The Michigan Wolverines, yes your Michigan football team, has now been deemed the B1g conference favorite. Actually, some sports books have granted UM the National Championship favorite. The last time Michigan football was nationally title relevant was 2006 (maybe you can make a case for 2011, with the Sugar Bowl win, depending on how you define nationally relevant). and their most recent title came in 1997.
However, I don’t think the idea of the Wolverines being national title contenders is really that far out at all. I don’t think we have a true national title favorite this year, so why not the U of M?
They certainly have the defense for it. Not to mention the stockpile of future NFL talent on hand. It’s quite plausible that three members of the defense will end up in the NFL Draft’s first round come April. You might even see four Michigan football players in total go among the first 32 picks.
The cadre of Wolverines is led by do-it-all dynamo Jabrill Peppers. He’s a modern day “slash.” No, not the Guns n Roses guitarist whose face was hidden by his hair, but Kordell “Slash” Stewart. Peppers is a big enough deal that we already gave him his own separate article yesterday.
The other three are listed below, with corresponding audio from the two who traveled to Big Ten Media Day as part of the Michigan football contingent. The audio is from the breakout sessions during Media Day; this isn’t stuff that was broadcast on TV during the luncheon.
Chris Wormley, DE
The senior has had an upward career trajectory and it’s expected…to quote Disco Stu, “hey if these trends continue…”
Jourdan Lewis, DB
An All-American who will lead the secondary which ranked #3 against the pass last season. He’s a bit overshadowed by Peppers, but he’s probably more NFL ready at this point.
https://soundcloud.com/p-m-banks/michigan-db-jourdan-lewis-b1g-media-day
Jake Butt, TE
Probably the most talented player on the offensive of the ball, where he goes depends on what team prioritizes the position enough and if they happen to be on the clock at the right time. It’s conceivable that he could be the first TE off the board. Maybe.
https://soundcloud.com/p-m-banks/michigan-tight-end-jake-butt-b1g-media-day
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
He also consistently appears on numerous radio and television talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram and Sound Cloud.