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One of the main focuses of spring ball for Michigan this year is to identify potential offensive line starters and continue to develop those players and their backups.
The Wolverines are losing Mason Cole and Patrick Kugler along the line at left tackle and center respectively and need replacements.
Junior Ben Bredeson, sophomore Cesar Ruiz and junior Mike Onwenu appear locked in at left guard, center and right guard with the two tackle positions wide open.
At right tackle, it’s been redshirt junior Jon Runyan Jr. who has been getting the most reps. He battled for time at both guard and tackle last season. Fifth-year senior Juwann Bushell-Beatty, who played right tackle for most of 2017, is taking the majority of his snaps at left tackle.
“We need a big season from the offensive line,” Runyan Jr. said. Everybody is always talking trash about us how we can’t block anyone. It’s annoying and pisses us off so we don’t want that anymore, so we’re going to play every down like it’s our last.”
He said that most of the trash talking came from social media, which is difficult to ignore as a college student.
The offensive line has been practicing more in the spring against the defensive line than in prior years. Runyan said it’s been helpful because they get to go up against guys like junior defensive end Rashan Gary and fifth-year senior defensive end Chase Winovich, who are two of the best ends in the country. When the o-linemen get beat, they’ve been able to go watch film and make the necessary adjustments. The offensive line takes its lumps every now and then, but it’s much improved from last year at this time.
Runyan Jr. says it’s felt a little refreshing in the offensive line room with new position coach Ed Warinner. He’s brought some new concepts and been a welcome addition to the staff. Kugler also is now on staff as a graduate assistant, just months after his playing career ended.
The players like having Kugler around, and Runyan Jr. says he’ll make a good coach as he continues to learn and get older.
Ruiz is replacing Kugler at center, and he’s caught the attention of both coaches and players.
“Cesar is phenomenal for only being a sophomore,” Runyan Jr. said. “He’s one of the most athletic centers I’ve ever seen. He’s big, strong, powerful, looking forward to what he can do.”
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