Mailbag Question: Freshmen adapting

Hey,

How do you see the new freshmen adapting to the new Michigan and how will they be effective this year? Do you see more playing this year or not?

Will Coach Rod play more this year because he doesn't know or have the kids he wants for his system?

How about the OL group of freshman? How do you like them and also how will they fit? Will there be some that might see time this year and how about a timeline for some of those to possible see playing time 1, 2, 3, never?

Tom

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Thanks for the question. How freshmen adapt is twofold. How they adapt to football, but how they adapt to being away from home and college life is equally important. Homesickness has hurt the development of more than one prospect. How effective is tough to say.

We would be very surprised if some of the freshmen do not see meaningful playing time. At the very least, more freshmen will find there way onto the two deep depth charts, and this includes the offensive linemen.

The freshmen are going to be very important for providing depth. The lack of depth gives many freshmen a chance where in past they might of red-shirted. New positions as slot receiver will also be factor in freshmen getting an opportunity to contribute.

Another area we expect freshmen to help with is special teams. There are three to four who have excellent return skills and several can help with coverage.

With Ortmann and Schilling having two and three years of eligibility left playing time at offensive tackle will tough to get, but would not be surprised to see O'Neill at least in mix next spring. At offensive guard or offensive center, would be surprised if in two years or so some of our incoming freshmen are not pushing for serious playing time.

written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

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