If reporters who cover college football for the Tribune have it right, 2007 will be the year of the Wolverine in the Big Ten.
A survey to pick the best players at each position and the best groups of linemen produced a consensus that Michigan has the talent to beat this season, at least on offense. Quarterback Chad Henne, running back Mike Hart and offensive tackle Jake Long lead a group that will keep the scoreboard lightbulbs popping.
The Wolverines will run into a veteran Wisconsin defensive line, and they’ll have to stop All-America tight end candidate Travis Beckum on Nov. 10 in Madison.
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The best, by position:
Quarterback
Chad Henne, Michigan. Henne is beginning his fourth year running the offense for one of the nation’s most storied programs. He will leave Ann Arbor with several school records and has thrown 70 TD passes already.
He has done just about everything for the Wolverines except two big things: beat Ohio State and win a bowl game. This year beating Wisconsin will matter too.
Running back
Mike Hart, Michigan. Michigan knows running backs, and Hart has averaged a school-record 115.5 yards per game. At 5 feet 9 inches, 196 pounds, he’s of the toughest backs in the country pound for pound. And he has a supporting cast that gives him a big edge.
Tight end
Travis Beckum, Wisconsin. Beckum started as a sophomore last season and immediately became one of the nation’s best. His 61 catches were third in school history and his 903 yards fifth, plus he scored five TDs. At 6-4 and 219 pounds, he’s a challenge for any secondary.
Wide receiver
James Hardy, Indiana. At 6-7 and 220 pounds, Hardy is an inviting target. And now that quarterback Kellen Lewis has a year’s starting experience, Hardy could become a touchdown machine after catching 20 scoring passes the last two years. Look for improvement on last year’s impressive totals: 51 catches, 14.2 average, 10 TDs.
Offensive line
Michigan. The Wolverines boast the best group of blockers not just in the Big Ten but possibly in the nation. Left tackle Jake Long (6-7, 313) passed up a chance to be a first-round NFL draft pick to come back and play as a fifth-year senior. Want more experience and size? Left guard Adam Kraus (6-6, 297) is also a fifth-year senior, and right guard Alex Mitchell (6-5, 317) is a fourth-year senior.
Defensive line
Wisconsin. Three veterans return to lead one of the nation’s best defenses. End Matt Shaughnessy had four sacks and eight tackles for loss. Tackles Jason Chapman (five sacks) and Nick Hayden (13 tackles for loss in the last two years) make it tough up the middle for running backs.
Linebacker
James Laurinaitis, Ohio State. The Minnesota native emerged as a dominant player in his first year as a starter, winning the Nagurski Award as the nation’s top defensive player with 115 tackles and five interceptions. Not a bad way to succeed Green Bay first-round draft choice A.J. Hawk.
Cornerback
Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State. First-team All-Big Ten as a sophomore a year ago, Jenkins has the perfect size (6-1, 200) and speed (4.3 in the 40) to be a pure cover cornerback. Stats don’t always tell the story for defensive backs, but he had four interceptions and returned one for a TD last fall.
Safety
Anthony Scirrotto, Penn State. Scirrotto led the Big Ten with six interceptions a year ago, meaning he had a better season than off-season. He’s facing charges of criminal trespass and harassment following an off-campus fight April 1. He has an October court date, and coach Joe Paterno is holding off on possible discipline until the legal proceedings are over.