As Michigan begins spring practice, the heat is on Hoke as he enters his fourth season. Michigan needs to drastically improve last season’s record, or fan frustration may boil over.
Brady Hoke Definitely on the Hot Seat in 2014
6 Players With Most to Gain In Spring Practices
Michigan enters spring practice with significant questions on both sides of the ball, but with none more important than how to improve the offense.
The following players have an opportunity to move up the depth chart—or slide back down depending on their performance—during the spring.
How Does Jake Butt’s Injury Impact Doug Nussmeier’s Offense?
Tight end Jake Butt’s recent ACL injury that was announced by the Michigan athletic department depletes an already thin position group for Doug Nussmeier in his first season as offensive coordinator. The graduation of last season’s top receiver, Jeremy Gallon, and reliable option Drew Dileo leaves quarterback Devin Gardner without two of his favorite targets, while Butt’s injury threatens to have serious implications as Nussmeier tries to retool the Michigan offense.
Top Players to Watch in Spring Practice
As Hoke enters his fourth season in Ann Arbor, he’s under pressure to beat rivals Michigan State and Ohio State—which battled for the Big Ten championship last season—while Michigan lurked in the Legends division cellar.
Preparation for winning the Big Ten starts with spring practice, and these are the players to watch.
Who Will Replace Taylor Lewan in Starting Lineup?
To say that the Michigan offensive line struggled last season would be a massive understatement.
However, the position group, which faced constant shuffling because of poor play and injuries, did have one bright spot: offensive tackle Taylor Lewan.
Brady Hoke now needs to replace Lewan while hoping that the interior of the offensive line drastically improves from last season. After last season’s poor play, every position is up for grabs, but the following players are the top candidates to replace Lewan.