Michigan Wolverines: Jake Butt
WolverineNation recruiting roundtable 
May, 13, 2013
May 13
10:00
AM ET
By Chantel Jennings, Tom VanHaaren & Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Every other week our writers invite in an outside reporter to weigh in on Michigan recruiting topics. Today, Adam Rittenberg from the Big Ten blog stops by to chat.
1. Generally speaking, at which position at the college level is it “easiest” to contribute as a true freshman?
Adam Rittenberg: Running back and wide receiver are the two that jump out. Some freshman running backs aren't physically ready to be significant contributors, but running back and receiver are spots where freshmen can use their natural skills to get on the field. There's learning to do at both spots, but not like what you see at quarterback, linebacker or safety. Unless you're named Jadeveon Clowney, linemen usually need at least one full offseason in the program to have a chance to be a significant contributor.
1. Generally speaking, at which position at the college level is it “easiest” to contribute as a true freshman?
Adam Rittenberg: Running back and wide receiver are the two that jump out. Some freshman running backs aren't physically ready to be significant contributors, but running back and receiver are spots where freshmen can use their natural skills to get on the field. There's learning to do at both spots, but not like what you see at quarterback, linebacker or safety. Unless you're named Jadeveon Clowney, linemen usually need at least one full offseason in the program to have a chance to be a significant contributor.
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2012 record: 8-5
2012 conference record: 6-2
Returning starters: Offense: 6; defense: 6; kicker/punter: 3
Top returners:
QB Devin Gardner, WR Jeremy Gallon, TE Devin Funchess, LT Taylor Lewan, RT Michael Schofield, DT Quinton Washington, LB Desmond Morgan, LB Jake Ryan, CB Raymon Taylor, S Thomas Gordon
Key losses
QB Denard Robinson, WR Roy Roundtree, OG Patrick Omameh, C Elliott Mealer, DE Craig Roh, DT William Campbell, LB Kenny Demens, CB J.T. Floyd, S Jordan Kovacs
2012 statistical leaders
Rushing: Denard Robinson (1,266 yards)
Passing: Denard Robinson (1,319 yards)
Receiving: Jeremy Gallon* (829 yards)
Tackles: Jake Ryan* (88)
Sacks: Jake Ryan* (4.0)
Interceptions: Thomas Gordon* and Raymon Taylor* (2)
Spring answers
1. Defensive line fine: Michigan had to replace a four-year starter in Craig Roh as well as defensive tackle Will Campbell up front. It doesn’t seem like it will be an issue. Michigan has a potential star in Frank Clark at rush end as well as depth at the position with Mario Ojemudia and Taco Charlton. Keith Heitzman, for now, seems to have locked up a spot at strong side end, but there is a lot of talent there, too. The Wolverines have depth at all four spots and while competitions will continue into the fall, Michigan should be able to rotate at defensive coordinator Greg Mattison’s leisure.
2. Devin Gardner’s progression: After the way he played toward the end of last season, there was not much doubt about Gardner as the starter, but Michigan’s coaches appear happy with his growth throughout the offseason. He has developed as a quarterback the way the coaching staff has liked, and this is even more critical because he is the only healthy scholarship quarterback until Shane Morris arrives next month. Gardner's teammates believe in him and he is setting up for a big year.
3. Tight end weapons: Michigan still doesn’t have great depth at tight end, but what the Wolverines do have is a young group of guys who will become big targets for Gardner as the position evolves into a more featured role. Devin Funchess could have a breakout sophomore season and Jake Butt has a similar skill set. A.J. Williams slimmed down as well, perhaps turning him into more than just an extra blocker.
Fall questions
1. Who runs the ball: Michigan was never going to be able to answer this question in the spring with Fitzgerald Toussaint coming off a broken leg and freshmen Derrick Green and Deveon Smith still not on campus. But none of the running backs who participated in spring made a lasting impression on the coaches, meaning if he is healthy, Toussaint will likely receive the first chance at winning the job in the fall.
2. Can Jake Ryan be replaced: Michigan seems confident with its grouping of Brennen Beyer and Cam Gordon at strongside linebacker, but part of what made Ryan Michigan’s best defender was his ability to instinctively be around the ball. Whether or not Beyer or Gordon can do that in games remains to be seen. If the combination of those two can approximate that, Michigan’s defense should be fine.
