Spring Football Practice 2006 Michigan Wolverines

Final Spring Football Practice 2006

I arrived inside the "war torn" stadium at 12:30 p.m. or so to find the South (my favorite place to sit) and West ends unavailable due to construction. The new seats are much better, and I sat in the North end. Weather couldn't have been much better except for a wind that moved the ball away from receivers; it was between 68 to 73 degrees throughout the practice. I would guesstimate about 20-25,000 people were in attendance sitting down, but there could have been as many as 30,000 coming and going. The placekickers and punters were warming up their legs when I arrived, and the defensive backs and running backs entered onto the field at 12:44 p.m. The whole team came out at 12:58, and began stretching until 1:07 p.m. Then, the team ran two laps around the field before moving into their position groups; they came together to run plays at 1:16 p.m. except the offensive linemen who joined the team at 1:28 p.m. They only stayed for 11 minutes, and exited until 1:43 p.m. while 6 punts were executed. At 1:51 p.m., the offensive linemen left again while two kickoffs were executed; then the offensive and defensive linemen worked together on pass blocking and rushing the quarterback while the quarterbacks worked with all the receivers including running backs against the defensive backs and linebackers. At 2:01 they went back to punting two punts, and at 2:04 p.m. each of four placekickers executed three field goals each. At 2:09 p.m., the "Maize" (defense) squared off against the "Blue" (offense) for about 28 minutes with most of both units being comprised of 2nd and 3rd string players rotating, and very few 1st string players being used. Lamarr Woodley and Rueben Riley weren't used at all the whole afternoon, and another play undressed that Carr didn't mention in his Monday press conference was Will Johnson. The practice ended at 2:37 after a time out was called at 2:35 with Bradley scoring a TD, but the Maize foiling a two point conversion.

The worst part of the day was a potential serious right knee injury to backup defensive tackle, James McKinney, who just moved inside from defensive end to back up Alan Branch. The offensive highlight of the day was a long run for a TD by Carlos Brown; however, he was hit prior to his breakaway and it could have been called a tackle, but wasn't. Carlos Brown and Alijah Bradley's names were called more by the announcer than any others. Bradley made one nice diving catch barely inbounds at the one inch line in a drill coming out of the backfield covered by a linebacker from the 25 yard line or so. The team looks very athletic and quick, and it was an impressive practice to observe. I'll go through my perceptions of the team based upon my observations today, and throughout the last season to be used in comparision:

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL DEVELOPING DEPTH CHART 2006

OFFENSE

Quarterback
Henne
Forcier

Kastl/Cone/Mondol/Ziegler/Sheridan

Henne, Chad

Jr.

6'2"

223

Starter

4.6

n/a

270

n/a

3.5

Forcier, Jason

Fr.

6'2"

206

Redshirt

4.57

33"

n/a

1080

Kastl, Jeff

5th

6'3"

222

Walk-on

n/a

Cone, David

n/a

Fr.

6'6"

225

Recruit

4.9

29"

250

960

3.5

Mondol, Lee

n/a

Fr.

6'2"

205

Walk-on

4.8

25"

n/a

1570

3.3

Ziegler, Jeff

n/a

Fr.

6'6"

210

Walk-on

4.8

n/a

Sheridan, Nick

n/a

Fr.

5'11"

190

Walk-on

n/a

Comments: Henne returns as the starter; expect him to tuck it up and run more. Forcier backs up Henne, and he can also run. Carlos Brown may see action since Bass is injured as the running quarterback to keep teams off balance. Kastl is a good quarterback, and could back up if injuries occur. We also add Lee Mondol, Jeff Ziegler and Nick Sheridan as walk-ons.

Blocking Back (H-Back)
Oluigbo/Paul
Criswell/Minor

Oluigbo, Obi

FB-H Back

5th

6'0"

230

Starter

n/a

Paul, Will

FB-H Back

Jr.

6'3"

252

Starter

4.6

n/a

340

3.3

Criswell, Andre

FB-H Back

Fr.

