroll in January. Shuster to Walk-on Rudock Interview Gentry Story Aggressive without being Reckless in Non-Stop Competition

Running Back

UFR Leaders

Smith
Johnson/Peppers/Houma

Comments: Deveon Smith had 180 carries for 753 net yards, 6 TDs, a 2 point conversion, and 19 receptions for 159 yards and another TD. Drake Johnson had 271 yards in 54 carries for 4 TDs, and 6 receptions for 96 yards and 2 more TDs. Karan Higdon carried 11 times for 19 yards plus a 3 yard catch. Derrick Green had 47 carries for 157 net yards; he didn't dress in the final 3 games, and didn't make the trip to the Citrus Bowl due to "internal matters." Ty Isaac had 29 carries for 205 yards, a TD, and 2 receptions for 12 yards. Isaac was benched after two fumbles in the Maryland game, but returned against Northwestern for a couple of carries. Isaac didn't play at all the rest of the season; he was not on the depth chart for Rutgers, he didn't dress for Rutgers or Indiana due to "internal matters." Isaac did make the trip to Penn State, and dressed for Ohio State. Ross Taylor-Douglas had 10 carries for 18 yards. Wyatt Shallman had surgery, but returned in the Rutgers game 5.5 weeks later, and had 3 carries for 9 yards. Tyrone Wheatley on the Running Backs Drake Johnson Cleared to Begin Running Kingston Davis, Chris Evans, and Kareem Walker are enrolling January, 2016. Falcon offered Medical Harbaugh takes Darwinian Approach to Running Backs Competition. Antonio Whitfield just quit the team after the Utah game.

H-Back

Kerridge-Captain
Houma

Comments: Captain Joe Kerridge had 14 carries for 62 yards, a TD, and 5 receptions for 33 yards; he left the Oregon State game with an arm injury and the UNLV with an ankle injury, but returned to start against Northwestern. He dressed, but didn't play against BYU or Maryland; he now has 3 starts. Senior Sione Houma had two starts; he had 43 carries for 184 yards and 5 TDs plus 8 receptions for 77 yards, and played some at tailback against Rutgers. Henry Poggi caught his first pass for 2 yards against BYU; he missed the Minnesota and Rutgers games with pnemonia. For Poggi, Position Change is a Family Affair Wyatt Shallman has surgery. Chase Winovich hasn't played since the Utah game due to injury, but did travel to Maryland; he dressed for Northwestern, MSU and Minnesota, and played the final three games on Special Teams. Winovich played in the Citrus Bowl on special teams. Bobby Henderson got his first action as a Wolverine in the UNLV game, and also played against BYU, Maryland, and Northwestern.

Spring Passing Game Report

Wide Receiver-X (Outside)

Darboh
Peppers/Ways/Dukes

Comments: Amara Darboh had 727 yards in 58 receptions and 5 TDs, a 2 point conversion plus two carries for 2 yards; he had 9 starts. Darboh becomes U.S. Citizen Darboh on March 31 Darboh and others must figure out "How to be Great" Mo Ways got two starts; he had 3 receptions for 40 yards. Harbaugh praised him for his blocking against BYU. DeMario Jones got some playing time against MSU, Minnesota, Rutgers, Indiana, and Penn State; he did not dress for the Citrus Bowl. Jaron Dukes got in his first action of the season in the Citrus Bowl. Brian Cole had a catch for -1 yard; he didn't dress for the BYU, Maryland or Northwestern games; he did play on special teams against Indiana. Brad Hawkins and Dylan Crawford have committed for 2016.

