KEY LOSSES
The Wolverines were one of the youngest teams in the Big Ten this past season, so most of their key personnel is returning. But they do have some work to do up front on offense, where fifth-year seniors Perry Dorrestein and Stephen Schilling were critical parts of the blocking unit that opened lanes for fleet-footed QB Denard Robinson. Fortunately, there are skilled backups in place who should keep the phalanx in front of Robinson moving. Dorrestein will likely be replaced by Mark Huyge, who shared the right tackle slot with Dorrestein this past season. Schilling has been backed up by junior Ricky Barnum, and Barnum appears ready to move in to a starting role.

Michigan will need a couple of player to replace Mark Moundros, a rare two-way performer who played both linebacker and fullback.

LB Jonas Mouton is likely the biggest loss on the defensive side. Mouton was a ferocious hitter who recorded 111 tackles last season. Since both Moundros and Mouton played the weak-side position, spring will see a wide-open competition for that spot. Brandon Herron will have the inside track coming in, but eventually he could be pushed by one of the talented freshmen.

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2011:

QB Denard Robinson -- The Florida product ran an offense that averaged 500 yards per game in 2010, and he set an NCAA record for quarterbacks by rushing for 1,702 yards. As the offense morphs into more of a pro-style attack, Robinson will carry the ball less, but when he does run, the excitement won't diminish a bit.

C David Molk -- As the anchor up front, Molk started all 13 games at center for the nation's sixth-most-productive offense. He was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center. Molk was a first-team All-Big Ten choice by the coaches, and he should go into his senior season as the premier center in the conference, and possibly the nation.

WR Roy Roundtree -- He emerged as Michigan's top outside threat in 2010 when he put together four 100-yard receiving games and had 72 catches for 935 yards. As the Wolverines move to a more pro-style attack, Roundtree's role should expand.

P Will Hagerup -- He came in as a true freshman and won the starting job, and he went on to post the second-best season average in Michigan history (43.6 yards). A tremendous talent who is a critical field-position weapon, Hagerup crossed the line and was suspended for the Ohio State game, so he will need to stay out of the doghouse and on the field in 2011.

PLAYER NOTES

--WR Martavious Odoms broke his foot in the Iowa game last season, but he is expected to be cleared for contact by the time spring ball arrives.

--PK Matt Wile, a member of the 2011 recruiting class, has solid roots with the Wolverines. Wile's father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather all attended the University of Michigan Medical School. Wile's dad, Dr. Peter Wile, is the team doctor at San Diego State, where new Michigan head coach Brady Hoke was employed before coming to Ann Arbor.

--DB Troy Woolfolk, a designated starter and one of the most reliable members of the Michigan defense going into the 2010 season, dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula in practice last August, forcing him to miss the complete season. After surgery and a lengthy rehab, Woolfolk is working his way back. He could help Michigan revive its troubled defense.

--DB Greg Brown, who comes from the same Fremont (Ohio) Ross High School that produced Michigan Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson, enrolled in January so he could get a jump on learning the system and take part in spring practice.

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