The Voice

Issue date: 5/7/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Wolverine Photo Freshmen quarterback Ryan Mallett got his first taste of the Big House during the teams annual spring game on April 14th.

The fresh smell of spring flowers and with that comes the sight of a Chad Henne pass to wide receiver Greg Matthews.

That's right. Michigan football is back at it and the team once again has the talent to make a strong push at a Big Ten title.

The defense would appear to be depleted as defensive coordinator Ron English lost all-conference performers in LaMarr Woodley, Leon Hall, and David Harris to graduation. All American defensive tackle Alan Branch opted to leave for the NFL after his junior season and thus the defense is "depleteted".

With the four primary playmakers gone from last years squad, linebacker Shawn Crable and defensive end Tim Jamison will look to pick up where last years squad left off and anchor what should be a formidable front seven.

While questions about the defense continue, the offense appears to be primed for a run comparable to last years Ohio State offense.

The offense returns Heisman candidates Mike Hart at tailback and Chad Henne at quarterback. Mario Manningham will be Henne's primary target and the offensive line brings back players who have all started at least one game for the wolverines, including a future NFL draftee Jake Long.

The wolverines took part in their annual spring game in which the public could view the team in person for the first time since the teams bowl game on January 1st against USC.

Noticeably missing from the game was Hart and Manningham who were nursing injuries that they sustained during spring practice. Wide receiver Adrian Arrington is currently in the coach's dog house for undisclosed reasons.

With Arrington and Manningham out, sophomore Greg Matthews emerged as Henne's go to guy this spring.

Head coach Lloyd Carr was praised the sophomore wide-out more than any other player

"(Greg Mathews) has been outstanding." Head coach Lloyd Carr stated. "I think he's capable of being one of those guys that has a great career here. He has great hands, he runs good routes, he's very physical and very tough, so we're very excited about his development.

While fans were anxious to see the Wolverines in action, no one garnered more attention or applause then freshmen quarterback Ryan Mallett.

Continued...

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