Wide Receiver-Z (Inside & Outside)

Chesson
Perry/Peppers/Jones

Comments: Jehu Chesson had 50 receptions for 764yards, 9 TDs, and 8 carries for 155 yards and 2 more TDs with 11 starts; he was voted as our most valuable player this season; he excelled on special teams with his kickoff return of 96 yards. BTN Chesson Interview Grant Perry had 14 receptions for 128 yards, and a TD. Drake Harris got his first start against Northwestern; he has 6 catches for 39 yards, and got a tackle on a punt return; he hurt his ankle and didn't travel to Minnesota, Indiana, Penn State or dress for Rutgers. Harris played in the Citrus Bowl. Freddy Canteen got to play against Oregon State, UNLV, BYU, and Maryland; he finally got a catch, but it went for zero yards. Canteen been injured, but did dress for MSU and Minnesota; he has now moved over exclusively to cornerback to finish the season. Chesson Hard to Beat. Jack Wangler got in towards the end of the Rutgers game. Ahmir Mitchell committed for 2016; Mitchell enrolled January, 2016. Bo Dever is now a student assistant after taking a medical. Justice Hayes transferred to Southern Mississippi, and Dennis Norfleet to Tuskegee. I've removed the Slot Wide Receiver from the Depth Chart as a position since we almost never employ it.

Wide Receivers and Passing Game Coach, Jedd Fisch, is up in the Press Box communicating with Offensive Coordinator Tim Drevno and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh on what he sees and what play calls to consider. Fisch on O'Korn

Wide Receiver Rotation

Chesson-Darboh

Ways-Jones-Perry

UFR Leaders

Well, what improvement we saw at Indiana; we averaged 20 receptions for 236 yards, and 1.5 TDs per game for 13 games, and we finally connected on some deep routes.

Jay Harbaugh on September 30

Jay Harbaugh on October 28

Jay Harbaugh Talks Tight Ends

Tight End Report

Tight End

Butt
Williams/Hill/Bunting

Comments: Jake Butt caught 51 passes for 654 yards for 3 TDs; he had 11 starts. Khalid Hill had 4 catches for 71 yards; he caught a 2 point conversion against Maryland, and has two starts including the Penn State game. Ian Bunting had 5 receptions for 72 yards; he saw action against Ohio State with no receptions. A.J. Williams had 12 catches for 129 yards, and had a great year blocking with 2 starts. Henry Poggi had 4 starts, and played much of the game as 2nd Tight End for blocking; he was listed as the backup H-Back. Defensive Lineman Tom Strobel came into the Oregon State game as a Tight End for blocking. Chase Winovich played against Utah, Rutgers, and Penn State. Michael Jocz saw action against BYU and Rutgers. T.J. Wheatley is up to 291 lbs.; he would have already played as a True Frosh, but suffered a knee sprain in Fall camp. Grant Newsome started the Minnesota game at Tight End, and Mason Cole also saw action there with Henry Poggi missing with pnemonia. Wheatley could miss the season and redshirt, but he did dress for the Northwestern and MSU games. Zach Gentry got reps at Tight End. Sean McKeon has pledged for 2016, and enrolled in January, 2016. We also added Devin Asiasi and Nick Eubanks. Keith Heitzman transferred to Ohio University.

Summary of Brian Cook's Upon Further Review Offensively

Right Tackle

Magnuson
Bars/Bushell-Beatty

Comments: Erik Magnuson started at Right Tackle in all 13 games; he did an adequate job. Blake Bars is his backup, and he saw action against UNLV, BYU, Maryland, Indiana, Penn State and Ohio State mostly on special teams. Juwann Bushell-Beatty got some reps at Right Tackle against Rutgers.

Right Guard

Kalis
Dawson/Bushell-Beatty/Pliska

Comments: Kyle Kalis started all 13 games, but was not the powerhouse Right Guard we have hoped he would be. Juwann Bushell-Beatty got in for his first action as a Wolverine against UNLV, BYU and Rutgers, but Ben Pliska played against Maryland at Right Guard as BB went to Left Tackle. Tom Strobel got some reps at Right Guard in the Rutgers game. David Dawson replaced him when he went out in the Penn State game. Michael Onwenu, Devery Hamilton, Stephen Spanellis, and Ben Bredeson have committed for 2016. Chris Fox is a student assistant after taking a medical scholarship. Dan Samuelson transferred to Eastern Michigan.

