Michigan Wolverines: Erik Magnuson
Analysis: 2013 offensive depth chart 
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
9:10
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By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Spring practice has ended for Michigan and for the first time, the depth chart for the fall is beginning to take shape.
Yes, there will still be some big competitions on Michigan’s offense -- particularly at running back and wide receiver -- but there is now a better idea of who the Wolverines’ starting 11 will be in August when they open the season against Central Michigan.
WolverineNation takes a two-day look at what Michigan’s depth chart will be come fall, starting with the offense.
Quarterback
Yes, there will still be some big competitions on Michigan’s offense -- particularly at running back and wide receiver -- but there is now a better idea of who the Wolverines’ starting 11 will be in August when they open the season against Central Michigan.
WolverineNation takes a two-day look at what Michigan’s depth chart will be come fall, starting with the offense.
Quarterback
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Lewan's decision bolstered Michigan OL
March, 27, 2013
Mar 27
10:00
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By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Taylor Lewan heard the confusion and saw the stunned expression from almost everyone he knew.
From family. From friends. From an old woman in a local Kroger who approached Lewan and then proceeded to call him an idiot for sticking around at Michigan another year.
“People,” Lewan said, “think I’m crazy.”
When someone turns down the potential for millions of dollars to play a violent, unforgiving game for free for another year, the questioning makes sense. Lewan understands that. He appreciates that.
But it was his decision, and Michigan and Lewan's coaching staff are happy for it.
Lewan’s return offered immediate dividends for Michigan. It could place him easily at left tackle, not worry about the results, and focus on shoring up the interior of an offensive line which has no experience at all.
Michigan offensive line coach Darrell Funk said recently he’d like to have at least one, maybe two of the spots solidified by the time fall camp starts. In a perfect scenario, the Wolverines would have their entire offensive line set by the end of spring, but that seems unlikely, considering the emphasis coach Brady Hoke has placed on summer development in the past.
That development aided Michigan last season when it eventually leaned on Elliott Mealer to start at center and Ricky Barnum to start at left guard after the two entered fall camp at each other’s eventual positions.
[+] Enlarge
Andrew Weber/US PresswireO-lineman Taylor Lewan likely would have been a first-round draft pick, had he opted to leave U-M after last season.
“People,” Lewan said, “think I’m crazy.”
When someone turns down the potential for millions of dollars to play a violent, unforgiving game for free for another year, the questioning makes sense. Lewan understands that. He appreciates that.
But it was his decision, and Michigan and Lewan's coaching staff are happy for it.
Lewan’s return offered immediate dividends for Michigan. It could place him easily at left tackle, not worry about the results, and focus on shoring up the interior of an offensive line which has no experience at all.
Michigan offensive line coach Darrell Funk said recently he’d like to have at least one, maybe two of the spots solidified by the time fall camp starts. In a perfect scenario, the Wolverines would have their entire offensive line set by the end of spring, but that seems unlikely, considering the emphasis coach Brady Hoke has placed on summer development in the past.
That development aided Michigan last season when it eventually leaned on Elliott Mealer to start at center and Ricky Barnum to start at left guard after the two entered fall camp at each other’s eventual positions.
Five to watch in spring: OL Ben Braden
March, 13, 2013
Mar 13
12:00
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
Over the next week, WolverineNation will give a brief look at five players to keep an eye on during spring practice for varying reasons.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan’s biggest question entering the spring resides on the offensive line, where the Wolverines are replacing both guards and the center. This is important for many reasons, including they are the main conduits for blocking for quarterback Devin Gardner and whomever emerges out of the running back competition.
As Michigan saw last season, when the offensive line isn’t strong and cohesive, an offense can stall.
The most intriguing of all the offensive line prospects is redshirt freshman Ben Braden. The Rockford, Mich., native doesn’t have as much experience as some of his classmates, let alone some of the upperclassmen he’ll be competing with. But his raw potential, build and willingness to move inside if it means playing time makes him the WolverineNation No. 1 player to watch this spring.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan’s biggest question entering the spring resides on the offensive line, where the Wolverines are replacing both guards and the center. This is important for many reasons, including they are the main conduits for blocking for quarterback Devin Gardner and whomever emerges out of the running back competition.
