Wolverines Eyeing Healthy Improvement

Michigan Undone by Injuries in 2005

As he spoke about last year's mess at Michigan, Coach Lloyd Carr's eyes drifted over toward his star running back, who was busy answering questions about his favorite foods and what song was playing on his iPod.

"Sometimes you're unlucky," Carr said about the player, the oft-injured Mike Hart. "And I think a year ago, Mike was unlucky."

Hart, who rushed for 1,455 yards as a freshman in 2004, was expected to be the one of the stars who would help the Wolverines defend their share of Big Ten championship and make a national title run. Instead, nagging hamstring and ankle injuries forced Hart to miss four games and parts of several others.

As a result, Michigan enters this season trying to wipe out the memories of a 7-5 disappointment, its worst record since 1984.

"The standard at Michigan is to play championship football, and we didn't do that," Carr said. "It is what it is, and there's nothing anybody can do to change it. What you can do is make sure it doesn't happen again."

Carr demanded that his players shed extra pounds during the summer in an effort to bring more speed to the field. He even shook up the coaching staff, promoting a pair of new coordinators.

But the biggest factor in any potential Wolverines turnaround is health.

Hamstring and shoulder woes slowed talented kick returner-wide receiver Steve Breaston. Meanwhile, tackle Jake Long missed the majority of last season because of ankle problems.

Then there was Hart, who limped through a troubling season and finished with 662 yards after becoming just the third freshman to lead the Big Ten in rushing yards.

"I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life," Hart said during the Wolverines' media day earlier this month. "With that, I have to come out and have a healthy year. I feel better coming into this year than I did last year."

If they can maintain their health, the Wolverines have the tools to contend for the Big Ten championship.

Junior starting quarterback Chad Henne returns with the benefit of having another year under his belt. Much like Hart, in 2004 Henne turned in a spectacular freshman campaign that he was unable to equal as a sophomore.

Looking uncomfortable at times, Henne passed for 23 touchdowns but also eight interceptions. Coaches are hoping that Henne will become a more vocal leader.

The Wolverines need Breaston to break out as a wide receiver, especially after losing Jason Avant and his 1,007 receiving yards. Though he's been solid on special teams -- averaging 28.1 yards with a touchdown returning kickoffs last season -- Breaston's productivity as a wide receiver was limited to just 291 yards and two touchdowns.

LaMarr Woodley brings a strong pass rushing presence from his hybrid rush end-linebacker spot, where he recorded seven sacks and 16 tackles for a loss last season. Defensive lineman Alan Branch can also bring pressure.

Leon Hall developed into a shutdown-type cornerback last season, and a similar performance would shore up Michigan's pass defense, which will be a key in helping the Wolverines put last year behind them.

"Lose five games at Michigan and you're disappointed," Carr said. "Everybody's disappointed. But the most important thing is how you deal with that disappointment. The next year, you have a chance to do something about it."