Michigan’s new transfer tight end shines during spring game, should see major role in 2023

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Yesterday, Maize and Blue fans got their first look at Jim Harbaugh’s 2023 roster during the Wolverines’ spring game. There, many players stood out, including the rising group of Michigan football tight ends who could become a focal point of the offense this fall. If history repeats itself — which tends to happen in Ann Arbor — transfer addition AJ Barner could become one of the top blocking and pass-catching tight ends in the nation.

Michigan football tight ends stand out during the Wolverines’ spring game

Yesterday may have been April 1st, but don’t be fooled by the product that the Michigan football tight ends put on the field Saturday afternoon. AJ Barner — who recently transferred to Ann Arbor after playing a few seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers — is already looking incredible, and should earn himself a starting role and quite a few targets this fall. Yesterday, AJ Barner was targeted five times, making three catches for 30 yards and a touchdown during his first performance in the winged helmet.

Seeing as the Wolverines must replace Erick All (transfer) and Luke Schoonmaker (NFL Draft) — the top two tight ends from 2021 and 2022 — Barner will likely play a large role on the offense this fall. Using his massive 6-foot-6, 250-pound frame Barner fits Jim Harbaugh’s offensive mold, and will look to make his presence felt in the Maize and Blue.

“A.J. has been a great addition,” senior tight end Matthew Hibner said after the spring game. “He’s a great guy, a great player, brings a lot of height to the tight end room, brings a lot of length. He does well in the run game; I mean, I feel like all of us are just weapons in our own way, we’re not all the same people, but we all bring different things to the field, and I think we’re gonna show that this season.”

With a strong running game, great defensive play, and an elite quarterback in the offensive backfield, AJ Barner and the Michigan football tight ends will likely play a massive role on the team this year, possibly leading the Wolverines to a third-straight Big Ten title and more.

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