Michigan Football: Harbaugh Talks About Several Practice Standouts
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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been thrilled with how spring practice has gone. He recently listed several players who have stood out.
"It's been a great spring practice so far with the entire team," Harbaugh said. "The energy has been great, competition has been outstanding and I feel like we are improving in a lot of areas. It's exciting"
The offensive line has come a long way in just a few weeks, Harbaugh said, adding he was "really pleased" with their progress.
"Run blocking is improving and probably one of the best things we're doing right now," he said. "As of late, the pass pro has really been improving as well. We're very excited about that.
"Individual players asserting themselves in spring practice ... probably the No. 1 guy is (junior) Mike Dwumfour at defensive tackle, (sophomore) Ambry Thomas at defensive corner and (sophomore) Josh Ross at inside linebacker. Those three I would highlight on the defensive side of the ball.
"Offensively, staying with guys that are poised to have a good season, contributed some last year but expect to have a bigger role this year ... the receiving corps is really coming on fast. (Sophomore) Tarik Black is coming back to speed (after missing most of the season with a broken foot), (sophomore) Donovan Peoples-Jones is an improving ascending player ... very good. (Sophomore) Nico Collins ... there's a name for you. He's really doing a great job of tough blocking, making tough catches."
Others have also impressed.
"(Sophomore receiver) Oliver Martin is asserting himself on the scene, (junior) Nate Schoenle. Another improving ascending player, (junior tight end) Nick Eubanks, is doing a fantastic job.
"There's more. (Sophomore) Cesar Ruiz moved to center and is doing a fantastic job. There's another great player doing great things. And (redshirt junior) Jon Runyan Jr. is really playing consistently well. I'm happy to see that progress as well ... and (redshirt freshmen linemen) Chuck Filiaga and James Hudson are starting to assert themselves."
Fans hopeful to see them in action this Saturday will have to wait due to the weather. The spring game has been canceled, and there's no make-up date.
"There's a 100 percent chance of storms," Harbaugh noted. "It's in the best interest of everybody, the fans, players ... we thought that was the right thing to do."
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