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Michigan football: three biggest roster holes heading into 2023

Michigan football will look to replace some key starters on both sides of the ball this offseason.

Published

2 months ago

January 22, 2023

Matt W.

Michigan defensive back DJ Turner (5) tackles Ohio State wide receiver Xavier Johnson during the second half Nov. 26, 2022 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

While Michigan football returns the vast majority of the contributors that helped the Wolverines win a school record 13 games to next season’s squad, like any college program, they still have holes to fill. Here’s a look at the three positions with the most significant question marks and who we might see step up to fill those holes.

Cornerback

DJ Turner and Gemon Green have been mainstays in the Wolverine defensive backfield for multiple seasons. Green has been a starter in 28 games across the past three seasons, only missing time due to injury, and Turner has started in all 27 games the past two seasons. Turner led the defense in passes broken up in both years, while Green has always been a guy you could count on to be in the correct position to make a play, hardly ever getting beat badly.

Now they’re both off to test the waters of the NFL, leaving Michigan football with its most significant position hole. The Wolverines are in a good position with their cornerback room, as they’re returning possibly their best defensive player from a season ago in Will Johnson.

While he wasn’t a starter at the beginning of the year, it’s hard to deny the true freshman wasn’t one of the most impactful players by season’s end. Johnson’s two massive interceptions of Aidan O’Connell in the Big Ten Championship game helped seal the win. In the process, Johnson became the first freshman Wolverine to have a two-interception game since Leon Hall in 2003 and just the second since Charles Woodson did so against Ohio State in 1995.

Besides Johnson — who could be the best cornerback in the Big Ten in 2023 — the Wolverines are also returning fifth-year senior Mike Sainristril at nickel — who can also bump outside if needed. Additionally, Michigan has an excellent safeties room with returning starters Rod Moore, Makari Paige, and RJ Moten.

Replacement Candidates

So while Michigan’s secondary should be at the top of the conference once again, there are still the remaining questions of which other young guys will step to replace the outgoing Turner and Green. Luckily the Wolverines have been recruiting the secondary very well recently and have plenty of guys to pick from but little experience. Jalen Perry is expected back for a fifth season and was a highly recruited prospect. A four-star out of Dacula, Georgia, Perry was a top 200 guy in his class per 247sports and, at 6 foot, 190 pounds, has good size as well. Ja’Den McBurrows will be in his third season but has seen little playing time after dealing with injuries.

After that, it’s mostly the young guys, as Michigan brought in three cornerbacks in the 2022 class, including Johnson, Myles Pollard, and Kody Jones. They also added three safeties- Keon Sabb, Zeke Berry, and Domani Dent- who could make a switch. The Wolverines also added a couple of early enrollees in Jyaire Hill and Cameron Calhoun, both highly sought-after recruits with good size. D’Juan Waller Jr., a three-star from Youngstown, Ohio, will join the team in the fall.

Edge

Between the expected departure of Mike Morris to the NFL draft, Taylor Upshaw’s transfer to Colorado, and the surprising loss of Eyabi Okie to the portal, the Wolverines lose a lot of production off the edge. Morris, the Big Ten defensive lineman of the year, led the team in both sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (11), while Okie was second in sacks (4.5) and was expected to be Michigan’s number-one pass rusher in 2023. Upshaw added 4 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a game-clinching interception in Columbus against the Buckeyes.

Michigan should be stout up the middle with the return of Kris Jenkins, Mason Graham, and Rashaun Benny- plus an expected more significant role for Kenneth Grant- which will help prevent double teams on the outside.

Who’ll we will most likely see in 2023

The two-deep isn’t really much of a question at this point, with Jaylen Harrell (30 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 2 pass defends), Braiden McGregor (17 tackles, 5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 2 pass protects), and Derrick Moore (2 sacks, 1 pass defend) all returning after playing significant roles last season. Michigan football also picked up a commitment from Coastal Carolina’s edge rusher Josiah Stewart and is expected to round out the top four guys. Stewart will have two seasons of eligibility remaining after totaling 79 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles with the Chanticleers, albeit against a lower level of competition in the Sun Belt conference.

The more significant questions are, firstly, who will separate themselves as the starting duo, and which younger guys will emerge as the backups. Kechaun Bennett and TJ Guy will be in their third seasons and have flashed potential in their limited playing time. Michigan also brings in a handful of intriguing defensive linemen recruits in the 2023 class- including their highest-ranked player, Enow Etta, Brooks Bahr, Aymeric Koumba, and Roderick Pierce. Although some of those guys likely play the interior.

