The Michigan Wolverines kicked off spring practice at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida this week, hoping to start to find the answer to many of the questions surrounding this team ahead of the 2016 season. Though they return 15 starters form last year's 10-win team, there are still a few key areas that need improvement this spring. Here are three things to watch for during Michigan's spring practice:
3) Will one running back emerge as a go-to guy?
De'Veon Smith and Drake Johnson split most of the carries last season, but USC transfer Ty Isaac starting earning some carries towards the last part of the season. Now, star true freshman Kareem Walker is in the mix, and Harbaugh wants to make sure he gets the talented 18-year-old on the field. Michigan is planning to use a running back-by-committee approach until someone emerges from the pack - and they're hoping that happens sooner rather than later.
2) New faces in the linebacking core
All three of Michigan's starting linebackers from last season are gone, so the Wolverines are counting on a group of young players to grow up fast. Junior Ben Gedeon is expected to take over at the middle linebacker spot, and true freshman Devin Bush Jr. is expected to get a starting spot as well. Other than that, Michigan doesn't have a lot of depth, and defensive coordinator Don Brown is thinking of switching to a 4-2-5 scheme to use Jabrill Peppers or Delano Hill in more of a run-stopping role.
1) Who will win the quarterback battle?
Iowa transfer Jake Rudock became the second quarterback in program history to throw for over 3,000 yards last season, but he graduated and the Wolverines have a few players battling it out to replace him. Houston transfer John O'Korn is expected to win the job after throwing for over 2,800 yards during his freshman year, but junior Shane Morris, sophomore Wilton Speight, and true freshman Brandon Peters will be trying to win the job from him.
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