2004 Team MVP: Wide receiver Braylon Edwards is the best player on the offensive side of the ball by far. Edwards hauled in 85 passes (remember this is Michigan) for 1,183 yards and 14 touchdowns. With Chris Perry and John Navarre gone, Edwards will be the go-to-guy on offense. He has the size and speed to be one of the best receivers in the nation, and a first round pick in the 2005 NFL draft

Quarterback: With John Navarre departed, junior Matt Guiterrez will run the offense. Guiterrez is lacking in experience, but has size, strength and more mobility than Navarre. Sophomore Clayton Richard is a better pure passer than Guiterrez, but not nearly as mobile. Freshman Chad Henne is the sleeper in the group with a strong arm, and above average mobility.

Running Back: There may be no more Chris Perry, but there is no lack of talent waiting to fill his shoes. Junior Pierre Rembert is one of the top candidates for the starting role after being the top reserve to Perry. Senior power back David Underwood will also figure into the mix since he has the most experience of any of the running backs. Senior Tim Bracken returns after an extended recovery period stemming from a broken leg in 2002. Sophomore Jerome Jackson is the fastest of the backs, and will undoubtedly get his share of reps. Senior Kevin Dudley is the fullback, and one of the best in the conference.

Wide Receiver/Tight End: Senior Braylon Edwards will lead the receiving corps after a stellar season in 2003. Edwards is one of the best in the nation when he is on his game. Junior Jason Avant is the projected starter at the opposite receiver. Avant is big and physical, but with deceptive speed. Sophomore Steve Breaston is a big play type who made a name for himself on returns, but contributed over 400 yards receiving as well. Junior Carl Tabb will also play a big role in the receiving corps for Michigan. Junior Tyler Ecker is the starting tight end. Ecker may be more of a blocking tight end, but he has above average hands as well.

Offensive Line: The Wolverines return three players on the line with starting experience. Senior guard Dave Baas is one of the better linemen in the nation. Junior tackle Adam Stenavich, who may be the most complete blocker on the line, also returns. Senior Matt Lentz is a bulldozer at the guard opposite Baas. Juniors Mike Kolodziej and Ruben Riley wil vie for the starting right tackle spot vacated by Tony Pape. Junior Mark Bihl is the leanest of the group in terms of experience. He will take over at center for Dave Pearson.

Defensive Line: Only senior end Pat Massey, who can be a very disruptive force, returns on the defensive line from 2003. Sophomore LaMarr Woodley will man the other end. Woodley is a pass rushing freak and a budding star. Juniors Gabe Watson and Larry Harrison will man the tackles. Both have experience, with Harrison being more mobile and Watson more of a run stuffer. Versatile senior Alex Ofili will also play a key role on the line as a reserve.

Linebacker: Junior Pierre Woods is the top linebacker returning. Woods is sideline to sideline action with a nonstop motor. He led the team in sacks in 2003. Senior Lawrence Reid returns in the middle after leading the team in tackles in 2003. Senior Scott McClintock steps into a starting role after being a reserve. McClintock is not the most athletic player, but he is tough. Senior Roy Manning will also be a player to keep an eye on as a reserve.

Secondary: The secondary returns three starters, and are led by senior cornerback Marlin Jackson. Jackson returns to corner after playing safety in 2003. He should be one of the best in the nation. Senior Markus Curry took over for Jackson at corner last year, and will now start opposite him. Safety Ernerst Shazor has great size and is the intimidating factor in the secondary. He returns after finishing third on the squad in tackles. Junior Willis Barringer will move to the safety spot held by Jackson last season. He is thin on experience, but is a ferocious hitter. He will be pushed by sophomore Ryan Mundy. Sophomore reserve Leon Hall is a burner who will vie for playing time at corner.

Special Teams: Sophomore Garrett Rivas will handle placekicking duties in 2004. Rivas does not have a true cannon for a leg, but is deadly from the shorter range kicks. Senior Adam Finley is one of the more consistent punters in college football. Steve Breaston is a nightmare come to life for opponents on returns.

Final Thoughts: There may be some growing pains at quarterback considering experience is extremely limited. But the supporting cast may lessen the pain some. At present, all indications are that the Wolverines will have a number of backs share the load in the running attack. That may change if a real workhorse emerges at some time during the season. The Wolverines could very well have the best combination of receivers in the nation with the talent they have. It is without a doubt the strength of the offense. The offensive line should again be a strong area for the Wolverines despite losing two starters. The defensive line has some promise in the starting four, but depth could be an issue. Outside of Woods, the linebackers are not flashy, but they should be solid. The secondary is about as solid as it gets, and should be just as capable as it was in 2003. There are some questions, but the Wolverines should still be in the race for the Big Ten title this season.