3 big question marks for Michigan football heading into summer camp

Michigan football had a great spring and is heading into a crucial period ahead of the 2023 college football season: summer camp. There, Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines will be looking to work out the final wrinkles before kicking off the new season against ECU on the second day of September. Here are three big question marks that the Maize and Blue will be looking to address once summer ball begins.

Michigan football looking for clear-cut cornerback starters

A question that has been asked quite a bit throughout the offseason has been about cornerback depth. The Wolverines are losing two immensely talented corners via the NFL Draft, although former five-star cornerback Will Johnson will remain in Ann Arbor. While Johnson is expected to be back at 100% by fall, he underwent offseason surgery, causing some minor concerns at cornerback currently.

Additionally, the Maize and Blue are searching for a clear-cut CB2. Ahead of summer camp, the competition appears to be narrowed down to two players: Amorion Walker and Josh Wallace.

Amorion Walker, originally committed to the Wolverines as a three-star wide receiver, has recently converted to cornerback. He is regarded as one of the most versatile players on Michigan’s roster and is considered one of the most athletic college football players in the nation. Despite his tremendous physical attributes, his lack of experience at the position was evident during Michigan’s spring game in April.

Josh Wallace, on the other hand, joins Ann Arbor as a transfer portal addition and is considered one of Jim Harbaugh’s best grabs in the 2023 cycle. Wallace, a former team captain for UMass, has been recognized as an All-Independent selection in previous years. However, it should be noted that he lacks Power 5 conference experience and was a late addition to the Maize and Blue roster.

As the 2023 season approaches, this cornerback position battle becomes a crucial factor for the Wolverines and has piqued the interest of nearly all Michigan football fans as summer camp approaches.

Can transfer tackle lock down a starting role in 2023?

One of the highly regarded transfer portal additions for Michigan football is former Arizona State standout lineman LaDarius Henderson. With his team winning back-to-back Joe Moore Awards, which recognize the nation’s best offensive line, Henderson and the Wolverines aim to set an NCAA record by securing the honor for the third consecutive year this fall.

Currently, it appears that LaDarius Henderson is in a prime position to secure a starting role at left tackle, which could have a significant impact for the Maize and Blue. As JJ McCarthy, the Wolverines’ quarterback, is right-handed, protecting his blindside becomes crucial for the success of their passing offense this season. Given Henderson’s proven talent and experience as a Power 5 tackle, expectations are high for his performance.

While Henderson is anticipated to secure a starting role regardless, the importance of the left tackle position makes it even more significant to see this new transfer earn the starting nod by Week 1.

More offensive versatility for Michigan football throughout summer camp?

Over the past two seasons, Michigan football has experienced an impressive turnaround, securing two consecutive Big Ten titles and making appearances in the College Football Playoff. While these achievements are remarkable for the Wolverines, they have higher aspirations for this fall. Michigan is expected to compete for a national title in 2023, and certain changes need to occur in order to achieve that.

As observed in previous years, a strong rushing attack and a formidable defense have been sufficient to win the Big Ten Championship Game. However, to claim a national title for the first time since 1997, the Wolverines require more offensive versatility. In the previous season, JJ McCarthy came close to leading his team to the title game against Georgia, but a couple of costly mistakes prevented that from happening.

This fall, many fans and analysts anticipate the Michigan football offense to become more exciting as the Wolverines pursue the national title. This entails the need for both new and returning players to step up, with JJ McCarthy being a crucial figure. According to the coaching staff, JJ is in the best shape of his career. Additionally, Michigan football has added several new wide receivers, tight ends, and other offensive weapons who must gel during the summer in preparation for Week 1.

The bottom line is this: if the Wolverines can modernize their offense and develop multiple offensive threats, they could be a top contender for the national championship. Otherwise, they may face another early exit from the College Football Playoff or worse.

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