Center

G.Glasgow
Kugler/Pliska

Comments: Graham Glasgow started all 13 games; he graded out the highest amongst offensive linemen. Glasgow Interview He lives with his 81 year old Grandma. Patrick Kugler is the backup, and played against UNLV, BYU, Maryland, and Rutgers. Walk-on Ben Pliska also played against UNLV, BYU, and Maryland at Right Guard. Frosh Jon Runyan Jr. redshirted. Jack Miller quit the team in his 5th year. Cole on his switch to Center.

Left Guard

Braden
Dawson

Comments: Ben Braden started all 13 games; he graded out third best behind Glasgow and Cole. Braden talks about Freshman Lineman. Harbaugh called Braden an "ascending" player after the Northwestern game. He has shown flashes of solid play, but overall is not getting the job done as the MSU game showed. David Dawson came in briefly when Braden left with an injury against Oregon State, and he got in against UNLV, BYU, Maryland, and Rutgers. Kyle Bosch transferred to West Virginia where he is a starter.

Left Tackle

Cole
Newsome

Comments: Mason Cole started all 13 games; he gave up some sacks, hurries and quarterback hits, but graded out as our second best lineman behind Glasgow. Shilique Calhoun manhandled Cole in their matchup, and Joey Bosa separated Jake Rudock's shoulder in the Ohio State game after beating Cole. Mason Cole Profile Grant Newsome played against Minnesota and Rutgers so he will NOT redshirt; he started the game at Tight End, and Cole also played Tight End in the game. Juwann Bushell-Beatty got some reps here against Maryland. Nolan Ulizio redshirted.

Tim Drevno on Spring Practice

Offensive Line Rotation

Cole-Braden-G.Glasgow-Kalis-Magnuson

Newsome-Dawson-Kugler-Dawson-Bars

UFR Leaders

According to Brian Cook's Upon Further Review, the offensive line was mediocre; we couldn't contain Utah, Michigan State, Indiana or Ohio State. Overall, we did a good job on pass protection, but failed against good teams for our running game. We need to find some NFL caliber linemen if we are to have the running game we need to compete in the Big Ten. Harbaugh said that Newsome is our 6th best offensive lineman.

D.J. Durkin on March 31

D.J. Durkin on the Defense

Mattison finds stability during transition season

Defensive Back-Wideside (LCB )

Lewis
Stribling/Watson

Comments: Lewis after Rutgers on breaking record Jourdan Lewis was in on 51 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions for a TD, and has 20 pass break ups in 13 games which is best in the Big Ten in passes defended, and a new Michigan season record. Burbridge vs. Lewis Brandon Watson is the other backup; he was in on 3 special teams tackles against Penn State; he finished with 4.5 tackles. Lewis on March 31 Anthony Dalimonte has been injured and lost for the season. Lyons looking for a new challenge. Lyons Transfer is Official David Long committed for 2016.

Defensive Back-Shortside (RCB)

Clark
Stribling/Watson/Canteen

Comments: Jeremy Clark was in on 19 tackles, 3 pass break ups, and 3 interceptions in 13 games plus got in on a couple special teams tackles; he had 7 starts. He was burned on the last TD pass against MSU, and another against Minnesota; Ohio State ran a zone read that forced Safety Wilson up, and then Jalin Marshall burned Clark for a TD. Channing Stribling backed up Clark after starting 3 games; he was in on 15 tackles plus one on special teams, 2 interceptions plus 3 pass break ups in 8 games. Stribling didn't travel to Maryland nor play against Northwestern. Stribling dressed for the Northwestern game, warmed up, but didn't play. Stribling Keeps Past Mistakes with him on journey to become a statrter Freddy Canteen is now exclusively a cornerback, but he didn't play in the Citrus Bowl. Blake Countess transferred to Auburn where was named as a starter.

