With 1997 Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson and more recently, standout super-athlete Jabrill Peppers, the Michigan Wolverines have a track record of deploying some of their top-tier talent in all three phases of the game. This season, Jim Harbaugh might be willing to have two "three-way" athletes on the same roster.
Jabrill Peppers, who famously excelled on defense, special teams (as a kick and punt returner) and offense as a redshirt freshman in 2015, appears likely to resume a similar role in his follow-up campaign. In fact, Peppers is expected to play at least 90 plays per game, according to Harbaugh himself.
In addition, All-American cornerback Jourdan Lewis could be joining the fray in terms of production on offense and in the return game. At Big Ten media days in Chicago, the standout cover man expressed an interest in contributing in other phases of the team, and given Harbaugh's aggressiveness in getting his best players on the field as much as possible, it now seems plausible that Lewis could perform in varying roles.
It should be noted that Michigan's offense already features two top-tier wide receivers in Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh, as well as perhaps the best tight end in the country in Jake Butt. Still, Peppers was used effectively as a running back in 2015, and Lewis could occasionally slot in as a playmaker in a role as the number three wideout.
Regardless, this is Jim Harbaugh being Jim Harbaugh again, and Michigan's most talented players should be seeing the field quite frequently as the team seeks a Big Ten title in 2016.
