The Michigan Wolverines posted an impressive 10-3 campaign in Jim Harbaugh's first year at the helm. The expectations are even higher this season, especially with the impressive recruiting class Harbaugh brought in this year. For the Wolverines to get back to the top of the Big Ten this year, they'll need a few of those true freshman to play key roles. With that in mind, here are four true freshman who must make an instant impact for Michigan Football in 2016.
4. CB David Long
With Jourdan Lewis starring at one corner spot and seniors Jeremy Clark and Channing Stribling fighting for No. 2 and No. 3 corner duties, the Wolverines don't need Long to start this year. However, they do need him to provide depth at a position that's a bit thin on it. But most importantly, they need him to make an impact so they know he's ready to start in 2017. After all, Lewis, Stribling and Clark will be gone, and only junior CB Brandon Watson has played before (and only six games). Michigan will need Long in a big way next year and the Wolverines need him to show his ability this season.
3. RB Kareem Walker
The Wolverines do return starter De'Veon Smith, as well as backups Ty Isaac and Drake Johnson, but they'd love to get something out of Kareem Walker this season. Smith had 753 yards last year, but was inconsistent at times. He had more sub-40 yards games than he had 100-yard efforts. Meanwhile, half of Isaac's yards came in one game and he has yet to reach his potential. Johnson can't stay healthy and was inconsistent last year. There's plenty of flash from the Michigan RBs, but not enough substance. Perhaps the four-star Walker, who was a five-star recruit earlier in the process, can provide that. He enrolled early and that extra time at Michigan could help him get on the field.
2. DL Rashan Gary
Gary was the top recruit in the nation, and Michigan managed to land him. He didn't enroll early, but Gary will see playing time. He's going to start his career at defensive end, although he could shift inside later in his career. Because of his immense talent, Gary won't just play plenty in his freshman season, he might even start. That speaks to just how good Gary is, because the Wolverines' front four is among the best in the Big Ten without Gary. The Wolverines don't exactly need Gary to make a major impact this year, but he probably will anyway.
1. LB Devin Bush
Bush isn't the same type of talent that Gary is, but Bush is needed to make a quicker impact because of the poor depth at LB. All three starters at linebacker are gone, with the Wolverines even moving star Jabrill Peppers to linebacker to help add some playmaking. The undersized Bush will start the year as a backup, but he will see playing time. Bush will backup Mike McCray at the WILL LB spot, but with Michigan dangerously thin at LB (it's only walk-ons behind bush), he will be on the field this season. With his dad coaching as a defensive analyst for Michigan and given the he enrolled early, Bush should be ready to play early and often.
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