As the dog days of summer approach, so do award lists and season predictions for college football by the national media.
Although coming off a 7-6 season doesn't create much hype with the media, a certain news outlet believes that Michigan could receive a spark in 2013.
Sporting News released their list of preseason All-American candidates for 2014 which featured freshly-converted junior receiver Devin Funchess (no. six), the only Wolverine to be named.
Averaging 15 yards-per-reception during his first two seasons at Michigan, pushing Funchess out-wide will create a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses in 2014. With a 6'5 frame with a ever-evolving tight end build, lining up at receiver caters to his strengths.
On an offense that will need someone to step up with leading receiver Jeremy Gallon moving on to the NFL, Funchess could certainly fill that role nicely and is poised to make a jump statistically in 2014.
Associated Press' Tony Ding has high expectations for Funchess, calling him the "next new-wave tight end who will make a splash as a junior."
He and senior quarterback Devin Gardner showed some rapport last season, improving with 727-yards and six touchdowns. Funchess also averaged 60-yards per game in 2013, a much bigger improvement from 18-yards per game in 2012.
Michigan kicks off their season Aug. 31 at home against Appalachian State.