Michigan’s Luke Schoonmaker declares for NFL Draft

On Monday, Michigan football lost another one of its star plays from the 2021 and 2022 roster. Luke Schoonmaker — a standout tight end during the Wolverines’ 13-1 season — will be taking his talents to the NFL.

Luke Schoonmaker in the Maize and Blue

Nearly six years ago, in July of 2017, Luke Schoonmaker committed to play football at the University of Michigan. At the time, the Wolverines were coming off of a 10-3 performance and top-10 finish in 2016, and were on the cusp of an 8-5 campaign in 2017. Throughout Schoomaker’s time at U-M, he experienced all of the highs and lows that college football had to offer.

Forever a Michigan Man〽️ GO BLUE!!! pic.twitter.com/ScxTnW02hx

— Luke Schoonmaker (@LukeSchoonmaker) January 9, 2023

Freshman-Junior seasons

As a freshman in 2018, Schoonmaker appeared in one game and earned his first varsity letter for football. Despite Michigan’s 10-1 start and top-5 ranking, the Wolverines went on to lose to Ohio State, 62-39, and eventually lose to Florida in the Peach Bowl. Michigan finished the 2018 season with a 10-3 record and a No. 14 ranking. A year later as a sophomore, Schoonmaker appeared in 11 of the Wolverines’ 13 games en route to a 9-4 finish with a loss to Alabama in the Citrus Bowl.

Despite Michigan’s four losses in 2019, the Wolverines ended the year in the top-20 in both major polls (No. 19 coaches, No. 18 AP). In the coming months the world was struck by a life-changing pandemic, yet that did not stop the Big Ten from (eventually) playing football. During the COVID-19 season, Michigan saw one of its worst performances in program history, eventually finishing with a 2-4 record. During the pandemic season, Schoonmaker appeared in all six games at tight end and special teams to earn his third varsity letter.

Senior-Graduate seasons

In 2021, everything changed for Michigan football. Despite coming into the season unranked, the Wolverines went on a massive winning streak that was eventually ended by Michigan State. After Michigan’s 37-33 loss at MSU, the Wolverines responded in convincing fashion. Michigan went on the road and beat Penn State, 21-17, before returning home and knocking off the Buckeyes. Following Michigan’s 42-27 win over No. 2 Ohio State, the Wolverines beat No. 13 Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game, 42-3.

Luke Schoonmaker appeared in all 14 of Michigan’s games during its historic 12-2 season in 2021. He also made 10 starts and tight end.

This past season, Schoonmaker saw an even bigger role thrust upon him due to Erick All suffering a preseason injury. Luke Schoonmaker fit this role perfectly as a blocker and a pass-catcher, and went on to establish himself as one of the nation’s top tight ends. Schoonmaker appeared in all 14 of Michigan’s games in 2022 and played a massive role in the Wolverines’ success throughout the year.

Awards, stats, and honors

Despite coming to U-M during the darker years of Harbaugh’s tenure, Luke Schoonmaker was a key piece in turning Michigan football around. Sure, 9-10 win seasons are good years to say the least, but they’re nothing compared to what the Wolverines are now.

During his time at Michigan, Luke Schoonmaker accomplished a lot both as a team athlete and as an individual. Schoonmaker will leave Michigan with a U-M degree and four varsity letters for his time on the football team. Additionally, Schoonmaker is a two-time All-Big Ten selection (2021 HM, 2022 3rd-Team) and a two-time Big Ten Champion.

With Michigan, Schoonmaker caught 54 passes for 637 yards and seven touchdowns. His career long came against Purdue in the 2022 Big Ten Championship — Schoonmaker hauled in a 40-yard bomb which helped boost U-M past the Boilermakers.

Though his time in Ann Arbor is winding down, Schoonmaker will always be remembered as a Michigan football legend. We cannot be more excited to see where his time in the NFL may take him.