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Michigan Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

By Connor Muldowney

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 22: Chris Evans #12 of the Michigan Wolverines looks for running room while playing the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 22, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 41-8. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 22: Chris Evans #12 of the Michigan Wolverines looks for running room while playing the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 22, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 41-8. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 22: Chris Evans #12 of the Michigan Wolverines looks for running room while playing the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 22, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 41-8. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 22: Chris Evans #12 of the Michigan Wolverines looks for running room while playing the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 22, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 41-8. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Offense

While quarterback seems to be a slight concern, only because the starter has yet to be made clear, the offense is forced to replace seven starters last season, including both receivers and tight end.

However, the depth and talent at wide out is impressive. Incoming five-star freshman Donovan Peoples-Jones highlights the group and he has the potential to be the No. 1 target right away. He will be joined by sophomores Kekoa Crawford, Eddie McDoom and Nate Johnson who will all try to replace the production lost with Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson.

Running back will be set as well. Chris Evans returns as a potential breakout star. The speedy back needed to add some muscle this offseason, but it looks like he’s doing so. He rushed for 614 yards and four touchdowns as a true freshman. Former USC transfer Ty Isaac will back him up. Fullback will be led by touchdown-machine Khalid Hill — he reached the end zone 10 times on 25 attempts in 2016.

Jake Butt is also gone, leaving the tight end position open. Sophomore Tyrone Wheatley Jr. will be the likely starter. Ian Bunting has starting experience, but will be a capable backup.

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On the offensive line, the youth movement is evident.

While Mason Cole (center) and Patrick Kugler (left guard) are the two seniors leading the way, the rest of the unit is young. Junior Juwann Bushell-Beatty will start at right tackle while sophomores Ben Bredeson and Michael Onwenu will be the No. 1 left tackle and right guard, respectively. Solid unit.

A potential QB controversy?

How could there be a quarterback controversy if Wilton Speight is returning for his senior season as the second-year starter? Well, there are many fans who are clamoring for talented freshman Brandon Peters to get the rock to start the season.

After a strong spring, the redshirt freshman has closed the gap that was looming between himself and Speight. Although the Wolverines’ presumed starter passed for 2,538 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2016, there are doubts about his potential compared to Peters’.

Michigan can’t go wrong either way, though. If the Wolverines go with Speight, they will have a senior leader and strong vocal presence under center. If they pick the former blue-chip recruit in Peters, they will have a kid with an electric arm, and accuracy to boot, who has an extremely high ceiling.

Expect Speight to be the No. 1 guy come Week 1.

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