Michigan will be down one offensive lineman for the season opener against Appalachian State. The Wolverines have suspended Graham Glasgow for a violation of team expectations.
“Each of our young men understands the standard we expect of them,” Michigan head coach Brady Hoke said in a written statement, according to MLive.com. “It’s one that represents this great program and university, as well as their family and teammates. When their actions don’t reflect that standard, it’s very disappointing, and we must hold them accountable for their decision while helping them learn a valuable life lesson.”
As noted by MLive.com, just last week Hoke said Glasgow was probably Michigan’s best offensive lineman.
The stability of the offensive line at Michigan is not to be overlooked. The line had their struggles in 2013 and is in need of improving this upcoming season if the Wolverines are supposed to make any sort of run to a potential Big Ten division championship and a spot in the Big Ten championship game. Not having Graham for the remainder of the spring and the season opener may not come off as abig deal, considering the timing and the opponent, but Graham was a full time starter in 2013 and expected to be a lock starter for 2014 as well. That will likely remain the case once he returns.
For now, Michigan will get a chance to give a few more reps to other linemen, so the experience now can be a benefit of a bad situation. Look for junior Jack Miller and redshirt freshman Patrick Kugler to get some of those extra reps for the remainder of the spring practice and in camp leading up to the season opener against Appalachian State.