While all of the attention at Michigan has been focused on the quarterback position this fall, here are three players just as crucial to Michigan’s bowl hopes.

Mike Martin Nose tackle Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 292 pounds Hometown: Redford Martin played in all 11 games off the bench as a true freshman and saw his field time and production increase as the season wore on. He’s at the center of a revamped defense now, playing nose tackle in Michigan’s 3-4 front. With little depth behind him, the powerful sophomore needs a breakout second season for Michigan to reach its potential.

Troy Woolfolk Free safety Height: 6-foot Weight: 193 pounds Hometown: Sugar Land, Texas A reserve cornerback and major special-teams contributor last season, Woolfolk has found a new home at safety. He’s more physical than you’d know by looking at his 6-foot, 193-pound frame, and more importantly his coverage skills should benefit a secondary that gave up far too many big plays last year. There’s little depth at safety, so Woolfolk will be given every opportunity to shine.

Brandon Minor Running back Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 218 pounds Hometown: Richmond, Va. Michigan’s top returning rusher with a measly 533 yards (the lowest total by a season leader since 1963), Minor is down to his last chance to break out for the Wolverines. He played through a wrist injury last year and despite battling minor bumps in fall camp, Rich Rodriguez and Co. did their best to preserve him for the season. There are other options at running back in speedy Carlos Brown and head-turning freshman Vincent Smith, but Minor, a senior, is the most complete back on the team and a physical enough runner to top 1,000 yards in the Big Ten.