3. Can the interior of the line hold up: Michigan is replacing both of its guards and its center. While the combination of redshirt sophomore Jack Miller at center and redshirt freshmen Ben Braden and Kyle Kalis at guard has a ton of talent, none have taken a meaningful snap in a game before. How they mesh with returning tackles Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield, along with how they connect with each other on combination blocks on the inside, could determine not only Michigan’s running success this fall, but also how many games the Wolverines win in Brady Hoke’s third season.
2012 conference record: 6-2
Returning starters: Offense: 6; defense: 6; kicker/punter: 3
Top returners:
QB Devin Gardner, WR Jeremy Gallon, TE Devin Funchess, LT Taylor Lewan, RT Michael Schofield, DT Quinton Washington, LB Desmond Morgan, LB Jake Ryan, CB Raymon Taylor, S Thomas Gordon
Key losses
QB Denard Robinson, WR Roy Roundtree, OG Patrick Omameh, C Elliott Mealer, DE Craig Roh, DT William Campbell, LB Kenny Demens, CB J.T. Floyd, S Jordan Kovacs
2012 statistical leaders
Rushing: Denard Robinson (1,266 yards)
Passing: Denard Robinson (1,319 yards)
Receiving: Jeremy Gallon* (829 yards)
Tackles: Jake Ryan* (88)
Sacks: Jake Ryan* (4.0)
Interceptions: Thomas Gordon* and Raymon Taylor* (2)
Spring answers
1. Defensive line fine: Michigan had to replace a four-year starter in Craig Roh as well as defensive tackle Will Campbell up front. It doesn’t seem like it will be an issue. Michigan has a potential star in Frank Clark at rush end as well as depth at the position with Mario Ojemudia and Taco Charlton. Keith Heitzman, for now, seems to have locked up a spot at strong side end, but there is a lot of talent there, too. The Wolverines have depth at all four spots and while competitions will continue into the fall, Michigan should be able to rotate at defensive coordinator Greg Mattison’s leisure.
2. Devin Gardner’s progression: After the way he played toward the end of last season, there was not much doubt about Gardner as the starter, but Michigan’s coaches appear happy with his growth throughout the offseason. He has developed as a quarterback the way the coaching staff has liked, and this is even more critical because he is the only healthy scholarship quarterback until Shane Morris arrives next month. Gardner's teammates believe in him and he is setting up for a big year.
3. Tight end weapons: Michigan still doesn’t have great depth at tight end, but what the Wolverines do have is a young group of guys who will become big targets for Gardner as the position evolves into a more featured role. Devin Funchess could have a breakout sophomore season and Jake Butt has a similar skill set. A.J. Williams slimmed down as well, perhaps turning him into more than just an extra blocker.
Fall questions
1. Who runs the ball: Michigan was never going to be able to answer this question in the spring with Fitzgerald Toussaint coming off a broken leg and freshmen Derrick Green and Deveon Smith still not on campus. But none of the running backs who participated in spring made a lasting impression on the coaches, meaning if he is healthy, Toussaint will likely receive the first chance at winning the job in the fall.
2. Can Jake Ryan be replaced: Michigan seems confident with its grouping of Brennen Beyer and Cam Gordon at strongside linebacker, but part of what made Ryan Michigan’s best defender was his ability to instinctively be around the ball. Whether or not Beyer or Gordon can do that in games remains to be seen. If the combination of those two can approximate that, Michigan’s defense should be fine.
3. Can the interior of the line hold up: Michigan is replacing both of its guards and its center. While the combination of redshirt sophomore Jack Miller at center and redshirt freshmen Ben Braden and Kyle Kalis at guard has a ton of talent, none have taken a meaningful snap in a game before. How they mesh with returning tackles Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield, along with how they connect with each other on combination blocks on the inside, could determine not only Michigan’s running success this fall, but also how many games the Wolverines win in Brady Hoke’s third season.
Analysis: 2013 offensive depth chart
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
9:10
AM ET
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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WolverineNation roundtable
April, 25, 2013
Apr 25
10:00
AM ET
By Chantel Jennings, Tom VanHaaren & Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, our writers sit down and take a look at three topics in Michigan athletics from the week. Today they consider breakout football players, basketball’s prospects next season and the ESPN 150.
