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Michigan Football: 5 reasons why the Wolverines will struggle in 2017

By Andrew Miller

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines lead his team onto the field before a college football game against the UCF Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines lead his team onto the field before a college football game against the UCF Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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EVANSTON IL – NOVEMBER 08: Kyle Prater #21 of the Northwestern Wildcats and Jourdan Lewis #26 of the Michigan Wolverines go for the ball during the second half on November 8, 2014 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 10-9. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
EVANSTON IL – NOVEMBER 08: Kyle Prater #21 of the Northwestern Wildcats and Jourdan Lewis #26 of the Michigan Wolverines go for the ball during the second half on November 8, 2014 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 10-9. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

5. Two freshmen starting cornerbacks, losing Jourdan Lewis

Former superstar Michigan cornerback Jourdan Lewis is going to be missed. He was the staple to the Wolverine secondary and was the glue that held the entire defense together. Now, Michigan has two freshman in Lavert Hill and David Long occupying the starting spots.

Hill is a former four-star recruit that committed to Michigan in 2016 and was the 12th-best corner in his class. He’ll get the chance to face Florida’s Antonio Callaway and Brandon Powell in his first week of action. That’s the definition of being thrown into the fire early.

Long was also a former four-star recruit that committed in 2016. However, Long was the 8th best corner in that recruiting class. He is a prime example of the recruiting reach that Harbaugh has put into place at Michigan. Hailing from Los Angeles, Calif., it’s very impressive that Harbaugh was able to pry Long away from Pac-12 country and programs like USC, Stanford and Oregon.

Growing pains are going to be present with this secondary. Even outside of Hill and Long, Michigan’s starting safeties include a sophomore and a freshman.

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