Free Safety

Comments: Jarrod Wilson had 60 tackles including a sack in 13 starts with 2 pass break ups, and 2 interceptions. Delano Hill had 43 tackles, 2.5 for loss plus 3 on kickoff returns and 2 pass break ups with 8 starts; he had a big touchdown saving tackle against BYU. Hill has two starts at Strong Safety. Hill stopped Sudfed at the 2 in overtime to force a 4th down, and then broke up the pass on the last play of the game. Senior Terry Richardson got to play against UNLV. Khaleke Hudson pledged for 2016.

Strong Safety

Peppers
Thomas/Hill

Comments: Jabrill Peppers had 45 tackles, 5.5 for loss, and 10 pass break ups in 12 starts; he put his hand through a plate of glass, and didn't play in the Citrus Bowl. Dymonte Thomas overcame several injuries to log 19 tackles with 7 pass break ups as Peppers backup; Thomas had 5 starts at Strong Safety in the last 5 games over Delano Hill including the Citrus Bowl. Wayne Lyons had 3 tackles plus two on special teams, and a pass break up. Lyons adjusting to new position, Wolverine terminology. The Strong Safety covers the opponent Tight End much of the time, and we did not do a good job in cover as demonstrated by Brandon Lingen grabbing 5 for 111 yards in the Minnesota game with 3 catches of 20+ yards. Tyree Kinnel is now #23; he played on special teams with 2 tackles. Josh Metellus has pledged for 2016; Brian Cole has switched from Wide Receiver to Safety as well.

Greg Jackson on Defensive Backfield

Greg Jackson on October 28

Defensive Back Rotation

Lewis-Peppers-Thomas-Wilson-Clark

Hill-Stribling

Lyons-Watson

UFR Leaders

Our defensive backfield improved as the season progressed. Jourdan Lewis was one of the best corners in the country. Peppers started to assert himself on defense, and shows he can be a leader; by 2016, both Peppers and Lewis will definitely lead the backfield. Jarrod Wilson, Delano Hill, and Dymonte Thomas were only adequate at safety; we really need to improve at both safety positions for 2016. Wayne Lyons was not the contributor we hoped for as a 5th year transfer. Overall, we improved in the secondary, but the Spartans and Gophers showed our vulnerabilities with 328 and 317 yards in the air. We return Lewis, Peppers, Dymonte Thomas, and Clark, but we'll need to raise our safety play if we want to compete for championships. Sir Patrick Scott, Antwaine Richardson, Devin Gil, Josh Metellus and Redshirts Brian Cole and Keith Washington will compete for playing time in 2016 along with holdovers Channing Stribling, Brandon Watson, Tyree Kinnel, and Freddy Canteen.

We ranked as the #2 Total Defense, #4 in rushing defense, #4 in pass defense, #2 in pass efficiency defense, #12 in first down defense, #2 in 3rd down conversion defense, and #6 in scoring defense after 13 games nationally. Unfortunately, we ranked 119th in turnovers gained defensively. We continue to drop obvious interceptions, and give our opponents "second life." Michael Spath of The Wolverine.com counted 28 missed tackles against Indiana.

Jourdan Lewis said the defense had a hard time handling "tempo," and had problems with fatigue in the second half probably due to elevation against Utah. Michigan State had 6 pass plays of 20+ yards, and it contributed to their time of possession advantage. This defense allowed the Minnesota Gopher offense to roll up 461 yards of total offense with 5 big plays of 20+ yards; they are ranked #14 in scoring offense, #12 in passing and total offense, #11 in pass efficiency offense, and #10 in rushing offense in the Big Ten. Indiana completely wore us out; we had to make 93 tackles in the game, and gave up 6 plays of 20+ yards. Ohio State is #1 in Rushing, Scoring, and Total Offense in the Big Ten, but the Spartan defense held them in check!