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The Michigan football offense is looking elite heading into summer ball

Heading into summer ball, the 2023 Michigan football offense is looking elite.

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Michigan football offense, college football
Sep 10, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Hawaii Warriors at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, the Wolverines had a top-10 offensive unit, leading them to their second-ever Big Ten title game victory and College Football Playoff appearance. Following spring ball in 2023, the Michigan football offense is looking fantastic heading into summer practice, according to one of the coaches who was recently interviewed on the ‘In the Trenches Podcast’ with Jon Jansen.

Michigan football offense is looking elite ahead of summer ball

The Michigan football offense is looking great right now as the Maize and Blue pursue another Big Ten title, College Football Playoff berth, and the program’s first national title since 1997. Heading into the summer, the Wolverines are primed to make another massive run, further rocking the Big Ten and the world of college football.

Offensive line and other weapons are stepping up once again

Over the past two seasons, the Michigan football offensive line has been elite, winning Joe Moore Awards in both seasons and setting college O-Line records. This year, that elite OL group will look to lead the offense to bigger and better things, and the Wolverines have the weapons to back up that claim.

“Offensive line — Coach [Sherrone] Moore is the best O-line coach in America,” said Michigan football assistant coach Ron Bellamy. “Those guys were humming this spring,” the Michigan assistant said … The running backs look good, and Coach [Grant] Newsome has done a phenomenal job with the tight ends.”

One major area of concern for the 2023 Michigan football offense is the wide receiver corps, which suffered notable losses through the NFL Draft and the transfer portal. This year, new faces will need to step up, and it sounds like they are doing exactly that.

“The receivers … Cornelius [Johnson] and Roman [Wilson], having those guys back has been very great for our room. Having some of the younger guys — Tyler Morris, Darrius Clemons — step up. Cristian Dixon and you got the Peyton O’Learys. And two of the younger guys, Fred Moore and Semaj Morgan, came in early enrollees and did a fantastic job.”

JJ McCarthy is the key to greater offensive success

With all of these weapons, the Wolverines appear to be in great shape on offense. Who better to bring it all together than elite quarterback JJ McCarthy — a former five-star QB and a current rising junior who earned the starting role from Cade McNamara during Week 2 of the 2022 season? According to Bellamy, the Maize and Blue are in good hands under center.

“What makes J.J. a great quarterback outside of his leadership skills is his talent,” Bellamy said. “J.J. can make every throw. He can make every throw, and the most dangerous part about J.J. is he can extend plays. Receivers love that, right? DBs lose sight of receivers and you run down the field open.

“But J.J. is a complete quarterback, and just watching him go through a progression, just watching him [do] whatever the coaches put on his plate, he was able to chew it up and digest it and go out there on the field and execute it. We’re super excited about J.J. As a football team, but particularly in our receiver room, we know we have the best quarterback in America.”



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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