WOLVERINES

Players to watch on Michigan's 2016 schedule

The Wolverines enter the 2016 season with lofty expectations. Many observers believe they’re a legitimate national championship contender. One thing is certain: Michigan is going to have to win on the road if they're going to be a championship team. Jim Harbaugh’s crew faces its three biggest tests away from home -- Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State. Go through the gallery for a look at the players who present the biggest threats to Michigan’s dreams of glory, by Geoff Robinson of The Detroit News.
The Wolverines enter the 2016 season with lofty expectations. Many observers believe they’re a legitimate national championship contender. One thing is certain: Michigan is going to have to win on the road if they're going to be a championship team. Jim Harbaugh’s crew faces its three biggest tests away from home -- Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State. Go through the gallery for a look at the players who present the biggest threats to Michigan’s dreams of glory, by Geoff Robinson of The Detroit News.
David Guralnick, Detroit News
Sept. 3 vs. Hawaii, Paul Harris (senior, RB) — Hawaii doesn’t have the gunslinger at quarterback that’s been a staple for this program in the past. Harris will be key in grinding out tough yards in the first quarter against Michigan’s vaunted defense. If he can do that, it slows down the game and allows the Rainbow Warriors to at least hang around. Harris ran the ball last season 197 times for 1,132 yards.
Sept. 3 vs. Hawaii, Paul Harris (senior, RB) — Hawaii doesn’t have the gunslinger at quarterback that’s been a staple for this program in the past. Harris will be key in grinding out tough yards in the first quarter against Michigan’s vaunted defense. If he can do that, it slows down the game and allows the Rainbow Warriors to at least hang around. Harris ran the ball last season 197 times for 1,132 yards.
Mike McGinnis, Getty Images
Sept. 10 vs. Central Florida, Tre’Quan Smith (sophomore, WR) — The Knights didn’t win a single game in 2015, but they did have a bright spot in this freshman wide receiver. Assuming Michigan is able to score almost at will against the Knights' porous defense, UCF will find itself throwing the ball all over the field. Smith had 52 receptions for 724 yards in 2015, and he’s only going to get better with experience.
Sept. 10 vs. Central Florida, Tre’Quan Smith (sophomore, WR) — The Knights didn’t win a single game in 2015, but they did have a bright spot in this freshman wide receiver. Assuming Michigan is able to score almost at will against the Knights' porous defense, UCF will find itself throwing the ball all over the field. Smith had 52 receptions for 724 yards in 2015, and he’s only going to get better with experience.
John Minchillo, Associated Press
Sept. 17 vs. Colorado, Jimmie Gilbert (senior, LB) — The most consistent pass rusher on the Buffaloes' roster, Gilbert brings pressure on the edge in Colorado’s new 3-4 scheme. Paired with Derek McCartney on the other side, this defensive line could be the first good test for Michigan’s offensive line in 2016.
Sept. 17 vs. Colorado, Jimmie Gilbert (senior, LB) — The most consistent pass rusher on the Buffaloes' roster, Gilbert brings pressure on the edge in Colorado’s new 3-4 scheme. Paired with Derek McCartney on the other side, this defensive line could be the first good test for Michigan’s offensive line in 2016.
Doug Pensinger, Getty Images
Sept. 24 vs. Penn State, Saquon Barkley (sophomore, RB) — This guy is a machine who’s only going to be better in his second season. As a true freshman, Barkley rushed for 1,076 yards and was named to the All-Big Ten second team. With Penn State breaking in a new quarterback this season, Barkley will be Michigan’s focus. If he gets past the Wolverines vaunted defensive line and into the secondary, watch out.
Sept. 24 vs. Penn State, Saquon Barkley (sophomore, RB) — This guy is a machine who’s only going to be better in his second season. As a true freshman, Barkley rushed for 1,076 yards and was named to the All-Big Ten second team. With Penn State breaking in a new quarterback this season, Barkley will be Michigan’s focus. If he gets past the Wolverines vaunted defensive line and into the secondary, watch out.
Justin K. Aller, Getty Images
Oct. 1 vs. Wisconsin, T.J. Edwards (sophomore, LB) — As a redshirt freshman in 2015, Edwards was named to the FWAA Freshman All-America Team. He led a Badgers squad that was No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense with 84 tackles. Michigan could have a tough time on the ground with a guy that flies to the ball like this. Edwards might be slowed by a foot injury at the start of the season.
Oct. 1 vs. Wisconsin, T.J. Edwards (sophomore, LB) — As a redshirt freshman in 2015, Edwards was named to the FWAA Freshman All-America Team. He led a Badgers squad that was No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense with 84 tackles. Michigan could have a tough time on the ground with a guy that flies to the ball like this. Edwards might be slowed by a foot injury at the start of the season.
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
Oct. 8 at Rutgers, Darius Hamilton (senior, DT) — Hamilton missed 11 games in 2015 and was granted a medical redshirt to play in 2016. As a junior, Hamilton was an honorable mention All-Big Ten and led Rutgers with 11.5 tackles for loss. He’s the beef in the middle and Michigan’s offensive line will have its hands full with him.
