Michigan Wolverines: Russell Bellomy
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.
WolverineNation roundtable
May, 2, 2013
May 2
9:50
AM ET
By Chantel Jennings, Tom VanHaaren & Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
Every Thursday our writers sit down to chat about Michigan sports and the issues surrounding them. Today, they look at redshirts, hypothetical 3-on-3 basketball tournaments and early offers.
1) Of the 2013 class, which player do you think would benefit the most from a redshirt?
Michael Rothstein: Shane Morris. While offensive linemen usually redshirt to gain size and strength, Morris would be a huge benefactor of an extra year. He won't be Michigan's starter and barely played as a senior due to mononucleosis. Having a year to understand Al Borges' system would be extremely beneficial to his college career. However, he might not have that luxury due to the injury to Russell Bellomy which leaves him as the second healthy quarterback on the roster this fall.
1) Of the 2013 class, which player do you think would benefit the most from a redshirt?
Michael Rothstein: Shane Morris. While offensive linemen usually redshirt to gain size and strength, Morris would be a huge benefactor of an extra year. He won't be Michigan's starter and barely played as a senior due to mononucleosis. Having a year to understand Al Borges' system would be extremely beneficial to his college career. However, he might not have that luxury due to the injury to Russell Bellomy which leaves him as the second healthy quarterback on the roster this fall.
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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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ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan’s potentially early entrants have made their decisions -- Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. in the draft, Glenn Robinson III and Mitch McGary out -- and now, the Wolverines roster for next season is starting to take shape.
Also, the most intriguing position battle on Michigan’s football team still has little definition entering the summer.
We address these issues in this week’s WolverineNation Mailbag. Send your questions for next week to @chanteljennings on Twitter or jenningsespn@gmail.com.
Also, the most intriguing position battle on Michigan’s football team still has little definition entering the summer.
We address these issues in this week’s WolverineNation Mailbag. Send your questions for next week to @chanteljennings on Twitter or jenningsespn@gmail.com.
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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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Cleary emerges as option at quarterback
April, 11, 2013
Apr 11
8:45
AM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Brian Cleary, Michigan’s current backup quarterback, was extremely close to not being in Ann Arbor at all.
How close? He was admitted -- and planned on attending -- another school when Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges called then-University of Detroit Jesuit coach Jeff Putnam in the late spring and early summer of 2012 inquiring about Cleary’s availability.
Putnam said Cleary was going to Notre Dame. Not to play or walk on, but as a regular college student.
Maybe he’d quarterback the football team at Dillon Hall since they play tackle football as dorms at the school. Now the redshirt freshman is potentially one snap away from being the starting quarterback at Michigan.
Borges called Putnam and explained the Wolverines were lacking quarterback depth and could be in the position through 2014. Plus, Michigan liked Cleary’s film.
How close? He was admitted -- and planned on attending -- another school when Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges called then-University of Detroit Jesuit coach Jeff Putnam in the late spring and early summer of 2012 inquiring about Cleary’s availability.
Putnam said Cleary was going to Notre Dame. Not to play or walk on, but as a regular college student.
Maybe he’d quarterback the football team at Dillon Hall since they play tackle football as dorms at the school. Now the redshirt freshman is potentially one snap away from being the starting quarterback at Michigan.
Borges called Putnam and explained the Wolverines were lacking quarterback depth and could be in the position through 2014. Plus, Michigan liked Cleary’s film.
Gardner's redshirt helps 2014 recruiting
March, 12, 2013
Mar 12
10:00
AM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The Michigan fan base breathed a sigh of relief last week when Devin Gardner was awarded a medical redshirt, giving him an extra year with the Wolverines. That means he will be a redshirt junior next fall, and in 2014, he'll be a redshirt senior -- prompting some prognosticators to give the Wolverines a shot at the Big Ten and national titles that season.
It was a huge boost to Brady Hoke and the Wolverines, but it also has been a help on the recruiting trail.
It was a huge boost to Brady Hoke and the Wolverines, but it also has been a help on the recruiting trail.
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Potential Gardner return big for Michigan
March, 5, 2013
Mar 5
5:54
PM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- It might be more than a season away, and there is still a chance Devin Gardner might choose not to use it, but the Big Ten’s decision to grant the Michigan quarterback a fifth year could provide a major boost to the Wolverines.
In 2014.
In 2014.
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QB recruiting evolves to fit new scheme
February, 12, 2013
Feb 12
8:30
AM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan’s quarterback situation this year was a round-hole, square-peg deal no matter how coaches, players or fans tried to look at it.
Denard Robinson was a dynamic athlete and could make things happen, but it wasn’t what Brady Hoke or Al Borges was accustomed to. And when Devin Gardner stepped in, it was a bit more pro-style, but still, not the same as what the pair had experienced success with in the past.
Now, the Wolverines will spend the next few seasons adjusting into what will become their offense. And with that adjustment, the main proponent will be whom the Wolverines put at quarterback, and with Shane Morris (Warren, Mich./De La Salle) signed on in 2013 and Wilton Speight (Richmond, Va./Collegiate School) committed for 2014, Michigan is clearly making moves to change to a more typical pro-style offense.
Denard Robinson was a dynamic athlete and could make things happen, but it wasn’t what Brady Hoke or Al Borges was accustomed to. And when Devin Gardner stepped in, it was a bit more pro-style, but still, not the same as what the pair had experienced success with in the past.
Now, the Wolverines will spend the next few seasons adjusting into what will become their offense. And with that adjustment, the main proponent will be whom the Wolverines put at quarterback, and with Shane Morris (Warren, Mich./De La Salle) signed on in 2013 and Wilton Speight (Richmond, Va./Collegiate School) committed for 2014, Michigan is clearly making moves to change to a more typical pro-style offense.