6'1"

254

Redshirt

n/a

2.9

Minor, Brandon

n/a

FB-H Back

Fr.

6'0"

215

Recruit

4.5

38"

335

n/a

2.9

Comments: Oluigbo really looks athletic, and may be the starter based on Spring performance. Paul may be used for short yardage situations, but may also continue to start depending on how Fall goes. Criswell didn't see much action in the Spring game so will only be used if injuries occur. Brandon Minor will learn both running back positions this Summer, but will most likely redshirt.

Tailback
Hart/Grady/Brown/Bradley/Jackson-Sr./Simpson

Hart, Mike	20	TB	1	Jr.	5'9"	198	Starter	4.4	n/a	300	1080	3.75
Grady, Kevin	3	TB	2	So.	5'9"	216	Backup	4.48	n/a	350	n/a	2.7
Bradley, Alijah	26	TB	3	Sr.	5'6"	171	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Jackson, Jerome	24	TB	3	Sr.	5'11"	200	Ankle	4.45	n/a	315	n/a	n/a
Brown, Carlos	23	TB	5	Fr.	6'0"	206	Recruit	4.47	n/a	300	890	3.9
Simpson, Mister	32	TB	6	Fr.	5'10"	210	Redshirt	4.55	35.8"	375	n/a	3.5

Comments: Hart returns as the starter; he didn't play much in the Spring because everyone knows what he can do. Grady is the first backup, and has lost significant weight so he should be improved. Expect Carlos Brown to contribute from start to finish in every game, you'll hear his name a lot and he'll be a real integral part of our offensive schemes. Alijah Bradley will also definitely contribute at this position. How will Jerome Jackson be utilized in his senior year? Time will tell, but we all know he is a good back, and can contribute. Simpson is also a good back, but will be the 6th back used in this rotation. It looks like running back by committee!

Flanker
Breaston-Sr. and Manningham
Dutch

Manningham, Mario	86	FL	1	So.	6'0"	187	Starter	4.4	n/a	n/a	n/a	3.2
Breaston, Steve	15	FL	2	5th	6'1"	182	Backup	4.4	n/a	n/a	890	3.2
Dutch, Doug	81	FL	3	So.	5"10"	195	Knee	4.3	n/a	330	1000	3.8

Comments: Breaston and Manningham will share the flanker position. Steve Breaston may be the offensive captain; he is definitely one of our leaders for 2006. I think Breaston will be our leading receiver this year in passes caught and yardage gained. Doug Dutch will get plenty of action, and did contribute in the final Spring practice.

Wide Receiver
Arrington/Savoy/Tabb-Sr./Matthews

Arrington, Adrian	16	WR	1	So.	6'3"	187	Redshirt	4.46	n/a	225	n/a	3.43
Tabb, Carl	17	WR	2	5th	6'2"	204	Backup	4.3	42"	245	24	3.8
Savoy, Laterryal	82	WR	3	Fr.	6'2"	203	Redshirt	4.59	37"	300	15	2.8
Bass, Antonio	18	WR	4	So.	6'0"	203	Knee	4.4	n/a	355	21	3
Matthews, Greg	n/a	WR	5	Fr.	6'3"	190	Recruit	4.51	28"	235	n/a	2.7
Wright, Ben	18	WR	6	Jr.	5'9"	193	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Norris, Kevin	30	WR	7	Fr.	6'1"	175	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Comments: I'm a little worried about this position. I simply don't see Arrington, Tabb or Savoy catching 60 or more passes in 2006 in 12 games. We have been pretty spoiled at this position the past several years with Braylon Edwards, Jason Avant, David Terrell, Marquis Walker, etc. We are going to be rotating every play until someone earns the starting position that Bass would have earned were it not for his knee injury that he had surgery on March 31st. Bass may need to redshirt until his knee rehabs. Matthews could see action if he impresses in Summer drills. None of the wideouts were really super impressive, but all had some nice catches in the final Spring practice.

