It's a new era for Michigan Wolverines football. Brady Hoke is gone and Jim Harbaugh is in. The Wolverines limped to a 5-7 record last year and Harbaugh is tasked with restoring the program he once quarterbacked. It'll take some time to get Michigan back to its former glory, but that doesn't mean the Wolverines can't win right now. The non-conference schedule is a bit challenging and Michigan will need these five players to step up if it wants to win 10 games this season.
RB Ty Isaac
The USC transfer showed promise before breaking his collarbone. Isaac has the size and speed to successful be in the Big 10. He'll likely be part of a rotation with De'Veon Smith and Derrick Green this season. If Isaac can step up early, then Michigan's ground game should be strong.
WR Drake Harris
Harris hasn't played in two seasons. He missed his senior year of high school with a hamstring issue, and ran into hamstring problems again during his freshman year at Michigan. But now, he's healthy and ready to play. There's no doubting his talent and he was a star in camp. Michigan needs more weapons, especially with Devin Funchess in the NFL. Michigan needs Harris to stay healthy and play like the potential superstar he is.
DB Jabrill Peppers
Peppers is the best athlete on the team. He missed most of last season with a knee injury, but he's healthy now. He's listed as the starter at strong safety, but don't expect Michigan to play him only there. The coaching staff is going to put Peppers in positions where he can make plays. The Wolverines will need Peppers to stay healthy and have big season for the team to win 10 games.
RG Kyle Kalis
One of the top-rated offensive guard recruits in his class, Kalis flipped from Ohio State to Michigan. Now a redshirt junior, he will start at guard for the second season in a row. He's a strong run blocker, but struggled at times in pass protection. He needs to improve and step up this season, or the Wolverines offensive line could be in trouble. With better coaching this season, Kalis could have a great year.
QB Jake Rudock
The last player is the most obvious. Harbaugh hasn't announced who the starter will be, but the smart money is on Rudock. Rudock transferred from Iowa and is a good fit for Michigan's offense. At Iowa, he was an efficient player who didn't turn the ball over very often. Rudock is a "game-manager" QB, which will be an improvement over the turnover-prone Devin Gardner. That will be enough to get Michigan back to a bowl game, but if the Wolverines want to win 10 games, they'll need more playmaking from Rudock.
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