Jared Wangler (image via MWolverine)
Name: Jared Wangler
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 229 lbs.
High school: Warren (MI) De La Salle
Position: Fullback
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #38
Last year: I ranked Wangler #75A and said he would be a backup linebacker and special teamer (LINK). He made 3 tackles on special teams.
TTB Rating: 59
Wangler switched positions from linebacker to fullback, but he was going to be buried either way. At linebacker he was behind Mike McCray II, Devin Gil, and others. At fullback he was behind Khalid Hill, Henry Poggi, and Ben Mason. He did contribute on special teams in every game, but he did not see any time on offense or defense.
This year Wangler remains at fullback with Hill and Poggi having graduated. Mason returns and is the obvious starter, unless freshman Ben Van Sumeren arrives and blows everyone out of the water. I believe Van Sumeren will pass up Wangler sometime this season, if not immediately. I also believe we’ll see a little less of the fullback position this season now that Shea Patterson is the quarterback. I expect Michigan to go with a few more spread sets and shotgun/pistol looks. I don’t know that Wangler has the bulk or the attitude to be a Jim Harbaugh fullback, so I think Wangler will continue to be a backup and special teams guy.
Prediction: Backup fullback, special teamer
You need to login in order to vote
I would’ve bet on Wangler getting a “firm handshake” and no fifth year. Good for him, anyway.
You need to login in order to vote
Yeah. I’m not saying this is the case, but I think it would be hard to do that to a Wangler, who’s a legacy kid and whose dad played for Michigan in the 1980s. Maybe Harbaugh didn’t want to burn that bridge. But hey, maybe Harbaugh sees some potential in Jared as a fullback and truly thinks he can make an impact now that Hill/Poggi have moved on. It would be great for Wangler to finish out his career with a solid season.
You need to login in order to vote
Was surprised Wangler was granted a fifth year, as I generally agree with your assessment. With BVS and other non-scholarship players able to occupy the backup FB position I don’t really see his utility taking up a scholarship.
You need to login in order to vote