Michigan football freshman may see a two-way role in 2023

This fall, the Michigan Wolverines are heading into a season filled with high expectations. Although the team’s roster seems to have few weaknesses, depth could be one of the few areas where they might struggle during the long and grueling 9-game Big Ten football schedule. For the Michigan football freshman class, this presents a significant opportunity to step up and establish themselves, which is precisely what former four-star offensive line recruit Nathan Efobi aims to do in his first fall with the Maize and Blue.

Michigan football freshman Nathan Efobi is a key addition to the 2023 roster

Nathan Efobi was a highly-touted high school recruit, rated as a four-star offensive line prospect by various outlets. According to the 247 Sports Composite rankings, he was ranked as the No. 345 recruit in the 2023 class, the No. 19 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 45 recruit in Georgia. On3 also rated Efobi as a four-star prospect and ranked him as the No. 117 recruit nationally, the No. 10 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 10 recruit in Georgia. Originally from Cummings, GA, Efobi attended South Forsyth High School.

Once arriving on campus with the Michigan Wolverines, Efobi is listed on the roster as a 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive lineman. He was a team captain in high school, indicating natural leadership abilities. As one of Michigan’s top-ranked 2023 recruits, Efobi is expected to have a significant developmental season this fall.

A two-way star in the making?

Michigan football has a solid offensive line and may not require significant help in that area. In fact, it could be argued that the Wolverines are currently 10-deep in their offensive line for the 2023 season. As Nathan Efobi waits his turn to make his mark on the inside of Michigan’s O-line, he could potentially address another area of need: defensive tackle depth.

With yesterday’s selection of Mazi Smith by the Dallas Cowboys with the 26th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Michigan football has lost a long-time run-stopper. Additionally, with several departures from the defensive line, the Wolverines may look to their freshmen to fill depth positions on the inside of the defensive line. According to Jim Harbaugh, Nathan Efobi has experience playing both ways as a two-way player in high school.

“Just wonderful, wonderful. Nathan is one of those athletes that’s a real athlete as an offensive lineman,” Jim Harbaugh said after Efobi signed with the Michigan Wolverines in the 2023 recruiting class. “Super high ceiling. Can play both sides of the ball. He rarely comes off the field. And his dream school has been Michigan.”

While the 2023 Michigan football freshman class may not have been Jim Harbaugh’s most impressive on paper, there could be a few hidden gems, and Nathan Efobi could be one of them. This fall, given the depth of the O-line, it is possible that we may see Michigan football freshman Nathan Efobi make his debut on the defensive side of the football.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at [email protected]. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!