1. Which Michigan football player do you think could have a breakout in 2013?
1. Which Michigan football player do you think could have a breakout in 2013?
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Five spots where freshmen might fit
April, 16, 2013
Apr 16
9:20
AM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Ideally, this conversation would not happen at Michigan or many other BCS-level programs this fall or any fall. But, things occur because of injuries, attrition and coaching switches so it leads to college coaches looking at guys they recruit and saying the same thing.
Which one of these guys will be able to play right away?
In basketball this is a way of life. In football it can get dangerous, depending on the competition. As Michigan builds up its roster, it has had to rely on freshmen less and less, but this season the Wolverines still will need to look to some first-year players to be key contributors on offense and defense.
Here’s a look at five freshmen -- or spots -- where you could see rookies this fall.
Which one of these guys will be able to play right away?
In basketball this is a way of life. In football it can get dangerous, depending on the competition. As Michigan builds up its roster, it has had to rely on freshmen less and less, but this season the Wolverines still will need to look to some first-year players to be key contributors on offense and defense.
Here’s a look at five freshmen -- or spots -- where you could see rookies this fall.
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Offense gives away little in spring game
April, 13, 2013
Apr 13
4:47
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The first real look at Michigan's kind of new return to its pro style run-the-ball roots on offense went about as expected Saturday during its controlled scrimmage.
Michigan didn’t give much away. It rotated fairly liberally. And any potential wrinkles or research put together by offensive coordinator Al Borges will remain a public secret until the fall.
The Wolverines’ scrimmage, which was going to be deemed controlled at the start, had more of a feel of a situational practice. No official, public statistics were taken. There was no score kept.
Almost everything Michigan ran was pretty rudimentary when it comes to its offensive plan.
Michigan didn’t give much away. It rotated fairly liberally. And any potential wrinkles or research put together by offensive coordinator Al Borges will remain a public secret until the fall.
The Wolverines’ scrimmage, which was going to be deemed controlled at the start, had more of a feel of a situational practice. No official, public statistics were taken. There was no score kept.
Almost everything Michigan ran was pretty rudimentary when it comes to its offensive plan.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- It’s March and there’s so much madness. First of all, the basketball team, even with its No. 5 seeding, is poised to make deep runs in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments. The quarterback who had video-game like moves is now on the cover of a video game. And the maddest part of it all is that Tom left for vacation for a week and the recruiting world didn’t have a major shakeup. I guess that’s only for when he goes to grocery store or furniture shopping. It’s madness, I tell you!
Anyway, Mike will be handling the mailbag next week. So make sure if there’s any madness that you consult with him on it by sending questions to michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com or @MikeRothstein. And now, on to this week’s questions.
Anyway, Mike will be handling the mailbag next week. So make sure if there’s any madness that you consult with him on it by sending questions to michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com or @MikeRothstein. And now, on to this week’s questions.
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WolverineNation Roundtable
March, 7, 2013
Mar 7
9:35
AM ET
By Chantel Jennings, Michael Rothstein & Tom VanHaaren | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, our writers sit down to throw around some ideas about a few issues surrounding Michigan sports. This week, Tom, Mike and Chantel take a crack at some spring football storylines, some underrated basketball players and younger prospects who have the opportunity to blow up on the recruiting scene this summer.
1) Spring football is right around the corner, what storyline are you most interested to follow as the Wolverines get their 15 spring practices?
1) Spring football is right around the corner, what storyline are you most interested to follow as the Wolverines get their 15 spring practices?
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Five to watch in spring: Taco Charlton
March, 6, 2013
Mar 6
10:40
AM 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. -- While Taco Charlton is just one of the six early enrolling freshmen this spring, but the defensive end is more intriguing than most for the simple reason that he’ll potentially have a chance to play.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- While Taco Charlton is just one of the six early enrolling freshmen this spring, but the defensive end is more intriguing than most for the simple reason that he’ll potentially have a chance to play.
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The NFL combine has come and gone and wide receiver Denard Robinson (still, so weird to write that) performed how most thought he would perform -- inconsistently. And because of Robinson’s appearance at the combine, that meant he was not at the Michigan basketball game this past weekend, but it didn’t matter because there were plenty of other football faces in the crowd that people wanted to know about. Overall, it has been a pretty good week for Michigan sports, so let’s chat about it.
Next week Mike will take care of the mailbag so send your questions to him (@MikeRothstein, michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com). And now, on to this week’s questions:
Next week Mike will take care of the mailbag so send your questions to him (@MikeRothstein, michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com). And now, on to this week’s questions:
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Notebook: Michigan fills offensive needs
February, 7, 2013
Feb 7
10:00
AM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- There’s no way to look at Michigan’s 2013 class and not believe Brady Hoke when he says he’s putting an emphasis up front.
