ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Denard Robinson is back for one last go-round as Michigan's quarterback, and he'll have a lot of talent coming back with him.
There are some holes that need to be filled, however, especially in critical places such as the offensive line. Here's a look at what Michigan has coming back for 2012, some of the Wolverines' needs, and a player to keep an eye on for next season.
Quarterback
In the fold: Robinson enters his third season as the starter and his second under Al Borges' system. If he plays in 2012 like he did at the end of this season, he could be a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. Junior Devin Gardner will back him up -- and could steal some more snaps if the Wolverines experiment more in the two-quarterback "Deuce" package during the offseason. Redshirt freshman Russell Bellomy likely will remain the third stringer and be ready to compete when Robinson graduates.
Needs: None immediately. Michigan already has a big-time quarterback commitment in 2013 with Shane Morris (Warren, Mich./De La Salle) along with a quarterback in waiting on the roster in Gardner. So the Wolverines could be set until the middle of the decade at quarterback.
Who to watch: Robinson. It is tough not to watch one of the most electrifying players in college football. Borges has long said that once Robinson feels comfortable in the offense, he's going to excel. If that happens next season, it could be something to behold. If he runs well, he could become the NCAA's all-time leading quarterback rusher as well.
Running back
In the fold: Redshirt sophomore starter Fitzgerald Toussaint returns off a 1,000-yard season (1,011 yards and counting) accumulated in essentially 10 games -- he didn't play against Notre Dame and had two carries against Michigan State. He'll be the likely starter going into next season and will be pushed. Vincent Smith will return as the third-down back, and expect freshman Thomas Rawls to get some carries, as well. Fullback Stephen Hopkins also returns and gives Michigan a bruiser who also has some speed in front of Toussaint.
Needs: More big backs. The Wolverines are on their way with that, as they have 6-foot, 205-pound Drake Johnson (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) and 5-foot-11, 210-pound fullback Sione Houma (Salt Lake City/Highland) committed for 2012. Michigan is going to go after a running back or two every season as it is perhaps the most important skill position for Hoke and Borges.
Who to watch: Toussaint. Robinson will receive all the Heisman Trophy hype before next season, but it is Toussaint who could emerge as a true Heisman candidate if Michigan does make him the featured back. He has the strength and speed to rack up 100-yard games and at the very least steal some attention from Robinson.
Wide receiver
In the fold: Roy Roundtree returns after a disappointing season in which he saw his production cut by more than half in both catches (18) and yards (345). As Roundtree watched his production plummet, Jeremy Gallon became a go-to target for Robinson, grabbing 30 balls for 450 yards. Darryl Stonum also returns for his fifth year after redshirting this season. They'll anchor a receiving corps that will need Drew Dileo, Jeremy Jackson or Jerald Robinson step up as a fourth option.
Needs: Michigan needs a big-play receiver with some height to replace this season's leading receiver, Junior Hemingway. The Wolverines have a commit in 6-foot-2, 195-pound Amara Darboh (West Des Moines, Iowa/Dowling) who could fit that role and are also in on other wideouts for 2012 including 6-2, 200-pound Jordan Payton (Westlake Village, Calif./Oaks Christian) and 6-3, 182-pound Jehu Chesson (Chesterfield, Mo./Ladue Horton Watkins). Michigan will need to pick up a second wideout here.
Who to watch: Stonum. His redshirt, which came about due to a second DUI earlier in 2011, gives him one more chance. He has the speed most of Michigan's other receivers lack and has big-play ability. If he is determined and stays out of trouble, he could have a huge season.
Tight end
In the fold: Not much. Kevin Koger and Steve Watson graduate, leaving the Wolverines with Brandon Moore and Ricardo Miller as the top options. Combined, they have two catches for 28 yards -- both from Moore. If there is a spot the Wolverines could have a freshman contribute early on offense, it is here. Michigan has two commits at the spot -- Devin Funchess (Farmington Hills, Mich./Harrison) and A.J. Williams (Cincinnati/Sycamore) -- and is looking to add a third after Pharaoh Brown was no longer deemed committed.
Needs: In the short term, a pass-catching tight end who can replace Koger -- that is a role Miller could fill as he's a converted wide receiver. In the long term, they need balanced tight ends who can block and catch well as the position figures to be featured more prominently in the Michigan offense as the years progress.
Who to watch: Funchess. The freshman has all the tools to be Michigan's next great tight end. He has the speed and hands to be a playmaker once he adds weight to his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame. If Moore or Miller doesn't work out, he might have to play earlier than expected.
Offensive line
In the fold: Michigan loses two linemen in All-American center David Molk and underrated right tackle Mark Huyge, but have All-American candidate Taylor Lewan back at left tackle for his third season. He, likely future right tackle Michael Schofield and guards Patrick Omameh and Ricky Barnum still give some consistency to the line. Expect Jack Miller and Rocko Khoury to compete for Molk's vacated position -- along with Barnum, should someone knock him out of one of the guard slots. Depth is still an issue here, as the Wolverines have only nine returning scholarship offensive linemen. Incoming freshmen, especially Kyle Kalis, Erik Magnuson and Ben Braden, could push for early time.
Needs: Magnuson eventually could become Michigan's next left tackle when Lewan leaves, but the Wolverines need another strong class to truly get up to the 15 or so offensive linemen they'd like to have to ensure proper depth. Michigan also could use another center in case Miller doesn't work out in the long term.
Who to watch: Lewan. He now becomes the most experienced lineman Michigan has and no longer has influences like Molk or Stephen Schilling to keep his emotions in check. Now, he also has to be a leader and the one who keeps the continuity within the offensive line next season.
Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan sports for WolverineNation. He can be reached at michaelrothsteinespn@gmail.com or on Twitter @mikerothstein.