Wide Receiver

After leading the team in receiving in three of his five seasons in Ann Arbor, Ronnie Bell is headed to the NFL draft, leaving JJ McCarthy without his favorite target for the upcoming season. Bell led the Wolverines in receptions (62) and receiving yards (889) while adding 5 touchdowns. The 62 catches were nearly double second place- Luke Schoonmaker, who’s also in the NFL after 35 receptions and 889 yards were about 400 more than Cornelius Johnson’s 499. So, losing Bell is a massive blow to the team, and they could be the Wolverines’ most missed player next season.

Add that Adrel Anthony transferred to Oklahoma this off-season after being the fourth-most targeted receiver. Michigan will have plenty of new opportunities for the younger guys.

Next guys up

Michigan’s offense got a big boost last week when Cornelius Johnson announced his return to the Wolverines for his fifth season. This was massive news for the passing game as Johnson led the team in receiving in 2021 when Bell was out all season with an injury and was second in receiving yards in 2022 and 2020. Johnson now has 92 catches for 1441 yards and 13 touchdowns in his career in Ann Arbor and will bring back some desperately needed experience at the position.

The Wolverines also return senior Roman Wilson, who was third amongst receivers this past season in both receptions (25) and receiving yards (376), and second of any position with 4 receiving touchdowns. While a tight end, Colston Loveland will demand a lot of attention as a sophomore and could become McCarthy’s favorite target this fall.

Besides that, it leaves little-returning production. Senior AJ Henning will enter the season with just 25 career receptions, including 9 this past season. Rising junior Christian Dixon, highly recruited from high school but had one career reception from 2021, is the only other upperclassman. The Wolverines brought in a trio of highly sought freshmen last season in Darrius Clemons, Omarion Walker, and Tyler Morris, but they also combined for just 5 career catches.

Michigan just signed a three-man receiver class on early national signing day, with Semaj Morgan and Fredrick Moore enrolling early and Karmello English set to join the team in the fall.

Regardless of who wins these position battles, Michigan should be in an excellent spot for 2023. It will be some of the more interesting position battles come spring ball and fall camp as the Wolverines look to make three straight trips to the College Football Playoff.

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 Cj@BluebyNinety.com or DM him on Twitter, @CJsWrld_.

Related Topics:Big Ten DJ Turner JJ McCarthy Michigan Ronnie Bell Wolverines

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Major outlet ranks Jim Harbaugh as No. 1 coach in the Big Ten

A major outlet ranked Jim Harbaugh as the best coach in the Big Ten.

Published

11 hours ago

March 23, 2023

CJ Mangum

Dec 31, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh throws prior to the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

ANN ARBOR, MI — Over the past two seasons, the entire identity of the Michigan Wolverines’ football program has changed. Before 2021, the Michigan football team was coming off of a 2-4 season in 2020; before that, the Wolverines were managing 8-10 wins per season, though consistantly losing to Ohio State, their bowl game, and saw frequent losses to Michigan State and Penn State. Since that 2021 season, everything has changed for Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines — in fact, Harbaugh is now thought of as the best coach in his conference.

Jim Harbaugh changes everything for Michigan football in 2021

After arguably the worst season in Michigan football history (2020), Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines decided to go all-in on the 2021 season. At his Big Ten media presser, Harbaugh claimed that Michigan would accomplish its goals (beating Ohio State, Michigan State, winning the Big Ten, and more) or “die trying.” The Wolverines did exactly that — Michigan football finished the regular season with an 11-1 record after downing Ohio State 42-27 in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines then won the Big Ten title for the first time since 2004; however, were dominated by Georgia in the CFP.

A season later, Michigan football appeared to improve as Jim Harbaugh led his team to a 12-0 finish — including massive 20+ point wins over Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State — before winning the program’s first-ever 13th game in a single season. While the Wolverines still fell short against TCU in the Fiesta Bowl, the 2022 season was monumental for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football.

Heading into the 2023 season, Michigan appears to have its best roster during the Jim Harbaugh era (since 2015). In fact, right now, the Wolverines come into the season favored against every major program that it must face: Penn State, Michigan State, and Ohio State. If the Wolverines aren’t competing for a Big Ten title this year, most fans will call the season a disappointment.

On3 ranks Harbaugh No. 1 in the Big Ten

Of the 14 coaches in the Big Ten, On3 claims that none are better than Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh. Here is what On3 had to say about Harbaugh and why he is ranked No. 1:

It took some time, but Jim Harbaugh fulfilled his promise of beating Ohio State and delivering his alma mater a Big Ten Championship.

Then he did it again last season. The Wolverines are 25-3 the last two years, with a pair of conference titles and College Football Playoff berths. While Harbaugh has downplayed some of the major cultural and philosophical changes he made before the 2021 season, he deserves credit for pivoting and overhauling his staff.

In eight years at Michigan, Harbaugh has five seasons with at least 10 wins. Although the yearly NFL rumors remain a distraction, the Wolverines don’t look like they’re going to slowdown at all under Harbaugh, either. They bring back a loaded squad in 2023 — with Harbaugh supplementing the depth chart with several key additions from the transfer portal — and will be the favorites to three-peat in the Big Ten.

