Man Up!

Manning Up

Published 9/6/2012 by: Jeremy Wrobel

Hoke is hoping for a star to rise.

Twelve freshmen made their debut's in Michigan's first game, setting a single-game school record. Those same freshmen are going to be asked to do the same in the U of M's home opener against Air Force on Saturday afternoon.

Hoke, made the reference of babysitting when asked what it was like traveling 17 and playing 12 freshmen.

With depth being an issue who will step up and make contributions?

Dennis Norfleet is expected to be the starting KR/PR against the Falcons. He averaged 22.1 yards per return in game one and had a long of 33.

Linebacker James Ross will be expected to rotate in for Demens. Mattison noted that Ross had a tremendous fall camp. "He (Ross) is a very physical young man and plays very aggressive." Mattison said.

A.J. Williams and Devin Funchess will provide depth at TE playing behind interim starter Mike Kwiatkowski, who is for Brandon Moore due to injury.

Junior, Courtney Avery will start in place of Blake Countess at CB. Sophomore, Raymon Taylor is behind him, but freshmen Terry Richardson could be called into play.

Linebackers, Royce Jenkins-Stone and Joe Bolden could have an impact.

Defensive linemen Mario Ojemudia and Ondre Pipkins could rotate.

WR Amara Darboh seen action in week one.

DB Jarrod Wilson and FB Sione Houma also seen action.

We will see if after the rout in week one any of these talented freshmen grow up and realize this is a big boy game.