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It has been a relatively slow month in the world of Michigan Wolverines football news. But there are still burning questions on the minds of fans.
The Dead Period
@anthonytbroome When does the dead period end so we can buckle up?
— Michigan Fan (@MGoBlue1988) July 16, 2015
The July dead period actually ended on July 12, but we are currently in a quiet period for the rest of the month that will end when the first of August rolls around.
The reason there has not been a whole lot of recruiting news in recent weeks has to do with the fact that this is the time of year that a lot of coaches and staff members are on vacation. For example, the Harbaughs are currently in Europe.
The BBQ at the Big House will be coming up in early August, so things will start picking up around then.
What's up with top targets?
@anthonytbroome gut on Gary, DPJ?
— Josh Dameron (@joshd__80) July 16, 2015
Five-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary's recruitment is still far from over, but I will stick to my gut in saying that he will be a part of Michigan's 2016 recruiting class. They will get an official visit from him and the New Jersey pipeline should continue to flow to Ann Arbor. Do not expect a decision from him before the end of the football season.
Class of 2017 wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones is a little tougher to get a read on. He may be the best at his position regardless of class. This should be a battle between Ohio State, Michigan State and the Wolverines, with U-M and the Buckeyes being in the lead.
Michigan may have the edge here, but it is still too early to tell.
Week One Starters
@anthonytbroome who starts at QB week 1? Plus early predictions on a record for JH first season
— Buris (@AndrewBuris) July 16, 2015
@anthonytbroome who's the running back week 1?
— Brandon Justice (@Yeahdudebet) July 16, 2015
Starting with quarterback, I am of the opinion Shane Morris is the leader in the clubhouse for the starting job. He showed some solid progress throughout Spring football and looked poised, although the offense did not put up a great performance by any means.
Jake Rudock was brought in as insurance, not as the savior. He has the tools to win the starting job, but we will see what happens. If he starts week one, it is because Morris stopped making steps forward.
In terms of running back, they will definitely utilize a committee approach to that facet of the offense. Derrick Green, DeVeon Smith and Ty Isaac are all in the mix, but we will see if any of them steps forward to take hold of the job.
Going back to the second part of that first question, I have Michigan at eight wins this year not counting a bowl appearance. The game against Penn State late in the year will be for third or fourth place in the Big Ten East.
The Wolverines are still a year or two away from competing with OSU and MSU.