Michigan football is in it's final week of fall camp prior to 'game week' starting next Monday. In the past week+, two wide receivers have really stepped up and are demanding snaps with the first team offense, but, it might not be who you are thinking.
Many Michigan fans assumed that Jerald Robinson or Jeremy Jackson would step into a larger role with Roy Roundtree sidelined with an injury, but two other newcomers to the Michigan receiving corps are turning heads. Freshman Amara Darboh and QB Devin Gardner have been the top performing WR in camp and are demanding playing time in the opener vs. Alabama with their consistent play.
Darboh, a 6'2' freshman from Iowa, showed up for fall camp JACKED UP at a cut 220 lbs and in the best shape of any freshman in camp. When taking snaps with the "2's", he was a man among boys, leading to the Michigan coaches giving him snaps with the #1 offense in certain situations. When given the opportunity, Darboh has shined. The best attributes that he possesses are the fact that he is a force in run blocking and has what one insider calls "the best hands on the team."
If the Alabama game was tomorrow, I would expect Darboh to see at least 10 snaps at the WR position.
The best WR on the team right now is backup Qb Devin Gardner. One source who has been at every practice this fall said "It's Braylon Edwards 2.0. I think he could be the best WR in the Big Ten this year if the coaches feel comfortable enough with Bellomy to move Devin to WR full time. I don't think that happens though. But, make no mistake, this kid is an NFL WR. He will get drafted and play WR in the NFL.
"Adrian Arrington is another player he reminds me of. Just so smooth, quick and has great hands. But, he is bigger, faster and stronger than Arrington, and he has better hands! He will catch 25 passes this year."
From what I have been told, it is likely that Roundtree will be back in for the Alabama game, and He and junior Jeremy Gallon will get the start at WR, but expect Gardner to get plenty of action at WR, especially on sure passing downs.
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