The Michigan Wolverines open spring practice on March 24, kicking off the third season of the Jim Harbaugh era. However, there is a lot more turnover this year, as they have to replace 18 starters from the 2016 team. As we get ready for the start of spring practice, here are all the latest news & rumors you need to know:
Rashan Gary wins Michigan's combine
The Wolverines held a spring combine where all players participated in NFL combine drills, and Harbaugh released the results on Twitter with defensive tackle Rashan Gary emerging as the "winner."
Proud to announce top position performers of 2017 Michigan Football Spring Combine. Offense led by Chris Evans, defense led by Rashan Gary! pic.twitter.com/hAQKJo07Lc
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) March 16, 2017
Players participated in eight drills: the 40-yard dash, vertical leap, 200-yard shuttle, Powerball throw, broad jump, 60-yard shuttle, pro shuttle and L-drill.
The most eye-popping stat was Gary's 4.57-second 40 time, which would have been the third-fastest among all defensive lineman at this year's NFL combine. And, at 287 lbs., he is the heaviest of those players by at least 30 pounds. That 40 time is also faster than Chris Evans, who was the fastest of all running backs with a 4.64.
Cesar Ruiz expected to start
Gary was Michigan's top freshmen last year, and one of this year's top freshmen, offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz, is expected to see immediate playing time, according to Steve Lorenz of 247sports.
Michigan's mantra during spring practice this year will be to find the five best offensive linemen to start this season. As obvious as that may be, some shuffling always remains a possibility mainly due to the versatility of three players who could or will contribute: senior Mason Cole, sophomore Ben Bredeson and early enrollee freshman Cesar Ruiz. We noted Ruiz was among the younger players standing out earlier in the week, and his college-ready physical ability may allow the staff to give Cole a chance to shift back over to tackle if needed. Ruiz was mentioned yet again by two more sources we spoke to this week as far as excelling in workouts.
Ruiz was a four-star recruit and the No. 1 center (No. 44 overall prospect) in the 2017 recruiting class.
Harbaugh rips Indiana
Off the field, Harbaugh stayed in the headlines this week by ripping the Indiana administration after the Hoosiers fired basketball coach Tom Crean, who is Harbaugh's brother-in-law. He also managed to throw a few jabs at the 49ers as well:
“[M]uch like my situation in San Francisco, the people that are doing the micromanaging . . . when it comes to building a ball team, what they know could not blow up a small balloon,” Jim Harbaugh told Michael Rosenberg of SI.com. “In my case, an owner and a General Manager. In [Tom’s case] case, an administration. They are so similar in that way. And he still wins two Big Ten championships outright.”
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