While I weigh the present more than the past, Harbaugh’s coaching resume also includes jumpstarting Stanford’s program (12-1 season in his final year) and four years with the San Francisco 49ers where he never had a losing season, played in the NFC Championship Game three times and lost to his brother John Harbaugh in the Super Bowl.

The next three coaches behind Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football are: Ryan Day (Ohio State), Luke Fickell (Wisconsin), and James Franklin (Penn State).

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 Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other steaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

FOOTBALL

Tom Brady’s son is looking to attend the University of Michigan

The son of a Michigan legend is dreaming of attending his father’s alma mater.

Published

13 hours ago

March 23, 2023

CJ Mangum

Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh laugh during warm ups prior to the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

It has been a few decades since former Michigan captain Tom Brady suited up in the Maize and Blue. From 1998-1999, the greatest football player of all time donned the winged helmet and led the Michigan football team to a 20-5 record, two bowl wins, a Big Ten title, and more during his time as a starter. Since then, the program has seen its ups and downs, and Tom Brady has seen action with two NFL franchises and won a league record seven Super Bowls — he also appeared in 10 Super Bowls. Now, decades after the fact, Tom Brady’s son is looking to repeat a bit history and attend the University of Michigan.

Tom Brady’s son, Jack, dreams of attending the University of Michigan

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Tom Brady’s ex-wife Gisele Bundchen claims that Tom Brady’s son Jack wants to attend school at his father’s alma mater. Brady, who recently played his final football game ever (assuming this retirement sticks, unlike his last one), played five years of football in Ann Arbor in the 90s. He was a part of a few Big Ten title-winning teams, as well as the infamous national championship team in 1997.

From Vanity Fair: The whole brood is thriving, and Jack remains her bonus child. “I love him so much,” Bündchen says of Jack, who is “quarterbacking”—very much a verb in this household—with aspirations of going to his father’s alma mater, the University of Michigan.

Tom Brady himself also mentioned that his son Jack has some better qualities than him — he claims that his only specialty in life, unlike Jack, is throwing a football. Like Tom, Jack Brady loves playing football and is currently a quarterback, which is something that his father plans on helping him with.

“I don’t have a lot of specialties in life other than probably throwing a football,” Brady joked. “He’s way smarter. He’s got a great work ethic. He’s just a great kid, but I can definitely help him at quarterback.”

It would be a massive move for the University of Michigan community to have Tom Brady’s son enroll nearly 30 years after his father attended. The school, program, and town have changed quite a bit since Tom Brady led his 1999 Wolverines to a 1-point win over Alabama in the 2000 Orange Bowl; however, Michigan’s profound love for Tom Brady has not subsided one bit. In fact, over the years, the school has grown to appreciate all that Tom does for it more and more.

FOOTBALL

Michigan’s converted defensive back is going to be better than people think

The Wolverines have an insane athlete on their hands.

Published

2 days ago

March 22, 2023

CJ Mangum

ANN ARBOR, MI — Just before the start of spring ball, the Michigan Wolverines decided that — in order to address cornerback depth issues — a former three-star wideout would be moved to cornerback. Since making this call, the massive Amorion Walker has turned into a spring ball standout, and according to coaches and players, is a freak of nature on the football field. However good you think Amorion Walker is going to be, he will likely be better.

Michigan football converted DB Amorion Walker turning out to be a stud on the football field

Since the start of Michigan football spring ball, the Wolverines’ newly converted cornerback — Amorion Walker — has been turning heads among the players and the staff. Here are some of the comments that others have made on Walker’s ability per The Michigan Daily.

“(Walker) has gifts that a lot of people don’t,” standout defensive back Mike Sainristil told The Daily during Michigan football spring practices. Walker’s unique athletic ability and mix of an incredible frame (6-foot-4, 180-pounds) “He’s 6-foot-3, moves like he’s 5-foot-10. He plays like he’s 225, he’s tall, he’s lengthy. He runs a 4.2, 4.3 (40 yard dash). His skill set is rare.”

Just because Walker came to Michigan as a receiver does not mean that he has not dreamed of getting this opportunity for awhile. In fact, Amorion Walker would have things no other way — he is ready for his new challenge.

“I always wanted to play both ways,” Walker said last week. “I still love the defensive side of the ball. That was actually the first position I ever played. So, it’s kind of where I get my background.” He continued, “I’m trying to lose the receiver tendencies that I have from playing it for a long time … Just trying to get back into the DB motion and back to where I used to be before I made the switch.”

The praise for Amorion Walker and his athletic talent are not just from outsiders, either; Walker knows that he is an incredible athlete. “I definitely am one of the best athletes in the country, for sure,” Walker said. “As far as running and jumping and being able to change direction.”