Not only is it impressive that the Wolverines were able to pull in six offensive line signees, each is big and physical (averaging 6-foot-5, 295 pounds).
“It was very important for us to establish guys who can play at the line of scrimmage the way we want to play Michigan football,” Hoke said. “For the style of football we need to play, I think that was important.”
Not only is it impressive that the Wolverines were able to pull in six offensive line signees, each is big and physical (averaging 6-foot-5, 295 pounds).
“It was very important for us to establish guys who can play at the line of scrimmage the way we want to play Michigan football,” Hoke said. “For the style of football we need to play, I think that was important.”
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Hoke takes Michigan back to the future
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
3:15
PM ET
By
Tom VanHaaren | ESPN.com
There is no DeLorean in this story, but Michigan coach Brady Hoke is attempting to take his football team back to the future, in a sense.
Hoke wants to create his own identity, but through recruiting he and his staff are attempting to recreate some of the old Michigan ways on the field. With big, burly offensive linemen, bruising running backs, tall wide receivers and defensive linemen who don’t quit, Hoke also is hoping to replicate the winning ways of old.
Hoke wants to create his own identity, but through recruiting he and his staff are attempting to recreate some of the old Michigan ways on the field. With big, burly offensive linemen, bruising running backs, tall wide receivers and defensive linemen who don’t quit, Hoke also is hoping to replicate the winning ways of old.
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Welcome to WolverineNation's live coverage of national signing day for the Michigan Wolverines. We'll be with you throughout the day providing up-to-the-minute updates on Team 134, aka the Class of 2013.
Watch live coverage on ESPNU | Talk signing day on our forum, "The Den"
Follow the live blog after the jump.
Watch live coverage on ESPNU | Talk signing day on our forum, "The Den"
Follow the live blog after the jump.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Taylor Lewan provided a bit of college football coverage for Ann Arbor fans last week when he announced he would stay for his final season, but at this time of year all eyes seem to be on recruiting and basketball. With less than a month to signing day, the Wolverines seem to be closing in on a class that will leave them with few surprises on Feb. 6. And the basketball team, even with its first loss last week in Columbus, has made Ann Arbor excited about basketball again.
Next week Mike has the mailbag, so send questions his way. Now on to this week’s questions. Jeremy Oosterhouse via Twitter: With Damon Webb (Detroit/Cass Tech) to OSU, who are some 2014 instate CBs Michigan might be looking at?
A: Just because Webb committed doesn’t mean his recruitment is over. He’s still going to be one of the Wolverines most highly sought-after recruits, perhaps even more so now. He was the only 2014 elite, national-level CB in Michigan, though a few in-state kids to keep yours eyes on would be Tim Cason (Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston) and Jalen Watts-Jackson (Orchard Lake, Mich./St. Mary’s). But assume the Wolverines will keep branching out. Parrker Westphal (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) would be a huge get, as would Nick Watkins (Dallas/Bishop Dunne).
Next week Mike has the mailbag, so send questions his way. Now on to this week’s questions. Jeremy Oosterhouse via Twitter: With Damon Webb (Detroit/Cass Tech) to OSU, who are some 2014 instate CBs Michigan might be looking at?
A: Just because Webb committed doesn’t mean his recruitment is over. He’s still going to be one of the Wolverines most highly sought-after recruits, perhaps even more so now. He was the only 2014 elite, national-level CB in Michigan, though a few in-state kids to keep yours eyes on would be Tim Cason (Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston) and Jalen Watts-Jackson (Orchard Lake, Mich./St. Mary’s). But assume the Wolverines will keep branching out. Parrker Westphal (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) would be a huge get, as would Nick Watkins (Dallas/Bishop Dunne).
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Final 150/300 mixed bag for U-M commits
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
2:12
PM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The final ESPN150/300 rankings and class rankings were released on Thursday. A Michigan class that started out the 2013 teams rankings at No. 1 slipped again, mostly do to a precipitous drop for one prospect.
But the news wasn’t all bad, as one of the five offensive line commits in the class made a nice move up the charts.
But the news wasn’t all bad, as one of the five offensive line commits in the class made a nice move up the charts.
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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.