As Michigan saw last season, when the offensive line isn’t strong and cohesive, an offense can stall.
The most intriguing of all the offensive line prospects is redshirt freshman Ben Braden. The Rockford, Mich., native doesn’t have as much experience as some of his classmates, let alone some of the upperclassmen he’ll be competing with. But his raw potential, build and willingness to move inside if it means playing time makes him the WolverineNation No. 1 player to watch this spring.
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Watch List OL impressed by third U-M visit
February, 24, 2013
Feb 24
8:01
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By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Several fans were hoping that this might be the visit that pushed Watch List offensive lineman Mason Cole (Tarpon Springs, Fla./East Lake) over the top, bringing a fourth 2014 commitment to Michigan.
But fans can rest easy. No, he didn’t commit, but he left Michigan very impressed. And following his visit he said that his pending commitment to any of his top schools could come at any time now. The 6-foot-5, 266-pound lineman has a top four of Michigan, Notre Dame, Clemson and Florida State, in no particular order.
But fans can rest easy. No, he didn’t commit, but he left Michigan very impressed. And following his visit he said that his pending commitment to any of his top schools could come at any time now. The 6-foot-5, 266-pound lineman has a top four of Michigan, Notre Dame, Clemson and Florida State, in no particular order.
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Changing the game: U-M's 2012 class
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
9:15
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By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
When Brady Hoke came into Michigan in January of 2011, he had very little time to recruit a class to Michigan. With about a month until signing day, he was able to retain and recruit 19 players -- only four of which were four-star players. Of those four recruits, none would end up being linemen.
So with a full year to get on the 2012 class, he made the best of it. The Wolverines finished 2011 with the No. 7 class in the country, something that Rich Rodriguez never did during his Michigan tenure. And suddenly, things seemed to be looking up for Wolverine fans. That class was a game-changer as it showed how Hoke would recruit and the style the Wolverines wanted play -- big, tough, at the point of attack.
So with a full year to get on the 2012 class, he made the best of it. The Wolverines finished 2011 with the No. 7 class in the country, something that Rich Rodriguez never did during his Michigan tenure. And suddenly, things seemed to be looking up for Wolverine fans. That class was a game-changer as it showed how Hoke would recruit and the style the Wolverines wanted play -- big, tough, at the point of attack.
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Depth chart analysis: Right tackle
January, 15, 2013
Jan 15
1:00
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
Over the next few weeks, WolverineNation will look at every position on the Michigan roster and give a depth chart analysis of each position on the roster heading into the offseason.
Michigan will have major holes and questions on the offensive line entering next season having to replace the entire interior of the line. Two players remain, though, and they’ll be able to give Michigan some stability on an otherwise fluctuating position group. And one will potentially start next season at right tackle.
The starter: Redshirt senior Michael Schofield. The starter here last season, Schofield did well at times and struggled at others after shifting over from left guard, where he stood out as a sophomore. Now, he has a more important role considering the majority of the Michigan offensive line will be first-time starters, including whoever he plays next to at guard.
Michigan will have major holes and questions on the offensive line entering next season having to replace the entire interior of the line. Two players remain, though, and they’ll be able to give Michigan some stability on an otherwise fluctuating position group. And one will potentially start next season at right tackle.
The starter: Redshirt senior Michael Schofield. The starter here last season, Schofield did well at times and struggled at others after shifting over from left guard, where he stood out as a sophomore. Now, he has a more important role considering the majority of the Michigan offensive line will be first-time starters, including whoever he plays next to at guard.
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Depth chart analysis: Left tackle
January, 11, 2013
Jan 11
8:00
AM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
Over the next few weeks, WolverineNation will look at every position on the Michigan roster and give a depth chart analysis of each position on the roster heading into the offseason.
Much like right after Brady Hoke first arrived at Michigan and finished off his best recruiting job of that year by making sure Denard Robinson stayed at the school, Hoke did it again this season.