Tight End
Ecker-Sr.
Thompson-Sr./Massey/Butler

Ecker, Tyler	89	TE	1	5th	6'6"	247	Starter	4.52	n/a	270	21	3.5
Massey, Mike	83	TE	2	So.	6'4"	234	Backup	4.7	n/a	285	980	2.5
Thompson, Brian	35	TE	2	5th	6'2"	238	Backup	4.65	n/a	n/a	21	3.4
Butler, Carson	85	TE	4	Fr.	6'4"	254	Redshirt	4.6	n/a	n/a	n/a	2.9
Stephenson, Cooper	n/a	TE	5	Fr.	6'3"	225	Walk-on	4.7	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Woods, Quintin	n/a	TE	5	Fr.	6'6"	220	Recruit	4.6	n/a	235	n/a	3

Comments: Ecker starts, and should be very dependable. He's big, fast and sure-handed plus he can block well. Thompson and Massey will also catch several passes, and should make this position better as an offensive threat. Butler will also see playing time, but he isn't as good as the other three. If the others can't spell Ecker, other teams will simply beat him up so he's ineffective in a twelve game season.

Scoring Offense

QB	RB	Flanker	Wideout	Tight End
Henne	Hart	Breaston	Manningham	Ecker
Forcier	Grady	Dutch	Arrington	Thompson
Kastl	Brown		Tabb	Massey
FB	Bradley		Savoy	Butler
Oluigbo	Jackson		Mathews
Paul	Simpson

Right Tackle
Riley-Sr./Kolodziej-Sr./Zirbel/Gallimore
Dorenstein

Riley, Rueben	72	RT	1	5th	6'4"	303	Starter	4.95	32"	455	19	3.55
Kolodziej, Mike	76	RT	2	5th	6'7"	307	Backup	4.95	n/a	320	20	3.7
Zirbel, Cory	75	RT	2	Fr.	6'5"	297	Redshirt	5.1	n/a	365	19	3.1
Dorenstein, Perry	n/a	RT	4	Fr.	6'7"	305	Recruit	5.17	23"	330	24/1560	4.3

Comments: Riley didn't play in the final Spring practice so Zirbel and Kolodziej rotated for most of the final practice here. It looks like Right Tackle by committee as well, and this may be good for a twelve game season. Dorenstein will redshirt.

Right Guard
Mitchell
Ciulla/Schifano

Mitchell, Alex	73	RG	1	So.	6'5"	311	Starter	5.1	24"	405	21	3.4
Ciulla, Jeremy	70	RG	2	So.	6'4"	292	Backup	5	n/a	325	1100	3.6
Schifano, Justin	78	RG	3	Fr.	6'4"	299	Shoulder	5.07	n/a	400	1220	3.5
Lyall, Patrick	60	RG	5	So.	6'0"	279	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Comments: Mitchell will be the starter here with Ciulla backing up. Schifano had a shoulder injury for most of the Spring, but did compete in the final Spring practice.

Center
Bihl-Sr.
Moosman/McAvoy

2006 MICHIGAN Football Player	#	Position	Depth	Class	Height	Weight	Status	40 yd. Dash Best	Vertical Jump	Bench Press Max.	ACT composite or SAT Maximum	Grade Point Average (High School)
Bihl, Mark	54	C	1	5th	6'5"	303	Starter	4.84	36"	340	19	3.7
Moosman, David	60	C	2	Jr.	6'4"	297	Redshirt	5.3	n/a	360	27	2.9
McAvoy, Tim	62	C	3	Fr.	6'5"	288	Redshirt	4.8	n/a	n/a	24	3.3
Boren, Justin	65	C	4	Fr.	6'4"	308	Recruit	5.0	23"	500	25/1120	3.3

Comments: Bihl is the returning starter; Moosman and McAvoy are his two primary backups. I didn't see Sharrow contribute at all in the final Spring practice, but maybe he was injured.

