Mark Huyge wanted desperately to get on the field last year, but he’s glad he didn’t.

“Last year, I really (don’t) think I was strong enough,” Huyge said. “I could have gone out there, but this year I think I’m more ready.”

That’s good news for a Michigan team counting on Huyge to be the final piece to its offensive line puzzle.

The third-year sophomore is expected to start at right tackle when the Wolverines open the season Saturday against Western Michigan. He'll play alongside four returnees in a reconfigured - and hopefully more refined - offensive front.

Huyge replaces Steve Schilling, who moves to his more natural left guard position after starting two seasons at tackle. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper ranks the 6-foot-5, 304-pound Schilling the No. 4 junior guard prospect in the country.

David Molk and David Moosman are back at center and right guard, respectively, where they started every game a season ago, and Mark Ortmann is the full-time left tackle after bouncing between there and guard as a junior.

Combined, the unit has 49 career starts - or 33 more than the opening-day line had last year.

“I would be disappointed if they’re not one of the most improved positions,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said. “Even though the focal point’s the quarterback always, it’s going to start with guys up front. They’re going to be better.”

Beyond the experience factor, Rodriguez said Michigan’s line should be better because it’s deeper, more confident and in better shape than it was a year ago, when the Wolverines ranked last in the Big Ten in total offense and were second worst in the nation in third-down conversions.

Perry Dorrestein, John Ferrara and Tim McAvoy, who started 14 games between them last season, are backups. Ortmann said the line is more at ease running the no-huddle offense. And teammates have noticed a difference in practice.

“Amazing,” running back Brandon Minor said. “They’re really on it this year.”

“All you got to do is stand behind” them to see the difference, said running backs coach Fred Jackson. “You got some guys up there who got very powerful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that kind of improvement in strength in guys like that. It’s unbelievable to see them now as opposed to last fall when we started.”

Huyge, who might have started last year’s opener if not for a high-ankle sprain that kept him out nearly a month, is one who made big gains in the weight room.

He added 80 pounds to his hang clean this off-season and said he’s more explosive coming off the ball.

More importantly, Huyge said he and his linemates are playing with a purpose after their collective performance last year.

“Anybody that went 3-9, especially when they’re at Michigan, you do have a chip on your shoulder, you do have something to prove,” he said. “That’s what we’re going to try to do this year. Get back in a winning season, get back in the Big Ten and compete every day.”

Dave Birkett covers the University of Michigan football team for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at davidbirkett@annarbor.com