Michigan football tight ends will play a huge role in the 2023 Wolverine offense

This offseason, Michigan football lost two experienced tight ends with Luke Schoonmaker declaring for the NFL Draft and Erick All transferring to Iowa. Still, the Wolverine tight end room is gearing up for another big season and is expected to play a crucial role for the Michigan offense in both the run and passing game.

Michigan football tight ends are gearing up for another big blocking season

If there’s one undebatable strong suit of Michigan football, it’s running the ball. The Wolverine offensive line has won back-to-back Joe Moore awards and Michigan currently has two of the best running backs in the country.

Because of this, it’s no surprise that blocking tight ends are drawn to Michigan and are eager to help in the trenches. Transfer addition A.J. Barner made it very clear why he chose to play for Michigan football.

“I think first was just the style of football that they play–running the ball, being physical up front,” said Barner when asked about what drew him to Michigan.

Last season, Michigan football had the third most rushing yards of any FBS football team. Needless to say, Barner will get more than enough opportunities to help the offensive line do the dirty work in the run game.

The Wolverine tight end room will need to step up in the passing game

While Barner enjoys a more physical playstyle, he can certainly help the passing attack. In his most recent season at Indiana, Barner amassed 28 receptions for 199 yards and three touchdowns.

Coach Harbaugh has expressed that the upcoming season should follow a more balanced run/pass attack. With J.J. McCarthy set to throw more often, the Wolverine tight end room will need to step up as receivers. Luckily for Harbaugh, Michigan has a perfect set of players ready for the challenge.

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— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) July 2, 2023

In his freshman season, Colston Loveland displayed what he was capable of as a receiver, making multiple highlight catches as he saw more playing time late in the season. Both Barner and Loveland are very capable receivers and could put up numbers in the receiving game in addition to being strong blocking units.

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