Left Guard
Kraus
Boren/McAvoy/DeBenedictis

Kraus, Adam	57	LG	1	Jr.	6'6"	295	Starter	4.9	29"	300	25	2.7
Boren, Justin	65	LG	2	Fr.	6'4"	308	Recruit	5.0	23"	500	25/1120	3.3
DeBenedictis, Grant	64	LG	3	So.	6'5"	296	Knee	4.93	n/a	330	31/1370	3.75
Saigh, Jon	62	LG	4	So.	6'5"	289	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Comments: Kraus moves to Left Guard, and Boren will back him up. Moosman and McAvoy could also see action here if injuries occur. DeBenedictis is probably behind the others primarily due to recovery from knee surgery, but ability could also be a factor.

Left Tackle
Long
Ortmann/Kolodziej/Riley/Gallimore/Schilling

Long, Jake	77	LT	1	Jr.	6'7"	316	Starter	5	n/a	380	n/a	2.9
Ortmann, Mark	71	LT	2	Fr.	6'6"	299	Redshirt	5.06	n/a	350	1130	3.9
Gallimore, Brett	74	LT	3	So.	6'4"	298	Backup	5.1	24"	350	n/a	2.7
Schilling, Steve	n/a	LT	4	Fr.	6'5"	290	Recruit	4.9	n/a	n/a	1800	3.68

Comments: Long moves to the left side to start, and should be one of the nation's best offensive tackles. Ortmann will back him up along with Kolodziej and Riley. Schilling could come in this Summer and make an impact.

Offensive Line

LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Long	Kraus	Bihl	Mitchell	Riley
Ortmann	Boren	Moosman	Ciulla	Koldziej
Kolodziej	Mitchell	McAvoy	Schifano	Zirbel
Riley	Ciulla	Kraus	Riley	Gallimore
Gallimore	DeBenedictis	Mitchell	Boren	Ortmann
Schilling	Sharrow	Sharrow	Sharrow	Mitchell

1-Long

2-Riley

3-Kraus

4/5/6-Bihl/Mitchell/Kolodziej

7/8/9-Moosman/Ciulla/Ortmann

10/11/12-Boren/Zirbel/Gallimore

13/14/15/16-McAvoy/Schifano/DeBenedictis/Sharrow

New: Schilling/Dorenstein

DEFENSE

Defensive Tackle
Branch
McKinney/Walton/Patterson/Ferrara

Branch, Alan	80	DT	1	Jr.	6'6"	330	Starter	5	n/a	355	n/a	n/a
McKinney, James	44	DT	2	Fr.	6'2"	279	Redshirt	4.94	24.5"	n/a	17	2.7
Walton, Marques	95	DT	3	So.	6'0"	291	Backup	4.9	30"	405	25	2.5
Ferrara, John	n/a	DT	4	Fr.	6'5"	255	Recruit	5.1	n/a	335	1650	4
Patterson, Adam	n/a	DT	4	Fr.	6'2"	256	Recruit	4.64	n/a	360	n/a	2.6
Knill, Mike	63	DT	6	Sr.	6'5"	270	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Comments: Branch replaces Massey at tackle, and should be significantly better. When he is done playing at Michigan, he should be able to play on Sundays. When he retires from football, he could become a "Bigfoot;" he is mammoth yet athletic! McKinney moves "inside" and competes with newcomers, Adam Patterson and John Ferrara, who are hoping to gain playing time as Frosh. Unfortunately, McKinney injured his right knee in the final Spring practice; hopefully, it won't be serious. Newcomer and walk-on, Mike Knill, didn't participate in the final Spring practice either due to injury.

Nose Tackle
Taylor
Johnson/Kates/Slocum

Taylor, Terry	67	NG	1	So.	6'0"	305	Starter	4.9	n/a	550	20	2.8
Johnson, Will	97	NG	2	So.	6'5"	291	Backup	4.7	28"	425	18	3.8
Kates, Jason	n/a	NG	3	Fr.	6'2"	324	Recruit	5	20"	405	n/a	2.7
Slocum, Marques	n/a	NG	4	Fr.	6'5"	320	Grades	4.9	n/a	335	820	2.4

Comments: Terrence Taylor will be the starter. Will Johnson was injured and didn't play in the Spring practice final; however, he'll back up Taylor and Branch in the Fall. Marques Slocum could figure here, if eligible, and Jason Kates will also compete for playing time.

