The benefits of fielding a dominating offensive line are obvious, but Michigan coach Brady Hoke feels it's a necessity. Year in and year out the offensive and defensive lines will be a focus for Michigan recruiting because of Hoke's philosophy that while battles go on all over the field, the war is won in the trenches.

Hoke and his staff already have shown the need for mauling offensive linemen on this team through their recruiting efforts.

The Wolverines have gained eight offensive line commits in Hoke's first two recruiting classes, five of who are among the ESPN 150. That happens to be the same amount of ESPN 150 offensive linemen to pick Michigan between 2006 and 2011.

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Tom VanHaaren | email

Reporter, WolverineNation

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• Reporter for WolverineNation
• Covers Michigan Wolverines recruiting
• Joined ESPN in 2011