Freshman offensive tackle Elliot Mealer probably won’t get any playing time this season, but that doesn’t mean he won’t impact the team.

Last Christmas Eve, Mealer was involved in a car accident that took the life of his father, David, and girlfriend, Hollis Richer, and paralyzed his brother Brock.

Elliot injured his shoulder in the accident and won’t participate in August practices. Even though he can’t participate, Elliot still comes to practices.

“He doesn’t want to be treated any different than any of the other guys,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said. “He said, ‘Coach, if I mess up when I start practicing, I want you to yell at me, too.’ I said, ‘No problem. We can do that.’ ”

Rodriguez had Elliot tell his story to the rest of the team as a way to inspire them ahead of the season.

As Elliot continues to rehab his shoulder, Rodriguez recognizes that Brock’s rehabilitation will be a long, expensive process.

To assist in Brock’s rehabilitation and cover the large medical bills, the Michigan football team will hold the “Bowling for Brock” charity event at Colonial Lanes on Wednesday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m.

“(Brock) has a remarkable spirit and enthusiasm and is determined to walk again,” Rodriguez said. “He is a great inspiration and we want to help the Mealer family. They have encountered large medical bills, and the bowling event is one way that we can help out.”

Rodriguez said that he wanted to help out earlier but couldn’t because Elliot wasn’t yet on campus.

Entrance to the bowling and autograph session with Michigan players and coaches is $50 for adults and $25 for children.