Much like right after Brady Hoke first arrived at Michigan and finished off his best recruiting job of that year by making sure Denard Robinson stayed at the school, Hoke did it again this season.
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Season anaylsis: Offensive line
November, 30, 2012
11/30/12
9:33
AM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- It was a unit entering the season with a lot of age but questions about experience, two new starters and little-to-no depth to replace anyone who was injured or struggled.
Those issues showed throughout this season, as Michigan’s offensive line was mediocre for most of the year, strong in small spots and awful when finishing blocks in the run game.
It is a problem, though, that became a huge issue for the Wolverines in 2012, and one they hope to remedy as soon as possible.
Those issues showed throughout this season, as Michigan’s offensive line was mediocre for most of the year, strong in small spots and awful when finishing blocks in the run game.
It is a problem, though, that became a huge issue for the Wolverines in 2012, and one they hope to remedy as soon as possible.
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The regular season ended with a thud for Michigan last Saturday, as the Wolverines flat-lined offensively in the second half against Ohio State in a 26-21 loss that left many wondering exactly what happened.
Offensive coordinator Al Borges has not yet spoken to the media after the loss and while Michigan head coach Brady Hoke didn’t give many answers, this week’s Mailbag tries to explain some of what went on.
Remember, the Mailbag is only as good as the questions you ask, so send those to jenningsespn@gmail.com or @chanteljennings for next week.
Offensive coordinator Al Borges has not yet spoken to the media after the loss and while Michigan head coach Brady Hoke didn’t give many answers, this week’s Mailbag tries to explain some of what went on.
Remember, the Mailbag is only as good as the questions you ask, so send those to jenningsespn@gmail.com or @chanteljennings for next week.
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- We've had our first glimpses at Michigan basketball and we saw a different looking Michigan football team on Saturday in Minneapolis. But what does it all mean? Are these things we should include on our "Thankful for…" lists at Thanksgiving? Or is it time to start wishing for a Christmas miracle?
I'll try to get to some of that in this week's mailbag, and what I don't get to you can send to Mike for next week's mailbag (Twitter: @MikeRothstein, Email: michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com).
But now, on to your questions…
I'll try to get to some of that in this week's mailbag, and what I don't get to you can send to Mike for next week's mailbag (Twitter: @MikeRothstein, Email: michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com).
But now, on to your questions…
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Notes: Injuries pile up, redshirt decisions
September, 12, 2012
9/12/12
2:45
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan now has an idea of who it will play and who it will redshirt this season.
Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Wednesday that he feels comfortable with where his team stands now with its freshman class after 12 of them have played in the first two games of the season.
And if they haven’t played yet -- it is likely they won’t until 2013.
Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Wednesday that he feels comfortable with where his team stands now with its freshman class after 12 of them have played in the first two games of the season.
And if they haven’t played yet -- it is likely they won’t until 2013.
The fact that I can write that there will be an actual, live football game this weekend seems pretty unreal. The summer flew by and college football season really is here. There's still some predicting that needs to happen, but most people will have concrete answers to their toughest questions soon. Like: Will Fitzgerald Toussaint play against Alabama? Can Will Campbell play up to his potential this season? Will a freshman receiver see the field? And really, what do tigers dream of when they take a little tiger snooze?
We love hearing from our fans, so keep the questions coming. And, if you have any really tough questions or questions about hair, send them to Mike for next week's mailbag. You can tweet him @mikerothstein or email him michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com.
But now, let's get to business. Jace Maleport, Grand Rapids, Mich.: If Michigan loses to Alabama, how severe do you feel the negative impact would be on the team from a loss of 7-14 points (close) compared to a loss of 21 points or more (blowout)?
We love hearing from our fans, so keep the questions coming. And, if you have any really tough questions or questions about hair, send them to Mike for next week's mailbag. You can tweet him @mikerothstein or email him michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com.
But now, let's get to business. Jace Maleport, Grand Rapids, Mich.: If Michigan loses to Alabama, how severe do you feel the negative impact would be on the team from a loss of 7-14 points (close) compared to a loss of 21 points or more (blowout)?
