Despite Coaching Situation - Michigan Has Talent to Compete in 2015

Michigan return-man Dennis Norfleet is one of
the most electric players in the country.
Photo Credit: Detroit Free Press

This is Michigan. One of the biggest football powerhouses in the nation. However, the Wolverines have obviously underachieved this season going 5-7 overall. In fact, this year marks just the third time in the past forty years that the Wolverines did not make it to a bowl game. Following the 5-7 record, head coach Brady Hoke is on the hot-seat and most likely will not return to coach the Wolverines next season. That, however, doesn't mean Michigan isn't ready to improve and possibly compete next season.

The Wolverines have several solid starters returning for the 2015 season, including top passing target, Devin Funchess. The 6'5", 230 pound tight end turned wide out should return for his senior season in Ann Arbor after a season with 733 receiving yards and just four touchdowns. However, that is with a quarterback in Devin Gardner who struggled all season long. Gardner will not return next season, which is a positive thing for the Wolverines. Instead, Shane Morris will most likely take over as the Wolverines' signal-caller. Personally, I do not see Morris as the answer for Michigan's quarterback woes, but it isn't a problem with the returning backfield.

Michigan should have one of the best runningback cores in the Big Ten in 2015 with returning backs Derrick Green, Drake Johnson and Dennis Norfleet, who is one of the most dangerous players in the country, if used effectively. Green was injured after six games this season and was on pace for nearly 1,000 yards rushing, leading the team. Without Green, the Wolverines fell off, but with him healthy in 2015, the running game will find another level. Aside from him, Drake Johnson tore his ACL for the second time in the final game against Ohio State. Johnson came out of nowhere this past season but proved to be effective for the Wolverines. If the Wolverines run the ball frequently next season, they will be successful.

Michigan tight end, Devin Funchess will be a huge weapon
in 2015 if he remains in school.
Photo Credit: Bleacher Report

Let's talk about the dancing superstar, Dennis Norfleet. One of the most electric players in America, Norfleet can fly. His return skills are incredible and he can also be used in the backfield as a runningback or a slot receiver. His role should increase next season as well and in the special teams game, he will be extremely effective as usual.

At wide receiver, incoming-freshman Drake Harris was hurt all-season and redshirted. Next year, he will be ready to go to help out Devin Funchess in the receiving game, which will allow Shane Morris to have two excellent options, if he can remain healthy.

On the offensive line, Michigan started true-freshman left tackle, Mason Cole who proved to be solid throughout the season. Jack Miller will also return along the offensive line and if they improve, they will certainly be a dominant run-offense and be able to throw the ball through play-action.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Wolverines ranked 28th in the country, allowing just over 22 points per game. Next season, cornerback Blake Countess returns along with who will be redshirt-freshman Jabrill Peppers who is poised to be one of the most exciting Wolverines to ever play, if he lives up to expectations.

Also on defense, the Wolverines will need to replace senior stud, Jake Ryan who led the team with 112 tackles this season. Aside from Ryan, Brennan Beyer is someone they need to replace at defensive end. Michigan should be just fine in the secondary however and I expect big things once again. If the Wolverines rank in the top-forty in the country on the defensive side of the ball, this team will do big things.

Obviously, the first thing is first, the Wolverines need a head coach. Brady Hoke isn't the answer and he needs to be fired but once that happens, the team can move on and develop their players. Sure, the coaching problems have led to major, major problems in recruiting. The loss of commitment, Mike Weber out of Detroit Cass Tech will have a big-time downfall on the future Wolverines. However, Michigan has time to recover on next year's recruits. They can afford a bad recruiting class this year due to the youth on the current roster. If they develop their players, Michigan can compete as early as last year.

Since Jim Harbaugh seems to be staying in the NFL, could
LSU's Les Miles be next on Michigan's radar?
Photo Credit: FTR Sports

I know it sounds crazy, but look at what happened in Brady Hoke's first season after taking over for Rich Rodriguez. An 11-2 overall record and a BCS Bowl win was the result of a senior led team. Next season, the team will be older and will have much more leadership. Michigan may be closer to National prominence than we all think. They're just that one big-named head coach away. Tomorrow is the day we found out if the program will take a step in the right direction by getting rid of Hoke or if they'll continue down the trail of complacency in the Big Ten.

Since Jim Harbaugh seems to be staying in the NFL, Michigan needs to get a big-time name for their next head coach. Hoke came from nowhere, granted he did rebuild a few programs, but this is MICHIGAN. Basically, it's LSU's Les Miles, Jim Harbaugh, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, or nobody. Michigan needs to nail this next hire, if they do, Michigan will compete next season. Book it.

The 2015 Wolverines will have some leadership and they will have talent. It's just a matter of how fast Michigan wants to improve and get back to being the Michigan Wolverines that everyone is used to. Let's home interim Athletic Director, Jim Hackett makes the right decision.




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