Amara Darboh expected to contribute in 2014

During Wednesday's Signing Day special on MGoBlue, the Wolverines announced that redshirt sophomore wide receiver Amara Darboh is participating in winter conditioning, and while he will be limited in spring ball, he should do some individual work in preparation for the summer and fall camp.

"I'm just taking things slow, doing what they tell me to do, and as soon as they give me the go to go 100 percent, I'm looking forward to it, and I'll go back at it," said Darboh, who missed all of 2013 with a foot injury sustained in preseason practices.

The Maize and Blue knew what they had in Jeremy Gallon, and the fifth-year senior delivered, catching 89 balls for 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns, but it took U-M more than half the year to develop a consistent No. 2 opposite Gallon.

"I think he was someone we really missed," receivers coach Jeff Hecklinski said in an MGoBlue chat. "I can see him having a major impact as he starts coming back from his injury."

The 6-2, 212-pound Darboh should have an opportunity to compete for playing time, especially with the departure of Gallon, and no proven option after junior receiver/tight end Devin Funchess. In fact, among receivers, the Wolverines return players with just 70 receptions, and 49 of them belong to Funchess.

Former football player and Big Ten Network analyst Marcus Ray cautions putting too much pressure on Darboh, though.

"The hardest thing to do is come back from a foot injury as a wide receiver," he said. "You see a lot of guys that don't recover but Michigan has one of the best training staffs in America so I expect to see him on the field playing at a high level. This kid is going to make an impact on this team in 2014."

Darboh certainly hopes to.

"I'm very excited," he said. "I think we have a great group of seniors and I can feel a chemistry on the team so I'm looking forward to the season."