Michigan Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Chris Evans #12 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to avoid the tackle of A.J. Westbrook #19 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the Capitol One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 26: Grant Perry #9 of the Michigan Wolverines dives for a pass during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Michigan’s top three receivers from last season in regards to total yards receiving are gone to the NFL.

Last season, Grant Perry only had one touchdown grab, but in his sophomore season he averaged 14.1 yards per catch and had the fourth most receiving yards on the team (183). While 54 of those yards came off his one touchdown catch, he’s shown an ability to spread the field, which could do wonders for Chris Evans and Karan Kigdon this season.

Jim Harbaugh received some heat from the media and fans for choosing to reinstate Perry despite sexually assaulting a woman last year. It turns out footballs aren’t the only thing Perry likes to grab. Perry will miss the first half of the season as part of the universities penalty for his actions. He also missed the teams trip to Rome.

But, once Perry returns, look for him to become the top receiver for Michigan the remainder of the season. He’ll also be fueled to prove that he deserved his second chance and to earn some positive headlines after the nasty ones he earned last season.

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