Michigan football: Roman Wilson could take on a pivotal role in 2023

In 2022, Ronnie Bell was the top receiving target for Michigan football as the Wolverines punched through their schedule to a 13-1 finish with a Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth.

Losing Bell will be a bit of a blow to the offense as JJ McCarthy heads into his second year as the Wolverines’ full-time starting quarterback. If Michigan wants to finally secure a national title, wideouts like Roman Wilson will need to assume a larger role this fall.

Michigan football, Roman Wilson looking to take the next step in 2023

Over the past two seasons, Roman Wilson has caught a total of 50 passes for nearly 800 yards and seven touchdowns. So far, Wilson has done a commendable job of becoming a reliable target for JJ McCarthy. However, with Ronnie Bell departing, the 2023 season presents a significant opportunity for the Wolverines’ senior wide receiver to step up into a more prominent role.

This fall, Michigan’s 6-foot, 185-pound pass-catcher is prepared to take on greater responsibility and has reportedly been improving in all aspects of his game ahead of a crucial season for the Maize and Blue.

“Basically, my whole game. Trying to become a better route runner, better catcher, trying to emulate a lot of players I like in the NFL, and also a lot of college players — old college players,” Roman Wilson said, according to 247 Sports. “Trying to see what type of player I want to be and where I’m going to fit in on this team and potentially where I end up.”

“I really like watching Stefon Diggs, Mike Evans, people who are very sudden with their releases. I feel like that’s something I can add to my game. Knowing how fast I am, trying to improve like my suddenness and my routes.”

High stakes present more opportunity for Wilson and the Wolverines

With everything at stake for Michigan football this year, Roman Wilson and his role on the Wolverines’ offense are poised to become a decisive factor for the Maize and Blue in 2023. JJ McCarthy needs a true WR1 this year, a wideout who can fill the role previously held by Ronnie Bell and prove to be a game-changing presence on the field. The success of Wilson in this role will be crucial as Michigan aims for a third-straight Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff appearance.

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