Oct. 8 at Rutgers, Darius Hamilton (senior, DT) — Hamilton missed 11 games in 2015 and was granted a medical redshirt to play in 2016. As a junior, Hamilton was an honorable mention All-Big Ten and led Rutgers with 11.5 tackles for loss. He’s the beef in the middle and Michigan’s offensive line will have its hands full with him.
Rich Schultz, Associated Press
Oct. 22 vs. Illinois, Taylor Barton (senior, S) — A big body (6-1, 215) in the secondary, Barton led his team with four interceptions last season and is also its leading returning tackler with 56. He will need some help, though, as the only returning starting in the Illinois secondary.
Oct. 22 vs. Illinois, Taylor Barton (senior, S) — A big body (6-1, 215) in the secondary, Barton led his team with four interceptions last season and is also its leading returning tackler with 56. He will need some help, though, as the only returning starting in the Illinois secondary.
Michael Conroy, Associated Press
October 29 at Michigan State, Malik McDowell (junior, DT) — McDowell (6-6, 270 pounds) is sure to be a force to be reckoned with when these teams square off in late October. The Southfield High product had 13 tackles for loss last season and is on several watch lists for national honors. His battle in the trenches with Michigan’s offensive line could go a long way in deciding who prevails in this rivalry game.
October 29 at Michigan State, Malik McDowell (junior, DT) — McDowell (6-6, 270 pounds) is sure to be a force to be reckoned with when these teams square off in late October. The Southfield High product had 13 tackles for loss last season and is on several watch lists for national honors. His battle in the trenches with Michigan’s offensive line could go a long way in deciding who prevails in this rivalry game.
Dale G. Young, Detroit News
Nov. 5 vs. Maryland, Levern Jacobs (senior, WR) — Maryland finished 126th in the nation in passing efficiency, but don’t blame that on its wide receivers. If the Terps can figure out who their quarterback is and get some stability out of the position, Jacobs could be poised for a big season. The problem for Maryland at the Big House, however, is that Michigan boasts one of the nation’s top secondaries.
Nov. 5 vs. Maryland, Levern Jacobs (senior, WR) — Maryland finished 126th in the nation in passing efficiency, but don’t blame that on its wide receivers. If the Terps can figure out who their quarterback is and get some stability out of the position, Jacobs could be poised for a big season. The problem for Maryland at the Big House, however, is that Michigan boasts one of the nation’s top secondaries.
Patrick Smith, Getty Images
Nov. 12 at Iowa, Jaleel Johnson (senior, DT) — A monster (6-4, 310 pounds) on the inside, Johnson is a lot to deal with on his own. When Michigan factors in Iowa’s stellar secondary, Johnson becomes an even bigger problem when you try to run the ball. He’s a run-stuffer and very difficult to move. The Wolverines will have to be patient with their rushing attack and hope to tire out the Hawkeye defensive line in the second half.
Nov. 12 at Iowa, Jaleel Johnson (senior, DT) — A monster (6-4, 310 pounds) on the inside, Johnson is a lot to deal with on his own. When Michigan factors in Iowa’s stellar secondary, Johnson becomes an even bigger problem when you try to run the ball. He’s a run-stuffer and very difficult to move. The Wolverines will have to be patient with their rushing attack and hope to tire out the Hawkeye defensive line in the second half.
Matthew Holst, Getty Images
Nov. 19 vs. Indiana, Devine Redding (junior, RB) — Redding takes over for Jordan Howard, who carved up Michigan’s defense last year to the tune of 238 yards. After rushing for 517 yards on 81 carries in his team’s final three games, Redding has landed on the Doak Walker watch list. The Wolverines couldn’t possibly get gashed by a second Hoosier running back in as many years, could they?
Nov. 19 vs. Indiana, Devine Redding (junior, RB) — Redding takes over for Jordan Howard, who carved up Michigan’s defense last year to the tune of 238 yards. After rushing for 517 yards on 81 carries in his team’s final three games, Redding has landed on the Doak Walker watch list. The Wolverines couldn’t possibly get gashed by a second Hoosier running back in as many years, could they?
Andy Lyons, Getty Images
Nov. 26 at Ohio State, J.T. Barrett (senior, QB) — Michigan has struggled with mobile quarterbacks, and Barrett is no exception. He tore up the Wolverines up for 139 yards on the ground on 19 carries (7.3-yard average) in last year’s meeting in Ann Arbor. Though Ohio State lost a lot of talent to the NFL, chances are that Barrett and his crew will be favored in this regular-season finale in Columbus.
Nov. 26 at Ohio State, J.T. Barrett (senior, QB) — Michigan has struggled with mobile quarterbacks, and Barrett is no exception. He tore up the Wolverines up for 139 yards on the ground on 19 carries (7.3-yard average) in last year’s meeting in Ann Arbor. Though Ohio State lost a lot of talent to the NFL, chances are that Barrett and his crew will be favored in this regular-season finale in Columbus.
Gregory Shamus, Getty Images