Defensive End-Strong Side (Tight End)
Biggs-Sr.

Germany/McLaurin

Biggs, Rondell

DE-strong

5th

6'3"

275

Starter

4.7

n/a

330

n/a

Germany, Eugene

DE-strong

Fr.

6'2"

279

Redshirt

4.65

n/a

940

2.4

McLaurin, Chris

DE-strong

Fr.

6'3"

246

Redshirt

4.6

29"

n/a

3.6

North, Tim

DE-strong

Fr.

6'1"

246

Walk-on

n/a

Comments: Biggs will start; Germany will back up and McLaurin may also assist here if his shoulder surgery is successful. McLaurin has had surgery on both shoulders! Germany did have a sack on Kastl when he batted down the ball when he could have unloaded on him in the final drive of the afternoon.

Defensive End-Weak Side (RLB or Rush End)
Woodley-Sr. and Jamison
Van Alstyne-Sr.
Comments: Woodley starts and could be one of the captains, but it will be hard to keep Jamison off the field. We should be seeing both play on Sundays in the near future. Van Alstyne should see action. This is a strong position for us.

Woodley, Lamarr	56	DE-weak	1	Sr.	6'2"	268	Starter	4.5	29"	325	16	2.8
Jamison, Tim	90	DE-weak	2	So.	6'3"	249	Backup	4.7	n/a	300	n/a	2.6
Van Alstyne, Jeremy	50	DE-weak	3	5th	6'4"	267	Backup	4.78	n/a	350	1050	3.5
Banks, Greg	n/a	DE-weak	4	Fr.	6'5"	260	Recruit	4.67	n/a	310	n/a	2.8

Defensive Line

DE	NT	DT	DE
Biggs	Taylor	Branch	Woodley
Germany	Johnson	McKinney	Jamison
McLaurin	Kates	Walton	Van Alstyne
Crable	Slocum	Patterson	Banks
	Knill	Ferrara

Outside Linebacker-SAM

Crable/B.Graham
Pollack

Crable, Shawn

OLB-SAM

Jr.

6'5"

245

Starter

4.5

n/a

345

n/a

2.8

Graham, Brandon

n/a

OLB-SAM

Fr.

6'2"

251

Recruit

4.63

26"

385

n/a

3.2

Pollack, Max

OLB-SAM

Sr.

6'1"

218

Walk-on

n/a

Ezeh, Obi

n/a

OLB-SAM

Fr.

6'1"

225

Recruit

4.48

n/a

350

3.7

Comments: Crable moves to the starter with Burgess moving inside to WILL. Brandon Graham has a tremendous change to earn a starting position here as a frosh with his ability, speed, size and quickness. Burgess could move back and forth as needed.

Inside Linebacker-MIKE
Harris-Sr.
J.Thompson

Harris, Dave	45	ILB-MIKE	1	5th	6'2"	242	Starter	4.65	n/a	355	20	2.4
Thompson, John	49	ILB-MIKE	2	So.	6'1"	231	Backup	4.55	n/a	410	17	3.2
Mixon, Cobrini	n/a	ILB-MIKE	3	Fr.	6'2"	225	Recruit	4.6	n/a	405	n/a	2.8
Moore, Dan	28	ILB-MIKE	4	Sr.	6'0"	234	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Comments: Harris starts with Thompson backing him up. Thompson hurt his shoulder and didn't participate in the final Spring practice. Mixon should start here, but redshirt. We should be solid at MIKE!

