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Notes: Injuries pile up, redshirt decisions

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan now has an idea of who it will play and who it will redshirt this season.

Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Wednesday that he feels comfortable with where his team stands now with its freshman class after 12 of them have played in the first two games of the season.

And if they haven’t played yet -- it is likely they won’t until 2013.

“We’re kind of where we want to be,” Hoke said. “Unless we get totally drilled somehow at a position.”

Which means freshmen offensive linemen Blake Bars, Ben Braden, Kyle Kalis and Erik Magnuson, wide receiver Jehu Chesson, defensive backs Jeremy Clark and Allen Gant, defensive linemen Matthew Godin, Willie Henry and Tom Strobel and running back Drake Johnson will all be in line for redshirts barring major injuries. That goes on top of linebacker Kaleb Ringer and defensive end Chris Wormley, who both suffered season-ending injuries in the preseason.

A big injury year

With Hoke saying that, he already has seen a lot more injuries -- especially to knees -- than he has throughout his career.

“It’s one of those years," Hoke said. "Last year we were looked upon pretty well because we didn’t have any injuries until late in the year.

“... I think it’s a freak thing. It’s just, from a medical standpoint and development and all that stuff, Aaron [Wellman], as much as you can do preventative, and I shouldn’t be speaking because I’m not a doctor, but he does more than anyone I’ve ever been around of the different things that you do.”

Thus far, Michigan has had three players out for the season due to knee injuries: cornerback Blake Countess, Wormley and Ringer. Receiver Roy Roundtree, who has played all season, had his knee scoped in the middle of August.

Additionally, defensive end Brennen Beyer (knee) and tight end Brandon Moore (knee) will be out this week due to injury. Defensive lineman Richard Ash (undisclosed) is questionable. Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Chris Bryant (leg) is also out for the year.

This and that

Hoke said the second quarterback in the game, if necessary, would be redshirt freshman Russell Bellomy without any doubt. ... Cornerback Courtney Avery practiced Tuesday and should be ready to play Saturday. He missed part of the game with a back injury.