Breaking down C.J. Charleston commitment to Michigan football

Michigan football was worried all spring about keeping the talent on its own roster. But now that the spring transfer portal window has closed, it’s time for the Wolverines to get aggressive and they started on Wednesday with the commitment of wide receiver C.J. Charleston.

Ho〽️e pic.twitter.com/kTW1RZam8n

— CJ Charleston (@cjcharleston13) May 1, 2024

Charleston is an FCS prospect and is coming up from Youngstown State. Charles is a 6-feet tall and originally from the state of Ohio. He’s got 53 career receptions to his name but last season, he broke out with 33 receptions for 503 yards and four touchdowns.

Breaking down the new wide receiver for Michigan football

His addition isn’t going to jump off the page or suddenly solve all the depth issues at wide receiver, but the FCS isn’t that far of a dropoff from the Group of Five. Charleston was a productive player. He’s a veteran and he’s got ties to the current Michigan football staff.

So the Wolverines know a lot about this particular player. There are surely more talented players in the portal or at least players who are ranked higher. But Michigan is looking for the right fit for its program — not worrying about recruiting rankings, which has worked out well the past three years.

Also, it’s not like Charleston will walk through the door as the No. 1. Tyler Morris, Semaj Morgan, and Frederick Moore have established themselves as the top options, along with tight end Colston Loveland.

Kendrick Bell is another name to watch after a strong spring. But if any of those guys get hurt, Charleston provides more insurance, as well as another potential playmaker. Even if he caught 15-20 passes next season, it would be a worthwhile addition.

However, you never know what a change of scenery can do for a player and that’s why with Charleston, you just never know what Michigan football might be getting. At the very least, the Wolverines feel he’s worth the gamble.

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