The Michigan Wolverines plan on making it back to the top of the Big Ten and college football. The first year under Jim Harbaugh was a success, although Michigan came up just short in their bid for a Big Ten crown. The Wolverines plan on taking the next step this season, but they'll need a few players to have breakout seasons for that to happen.
Breakout seasons happen every year in college football. Sometimes, the player in question shows flashed the previous season and takes the logical step forward. Sometimes, the player comes out of nowhere to make a massive impact. So who will be the Michigan Football breakout players in 2016? We've put together four of the most likely candidates below, although there are a few other players who could end up breaking through this year.
LB Ben Gedeon
It's now or never for Gedeon, who is expected to start at middle linebacker. There were reports that he was sharp in spring practice, but that's something Wolverine fans have heard before. With limited depth, Michigan needs Gedeon to step up and have a big season. He's contributed on special teams in the past, but now the former four-star recruit needs to take hold of a starting spot and help lead the Michigan defense.
QB John O'Korn
Korn is still the favorite win the starting job, even if the QB battle is pushed into the fall, because of his talent. The Houston transfer had a great first season with the Cougars, showing the ability to be a very good pro-style QB. However, he struggled his sophomore season amidst a scheme change, was eventually benched in favor of Greg Ward. O'Korn spent last season in the Michigan program after transferring, and that time under Harbaugh should help him. If it's not O'Korn who wins the starting job, it will likely be Wilton Speight. Whoever Michigan starts at QB should have a big season. As of now, there isn't much separation between O'Korn and Speight. The latter might even be the slight favorite for now.
DT Bryan Mone
Mone was supposed to have a breakout season last year, when he was one of the top three players in camp before suffering a broken ankle and missing the entire season. But he's back now and Michigan needs him with Willie Henry off to the NFL. A former four-star recruit, Mone could win the starting nose guard job this year. He'll be tough to block and even if he doesn't show up on the stat sheet, he could be a key part of the Michigan defense.
WR Grant Perry
Michigan's top two WRs are still Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson, but the No. 3 role could belong to Perry. A true freshman last year, Perry ended the season with his best game. He caught five passes for 51 yards and a score in Michigan's bowl game win over Florida. Now with a full offseason to get better, Perry could take another step forward. He was only a three-star recruit, but Perry has a bright future at Michigan.
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