“I've never had that many, but it's pretty exciting.”

Freshman wide receiver Darryl Stonum graduated early from high school and came to Ann Arbor last winter, a decision that Rodriguez said put him ahead of some of the other freshmen. Stonum had 176 receiving yards in 11 games this year.

Some of this year’s redshirts will also be poised to get immediate playing time next season. Rodriguez said freshman wide receiver Terrence Robinson “would have played this year” before he was sidelined with a knee injury and redshirted. Next year, Robinson will likely be used as a slot receiver and kick returner.

With just one returning starter going into this year (redshirt sophomore Stephen Schilling) and injuries to multiple linemen during the year, the offensive line was constantly in flux. Next year, Rodriguez will have at least three more solid contenders for playing time on the offensive line.

Freshmen Patrick Omameh, Rocko Khoury and Ricky Barnum were all redshirted this season, but all traveled with the team. Rodriguez said all three freshmen were almost ready to play.

Note: Eastern Michigan will join Western Michigan and Notre Dame on the Wolverines’ 2009 nonconference schedule, Rodriguez said Monday. In 2007, the last time the Eagles and Wolverines met, Michigan won 33-22 at the Big House. The 2-9 Eagles will come to Ann Arbor next year with a new coach — Eastern Michigan coach Jeff Genyk was fired yesterday morning. One open date remains on Michigan's 2009 schedule: Oct. 17. The Athletic Department is working to schedule a non-conference home game.