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Michigan faces key questions

By Mark Snyder, Detroit Free Press –

As Michigan opens fall football camp for Team 133 — practice begins Monday — there are a number of questions.

A year ago, everything was uncertain with a new coaching staff under Brady Hoke. Now, after an 11-2 season and a Sugar Bowl win, fans feel order was restored to the college football world.

But they’re still wondering . . .

Who will be the tailback?

The most familiar question in fall camps since Mike Hart left after 2007 again is an issue. For most of the off-season, Fitz Toussaint seemed to have a clamp on it after his 1,000-yard rushing season. But recently he was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, earning an indefinite suspension. With his legal proceedings just getting started, whether he’ll practice or play against Alabama is uncertain. Either way it probably means more carries for the group of returnees: bruising Thomas Rawls, speedy Justice Hayes and multipurpose Vincent Smith. Even the freshmen, Drake Johnson and Dennis Norfleet, could get a crack if they figure out how to block.

Is left guard a legitimate competition?

The position that looked like Elliott Mealer’s entering spring ended with walk-on Joey Burzynski earning the spring game No. 1 spot. With a bit of O-line shuffling from last season — Ricky Barnum to center, Michael Schofield to right tackle — left guard is open. The sooner one player seizes it, the quicker the entire line, and offense, can begin jelling.

Will karma boomerang back?

Surviving a season without a season-altering injury, like Michigan did in 2011, is rare. Players take hits, get injured and miss games, even chunks of the season. It happens to everyone and has hurt Michigan in prior seasons. Good health means your best players remain on the field and your depth isn’t tested, usually the area that separates teams over a season. Another smooth year like 2011 and strength coach Aaron Wellman can ask for a coordinator contract.

How much receiver will Devin Gardner play?

Stuck behind indispensible quarterback Denard Robinson, backup Gardner realized he needed to find another position to see the field. So being a receiver best uses his athletic gifts. With Hoke confirming Gardner will play receiver at times, expect it’ll be more than a little. The barometer will be Gardner’s camp performance at the spot. Last year, the wideouts impressed assistant Jeff Hecklinski with their blocking and route-running. If Gardner and his 6-foot-4 athletic frame want to be more than a gimmick, he’ll have to earn his snaps.

Who will punt?

Will Hagerup’s struggling season began with a four-game suspension and ended with Matt Wile punting more times than Hagerup in the Sugar Bowl. Hagerup has the big leg but has struggled with accuracy. Wile can be effective but won’t bomb it like Hagerup. It’s a nice problem to have, but having Wile for kickoffs and backup placekicking also is important.

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