Inside Linebacker-WILL
Burgess-Sr.
C.Graham/Logan

Graham, Chris	37	ILB-WILL	1	Jr.	5'11"	225	Starter	4.4	31"	360	600	2.1
Graham, Brandon	n/a	ILB-WILL	2	Fr.	6'2"	251	Recruit	4.63	26"	385	n/a	3.2
Logan, Brandon	46	ILB-WILL	3	Fr.	6'0"	218	Redshirt	4.5	26"	325	17	2.5
Patilla, Quintin	n/a	ILB-WILL	4	Fr.	6'1"	200	Recruit	4.56	n/a	320	n/a	2.76
Opong-Owusu, Ohene	55	ILB-WILL	5	Fr.	6'1"	227	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Comments: Prescott Burgess moves inside to start at WILL; this gives us two senior inside linebackers. Burgess could move between SAM and WILL as needed. Chris Graham will also see a lot of playing time as he switches back and forth.

Linebackers

ILB-MIKE	ILB-WILL	OLB-SAM
Harris	Burgess	Crable
Thompson	C.Graham	B.Graham
Moore	Logan	Pollack
Mixon	Patilla	Ezeh

Defensive Back-Wideside
Hall-Sr.
Trent/Hood-Sr.

Hall, Leon

WCB

Sr.

5'11"

193

Starter

4.42

33"

n/a

960

3.2

Sears, Johnny

WCB

Fr.

6'0"

189

Redshirt

4.4

34"

n/a

Richards, Chris

WCB

Fr.

5'11"

176

Redshirt

4.44

36"

220

1050

3.3

Logan, James

WCB

So.

5'9"

189

Walk-on

n/a

Comments: Hall starts at the Wide Side Corner, and will be an All-American and All-Big Ten candidate; he is on the Lott Trophy Watch list. He came close to a pick while covering Breaston early in the drills. Trent will back him up, and Hood will also see action on the wide side.

Defensive Back-Shortside
Stewart
Sears/Richards

Stewart, Charles	5	SCB	1	So.	6'1"	196	Starter	4.45	28"	310	21	3.5
Sears, Johnny	25	SCB	2	Fr.	6'0"	189	Redshirt	4.4	34"	n/a	n/a	n/a
Richards, Chris	28	SCB	3	Fr.	5'11"	176	Redshirt	4.44	36"	220	1050	3.3
Plummer, Kyle	22	SCB	4	Sr.	5'10"	169	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Comments: Stewart earns the starting position on the basis of his Spring performance with Sears backing him up. Richards may also see action here. Stewart and Mundy sandwiched Breaston on one Spring practice play.

Strong Safety
Engelmon and Adams
Mouton/Campbell/Opong-Owusu

Adams, Jamar

Jr.

6'2"

215

Starter

4.45

33"

315

940

Englemon, Brandent

Jr.

5'11"

205

Shoulder

4.5

n/a

260

4.9

Campbell, Anton

Jr.

5'11"

193

Backup

4.45

36"

330

2.8

Mouton, Jonas

n/a

Fr.

6'2"

210

Recruit

4.5

n/a

375

n/a

2.6

Opong-Owusu, B.J.

Fr.

5'11"

201

Walk-on

n/a

Carl, Mike

Sr.

6'0"

205

Walk-on

n/a

Edwards, Shakir

So.

6'0"

207

Walk-on

n/a

Comments: Englemon and Adams vie for starter in the Fall as Engelmon couldn't participate in the Spring due to shoulder surgery. Mouton will be looking for early playing time. Campbell is playing a lot on special teams and may also contribute.

Free Safety
Barringer-Sr. and Mundy
Harrison

Barringer, Willis	19	FS	1	5th	6'0"	205	Starter	4.37	n/a	300	19	2.9
Mundy, Ryan	21	FS	2	Sr.	6'1"	202	Backup	4.37	37"	290	830	2.7
Harrison, Brandon	27	FS	3	So.	5'8"	205	Backup	4.25	37.3"	330	17	3
Brown, Steve	n/a	FS	4	Fr.	6'1"	199	Recruit	4.39	35"	360	1410	n/a
Hornaday, Matt	12	FS	5	So.	5'10"	188	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Comments: Barringer and Ryan Mundy will both start, and rotate as needed. Mundy was the "nickel" with the first unit in the final Spring practice. Harrison will also be hard to keep off the field; he had a nice hit on Thompson on one Spring practice play. Steve Brown may redshirt until his ankle is 100%!

