Michigan football and its fans have extremely high expectations for the first year of the Jim Harbaugh era, and these 6 players will need to step up for the team to reach the magical plateau of 10 wins.
S Jabrill Peppers
Peppers' freshman campaign was shortened dramatically from an injury and re-injury of his ankle. However, he's still a five-star talent who can make an entire secondary instantly better with his ball instincts while providing a spark in the return game. If he can stay healthy and live up to 80% of his potential, Michigan will be set.
QB Jake Rudock
Let's be real -- the Iowa transfer is the favorite going away to take the reins of the Michigan starting QB job. That's fantastic for the Wolverines, as Rudock was an underrated gem for the Hawkeyes from a game-management standpoint. Rudock's such an efficient and smart decision maker on the field that every one of Michigan's raw, talented offensive weapons will get a major boost.
CB Wayne Lyons
Another transfer set to make a major impact for the Michigan Wolverines, Lyons' move to Michigan for his final year of football eligibility gives them a veteran who started 41 games for the Cardinal in four years while also making the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list last year. The former US Army All-American can easily make a great Michigan defense even better if he can put up comparable production to his time in Palo Alto.
RB Derrick Green
Green was the Wolverines' leading rusher in 2014 before a broken clavicle ended his season in early October. Prior to his injury, the former five-star prospect had 471 yards and three touchdowns on 82 carries. His work ethic is celebrated by everyone who comes across him, so we expect his tenacity to once again propel him into the team's feature back role.
DT Ondre Pipkins
Pipkins is down to his final chance with the Wolverines. He's a senior now, and he's already had to make his way back from a major knee injury. After playing just five games last season and making just one tackle for a loss in three years, Pipkins doesn't look like an impact pick. However, there's so much talent in this former blue-chip prospect that, if he can put it together, Michigan's defense could reach legendary status fairly quickly.
WR Amara Darboh
You can make a case for Jehu Chesson in this spot, but it's Darboh who will take over the #1 target mantle with Devin Funchess off to the NFL. Darboh finished with a solid 36 catches for 473 yards and two touchdowns in 2014, but his highlight-reel work in spring camp portends huge things to come in 2015. If so, watch out.
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