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Some of this was a certainty. Denard Robinson was going to be Michigan’s starting quarterback. And Taylor Lewan was going to be the Wolverines’ starting left tackle.
But Michigan had some surprises in its offensive depth chart when it was released Monday -- starting at running back. The will-he, won’t-he, should-he, shouldn’t-he debate of junior Fitzgerald Toussaint playing Saturday ratcheted up when the junior was listed as the No. 1 running back on the chart given to the media.
Michigan coach Brady Hoke said again Monday that he had not made a decision on Toussaint’s availability against Alabama after Toussaint was arrested on suspicion of Operating While Intoxicated on July 21. He further went to say he had an idea of which wasy it was leaning but wasn’t sure when he’d let the public in on that.
But Michigan had some surprises in its offensive depth chart when it was released Monday -- starting at running back. The will-he, won’t-he, should-he, shouldn’t-he debate of junior Fitzgerald Toussaint playing Saturday ratcheted up when the junior was listed as the No. 1 running back on the chart given to the media.
Michigan coach Brady Hoke said again Monday that he had not made a decision on Toussaint’s availability against Alabama after Toussaint was arrested on suspicion of Operating While Intoxicated on July 21. He further went to say he had an idea of which wasy it was leaning but wasn’t sure when he’d let the public in on that.
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Entrance Interview is a series at WolverineNation -- similar to our Exit Interview series -- where we chat with incoming Michigan football and men's basketball players about their thoughts as they start college, what their expectations are, and what they'll miss most about high school.
Erik Magnuson (Carlsbad, Calif./La Costa Canyon) has the longest trip to college of any player in the Class of 2012, but don't be surprised if the 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive lineman ends up challenging for playing time early in his career.
WolverineNation caught up with Magnuson recently and chatted about his expectations and a possible mode of transportation for his time at Michigan.
Erik Magnuson (Carlsbad, Calif./La Costa Canyon) has the longest trip to college of any player in the Class of 2012, but don't be surprised if the 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive lineman ends up challenging for playing time early in his career.
WolverineNation caught up with Magnuson recently and chatted about his expectations and a possible mode of transportation for his time at Michigan.
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Every Thursday, your WolverineNation writers will discuss three pressing issues in Michigan sports. This week, Mike, Tom and Chantel look at changes in the Michigan football team, Trey Burke’s growth as a point guard, and recruits with NFL potential.
1. Which part of Michigan's game will look the most different this year, as opposed to last?
Michael Rothstein: Personnel-wise, it is the defensive line and that isn't close considering there are three new starters and four players at new positions. In scheme, though, it'll be how Michigan moves the ball on offense. Although much has been made of Michigan looking for wide receivers, it wouldn't be shocking to see Michigan move the ball with shorter throws to get guys such as Jeremy Gallon open in space.
1. Which part of Michigan's game will look the most different this year, as opposed to last?
Michael Rothstein: Personnel-wise, it is the defensive line and that isn't close considering there are three new starters and four players at new positions. In scheme, though, it'll be how Michigan moves the ball on offense. Although much has been made of Michigan looking for wide receivers, it wouldn't be shocking to see Michigan move the ball with shorter throws to get guys such as Jeremy Gallon open in space.
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ABOUT WOLVERINE NATION
Michael Rothstein
Michael Rothstein joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Michigan for AnnArbor.com, Notre Dame for the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette and a host of colleges for the Daily News-Record (Harrisonburg, Va.). A Syracuse graduate and an East Meadow, N.Y., native, he lives in Ann Arbor, Mich. He can be reached at michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com.
Tom VanHaaren
Tom VanHaaren joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Michigan for three years at MGoBlog.com. VanHaaren and his wife currently reside in Royal Oak, Mich. He can be reached at TomVHESPN@gmail.com.
Chantel Jennings
Chantel Jennings joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Michigan athletics for three years at The Michigan Daily. Chantel graduated from the University of Michigan with degrees in English and Spanish and lives in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at jenningsespn@gmail.com.