Defensive Backfield

SCB	SS	FS	WCB
Stewart	Engelmon	Mundy	Hall
Sears	Adams	Barringer	Trent
Richards	Mouton	Harrison	Hood
Hood	Campbell	Brown	Richards

Our starting rotation is Hall, Mundy, Engelmon and Stewart and add Barringer in the "nickel" and either Adams or Harrison in the six back formations. Trent, Sears and Hood could also see significant action due to injuries. Richards and Campbell will probably need to contribute through special teams. Hood was our flyer on last year's punt returns.

Placekicker
Rivas-Sr.
Lopatka/Olesnavage/Gingell/Wright/Buckman

Rivas, Garrett

Sr.

5'9"

217

Starter

4.8

n/a

250

1120

3.3

Lopatka, K.C.

So.

6'2"

217

Walk-on

n/a

Olesnavage, Jason

Fr.

6'4"

205

Walk-on

n/a

Gingell, Jason

So.

5'9"

188

Walk-on

n/a

Wright, Bryan

n/a

Fr.

6'1"

200

Recruit

4.6

n/a

245

3.65

Buckman, Sam

n/a

Fr.

6'3"

198

Walk-on

4.8

n/a

3.6

Comments: Rivas is our starter; he is accurate, but most consistent inside 40 yards. Lopatka is his current backup. Bryan Wright and Sam Buckman will be available when Summer drills begin! It looks like Ross Ryan maybe our kickoff specialist since his distance is much better than Rivas.

The placekickers started kicking 30 yard field goals in the middle of the field at 2:04 in the final Spring practice, Olesnavage missed, but all the others converted. They went on the left hash, kicking left to right, and all four kickers hit; then, they went from the right hash, kicking right to left, and I believe all four hit. I missed the Olesnavage kick though.

Rivas did miss a short chip shot field goal attempt wide left in the final Spring practice at 2:29 p.m.

Long Snapper
Booth/Griffin

Booth, Turner

Snapper

Sr.

6'2"

257

Walk-on

n/a

Griffin, Sean

Snapper

Jr.

6'2"

234

Walk-on

n/a

Comments: Turner Booth returns to start with Griffin backing up.

Punter
Mesko or Ryan-Sr.

Ryan, Ross

5th

6'1"

205

Starter

n/a

Mesko, Zoltan

Fr.

6'4"

218

Redshirt

4.8

n/a

1200

3.9

Comments: I just do not see how Mesko doesn't start. I observed numerous punts, and his height, distance and hang time are consistently better than Ryan. Mesko is a real threat as a punter.

Punt Returns
Breaston
Hall/Sears/Bradley

Comments: Breaston should give us game-breaking abilities here! Hall, Sears and Bradley caught balls in the final Spring practice. Dutch, Harrison and Manningham are also capable returners.

Kickoff Returns
Breaston
Dutch/Bradley/Brown

Comments: Breaston will give us a real threat with every kickoff! Others who may work here include Dutch, Bradley, Brown as they all fielded kickoffs in the final Spring practice. Arrington, Tabb and Manningham could also factor here in the Fall.

Walk-Ons 2006

27 candidates are trying out for 20 spots (Division I)

