Michigan’s receivers and offensive line are just as good
Pass-catchers are in good shape
Michigan football retains two of its top three receivers from a year ago: Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson. These two will be vital pieces in Michigan’s passing game this fall, as they both have solid reps and chemistry with JJ McCarthy; I expect Michigan’s passing game to take a step forward this year.
This fall is the season that I finally expect Michigan football to be a multi-dimensional offense; boasting an elite rushing attack and a dangerous passing attack is an essential part of Michigan’s National title aspirations this year.
Along side two high-quality receivers, Michigan football brings two solid tight ends to the table — one from its in-house talent and one from the transfer portal. In 2022 — due to a series of tight end injuries — fans watched as rising sophomore Colston Loveland grew into a young star during Michigan’s wins over Illinois, Ohio State, and Purdue.
After the season ended, the Wolverines went to the portal to snag 4-star rising senior AJ Barner from Indiana — a Big Ten veteran with a large frame and solid pass-catching abilities.
Offensive line could be elite yet again
One of the most significant points of emphasis for Michigan football over the past two years has been its offensive line. In the award’s history, the Wolverines’ big men upfront became the first offensive line to win back-to-back Joe Moore Awards.
This fall, it could break its record and win three-straight Joe Moore Awards with another massive performance. The pieces are there, and it’s time to help Michigan bring another Big Ten title to Ann Arbor.
Michigan retains critical pieces from its 2022 offensive line, including tackles Karson Barnhart and Trente Jones and guards Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter. The Wolverines also added former Stanford captain Drake Nugent at the center and two other highly-touted transfer linemen (both 4-stars).
The scary reality of Michigan’s offensive line this fall is that at least eight linemen are starting-caliber, and Michigan football can rotate and use them how they see fit. Could we see an 8-lineman set as we did in the Big Ten title game? Yes, in fact, I expect to see it frequently.
The pieces on Michigan’s offensive line are there; now, it’s time to deliver another conference title and perhaps even more in the 2023 season.
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