Michigan Football Preview: 3 Key Questions After Spring

Michigan Spring Football: What are the three key questions after the spring session?

It was a fantastic offseason for Michigan with plenty of headlines, lots of fun, and a whole ton of excitement over the possibilities with a talented team returning for Jim Harbaugh’s second year at the helm. But for all the positives and all the terrific buzz, there are still a few key things that have to be ironed out going into the fall.

What are the three key questions coming out of Michigan spring football?

Will the attacking defensive style work?

Michigan’s defense didn’t need a whole bunch of tweaking, if any, after finishing fourth in the nation in total D, third against the pass, and first in pass efficiency defense. But defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin took off to be the head man at Maryland, and in came a few changes this offseason.

Don Brown is an old school, 60-year-old, fire-and-brimstone type who helped turn UConn and Boston College defenses into killers over the last five seasons, and now the new defensive coordinator is bringing his style to a team loaded with talent.

The big difference will be in where the pressure comes from. Last season the Wolverines generated 32 sacks and 88 tackles for loss, but the heavy lifting came from the line. The defensive front is terrific again, but the linebacking corps is undergoing a few key moves – like trying out superstar defensive back Jabrill Peppers on the outside – in an attempt to attack, attack, attack with blitzes coming from everywhere.

There wasn’t much shown off in spring ball, but if this works like it’s supposed to, get ready for a house of fire come fall.

MORE: Three Things That Went Right For Michigan In Spring Football

Are the receivers going to shine?

The tight ends are going to be among the best in the country – with Jake Butt, Tyrone Wheatley Jr., and Ian Bunting forming a phenomenal trio – but will there be enough flash on the outside?

The team’s best target, Jehu Chesson, is back for his fifth year, but he missed time this spring getting over the leg injury suffered against Florida in the bowl win. He’ll be the No. 1 man when he gets back to form.

Amara Darboh is another fifth-year senior with experience, leading the team with 58 catches for 727 yards and five scores. He might not be Chesson, but he’s a reliable playmaker. After him, though, there are still plenty of question marks.

If everyone is 100% healthy, the Michigan passing game should be outstanding with more than enough talent, but it could take more from sophomore Grant Perry and a slew of young players on the outside to take advantage of their opportunities. This fall, the quality depth needs to emerge.

Quinn Nordin, how soon can you get here?

Kenny Allen had a strong season as the placekicker, hitting 18-of-22 tries including his last five and eight of his last nine attempts. But now he might have to handle the punting job, too.

Blake O’Neill was more than just the punter who got swarmed over by Spartans in the epic loss to Michigan State, he averaged over 41 yards per kick and did a nice job overall. He’s gone, and there hasn’t been anyone to step up and take over the job so Allen can focus just on his other gig. And that’s where Nordin is supposed to come in.

Considered to be the nation’s top kicker prospect, Nordin might be a big help to the situation later this summer when he gets to campus. If he’s THAT good, that might allow Allen to take over the punting job – Allen has a good leg on field goals, but not an elite one. If not, the kicking game isn’t going to be an Achilles’ heel, but it might be a wee bit of a concern.