Booth, Turner	61	Snapper	1	Sr.	6'2"	257
Bradley, Alijah	26	TB	3	Sr.	5'6"	171
Buckman, Sam	n/a	PK	6	Fr.	6'3"	198
Carl, Mike	26	SS	6	Sr.	6'0"	205
Edwards, Shakir	27	SS	7	So.	6'0"	207
Gingell, Jason	34	PK	4	So.	5'9"	188
Griffin, Sean	71	Snapper	2	Jr.	6'2"	234
Hornaday, Matt	12	FS	5	So.	5'10"	188
Kastl, Jeff	13	QB	3	5th	6'3"	222
Knill, Mike	63	DT	6	Sr.	6'5"	270
Logan, James	37	WCB	4	So.	5'9"	189
Lopatka, K.C.	84	PK	2	So.	6'2"	217
Lyall, Patrick	60	RG	5	So.	6'0"	279
Mondol, Lee	n/a	QB	5	Fr.	6'2"	205
Moore, Dan	28	ILB-MIKE	3	Sr.	6'0"	234
Norris, Kevin	30	WR	7	Fr.	6'1"	175
North, Tim	58	DE-strong	4	Fr.	6'1"	246
Olesnavage, Jason	92	PK	3	Fr.	6'4"	205
Opong-Owusu, B.J.	38	SS	5	Fr.	5'11"	201
Opong-Owusu, Ohene	55	ILB-WILL	5	Fr.	6'1"	227
Plummer, Kyle	22	SCB	4	Sr.	5'10"	169
Pollack, Max	97	OLB-SAM	3	Sr.	6'1"	218
Saigh, Jon	62	LG	4	So.	6'5"	289
Sheridan, Nick	n/a	QB	7	Fr.	5'11"	190
Stephenson, Cooper	n/a	TE	5	Fr.	6'3"	225
Wright, Ben	18	WR	6	Jr.	5'9"	193
Ziegler, Jeff	n/a	QB	6	Fr.	6'6"	210

Angelique Chengelis-Detroit News

John Heuser-Ann Arbor News

Jim Carty-Ann Arbor News

Sean-Michigan Sports Center-Blogspot

Big Ten Spring Practice and Game Dates

Spring Scrimmage 2005

Spring Scrimmage 2004

Spring Scrimmage 2003-cancelled due to turf/weather

Spring Scrimmage 2002

Spring Scrimmage 2001

Spring Scrimmage 2000

Schedule-2006
April 15-Spring Game

September 2-Vanderbilt
September 9-Central Michigan University
September 16-at Notre Dame 18-14-1
September 23-Wisconsin Badgers 47-11-1
September 30-at Minnesota Gophers 67-24-3(Brown Jug)
October 7-Michigan State Spartans 65-28-5 (Paul Bunyan)
October 14-at Penn State Nittany Lions 8-3
October 21-Iowa Hawkeyes 39-10-4
October 28-Northwestern Wildcats 50-14-2 (Homecoming)
November 4-Ball State
November 11-at Indiana Hoosiers 49-9
November 18-at Ohio State Buckeyes 57-39-6
No Purdue or Illinois

Comments on schedule: It is obvious that our toughest games will be on the road with Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State, but Minnesota won't be easy. Our toughest home games will be Wisconsin, Michigan State and Iowa although Northwestern won't be easy. Our only assured wins come on the road with Indiana, and at home with Central Michigan, Vanderbilt and Ball State.

Troy Smith & Company will be tough to beat in Columbus, but in that game, anything can happen. Notre Dame will be extremely tough with a great recruiting class, and an outstanding coach guiding them. Penn State will be tough at home with their great defense, and a huge revenge factor after losing to us in 2005 as the only blemish on their season.

We will have a strong revenge factor on the road with Minnesota and at home with Wisconsin, but Iowa will have a strong revenge factor when they come to Ann Arbor.

Head Coach: Lloyd Carr

Offensive Coordinator: Mike DeBord

Defensive Coordinator: Ron English (coaching safeties)

Assistant Head Coach/Wide Receivers: Erik Campbell

Quarterbacks: Scot Loeffler

Offensive Line/Tight Ends: Andy Moeller

Defensive Line: Steve Stripling (Kickoffs)

Linebackers: Steve Szabo

Defensive Backs: Ron Lee (Punt Returns)

Associate Head Coach/Running Backs: Fred Jackson (Kickoff Returns)

Recruiting Coordinator: Chris Singletary

Wolverines Lean (Are they Mean?)