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WolverineNation Roundtable
January, 17, 2013
Jan 17
10:00
AM ET
By Michael Rothstein, Tom VanHaaren & Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, the WolverineNation writers sit down and discuss three of the most important topics in Michigan sports for the week. This week, they look at a returning offensive lineman, the basketball team’s first loss and the 2013 recruiting class.
1) How or where will the Wolverines benefit the most with Taylor Lewan staying for his final season? Chantel Jennings: The quarterback position. Devin Gardner would’ve had a much rougher year if he had an inexperienced and young left tackle protecting his blind side. Now, he has the probable frontrunner for the Outland Trophy. Had it been a young player as a starter, Gardner would’ve been sacked and hit much more, in which case we would’ve seen more Russell Bellomy, Jack Kennedy or Shane Morris, who also would’ve been protected by a young left tackle.
Tom VanHaaren: There are a lot of ways that Lewan coming back helps. It obviously means one fewer question mark along the offensive line. Having Lewan back means the left tackle spot is solidified, which will obviously help in the pass and run game. More importantly, it might help for the future. His return means that Michigan doesn't have to insert a redshirt freshman or move Michael Schofield over. It gives the younger linemen more time to develop and learn under Lewan.
1) How or where will the Wolverines benefit the most with Taylor Lewan staying for his final season? Chantel Jennings: The quarterback position. Devin Gardner would’ve had a much rougher year if he had an inexperienced and young left tackle protecting his blind side. Now, he has the probable frontrunner for the Outland Trophy. Had it been a young player as a starter, Gardner would’ve been sacked and hit much more, in which case we would’ve seen more Russell Bellomy, Jack Kennedy or Shane Morris, who also would’ve been protected by a young left tackle.
Tom VanHaaren: There are a lot of ways that Lewan coming back helps. It obviously means one fewer question mark along the offensive line. Having Lewan back means the left tackle spot is solidified, which will obviously help in the pass and run game. More importantly, it might help for the future. His return means that Michigan doesn't have to insert a redshirt freshman or move Michael Schofield over. It gives the younger linemen more time to develop and learn under Lewan.
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Over the next few weeks, WolverineNation will look at every position on the Michigan roster and give a depth chart analysis of each heading into the offseason.
A quarterback era ended in Tampa, Fla., last week when Denard Robinson played his final game at the position for Michigan. He briefly redefined what it meant to be a quarterback at the school, a runner as much if not more so than a passer instead of the traditional dropback passers the school had harvested for decades.
Now, though, Michigan is headed right back into the pro style world and with it, options at the position for the present and the future.
A quarterback era ended in Tampa, Fla., last week when Denard Robinson played his final game at the position for Michigan. He briefly redefined what it meant to be a quarterback at the school, a runner as much if not more so than a passer instead of the traditional dropback passers the school had harvested for decades.
Now, though, Michigan is headed right back into the pro style world and with it, options at the position for the present and the future.
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Top 5 moments: Gardner steps up
December, 14, 2012
12/14/12
10:00
AM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
This week, WolverineNation will look at the five most critical moments of Michigan's 2012 football season (bowl excluded). These aren't necessarily positive or negative moments, but the five moments that most impacted this football season.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Denard Robinson fell innocently to the turf, tackled just one more time on a cold October night in Lincoln, Neb. Unlike so many other times in his career, though, Robinson didn’t get up.
Robinson and Michigan appeared to be driving for a score to take the lead against Nebraska in a game that would have given the Wolverines a stronghold on the Legends Division and a path to the Rose Bowl. But when Robinson went down, everything shifted for the last third of Michigan’s season.
Redshirt freshman Russell Bellomy entered the game and missed on his first 10 passes. The Wolverines lost to Nebraska and saw their hold on the division slip away.
The next week, junior Devin Gardner became the starting quarterback, and that shift was the most critical moment of this Michigan football season.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan’s quarterback spot was supposed to be a strength this season and at times, the Wolverines had great gains from the spot, whether Denard Robinson or Devin Gardner was at the position.
But with those gains also came some surprises, be it the strong play of a guy who started the season as a wide receiver or the lack of progression from Robinson, who was touted by coaches to have made a massive leap in how he made his decisions during the offseason.
With that said, here’s a look at the good, the bad and the future of the quarterback at Michigan.
But with those gains also came some surprises, be it the strong play of a guy who started the season as a wide receiver or the lack of progression from Robinson, who was touted by coaches to have made a massive leap in how he made his decisions during the offseason.
With that said, here’s a look at the good, the bad and the future of the quarterback at Michigan.
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Michigan 10: Week 10 power rankings
November, 5, 2012
11/05/12
10:00
AM ET
By
Michael Rothstein | ESPN.com
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- A week ago, Michigan saw one version of what life could be like without Denard Robinson as its quarterback. On Saturday, the Wolverines saw a much different version.
It’ll likely take the Devin Gardner-led offense every time. Gardner’s performance Saturday showed flashes of what Michigan’s offense will look like when it transitions next season to the pro-style O the Wolverines coaches favor and what it could look like with Gardner at quarterback.
It also told Michigan it has a viable option behind Robinson at quarterback -- which was questionable after last week with Gardner at receiver and Russell Bellomy struggling through his first extended action on the road.
It’ll likely take the Devin Gardner-led offense every time. Gardner’s performance Saturday showed flashes of what Michigan’s offense will look like when it transitions next season to the pro-style O the Wolverines coaches favor and what it could look like with Gardner at quarterback.
It also told Michigan it has a viable option behind Robinson at quarterback -- which was questionable after last week with Gardner at receiver and Russell Bellomy struggling through his first extended action on the road.
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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.