2023 Season Countdown: #52 Caden Kolesar

 

Caden Kolesar (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Caden Kolesar
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 195 lbs.
High school: Lakewood (OH) St. Edward
Position: Safety
Class: Redshirt senior
Jersey number: #35
Last year: I ranked Kolesar #55 and said he would be a backup safety and special teamer (LINK). He made 8 tackles and blocked 1 punt.
TTB Rating: N/A

Is Kolesar the most forgotten man on Michigan's team?

Well, no.

But he's close.

Kolesar was at one time on Michigan fans' conscious thoughts, back when he blocked a punt against UConn. And when he was inserted as Michigan's punt returner following Ronnie Bell's knee injury in 2021. A Michigan legacy who walked on to the team in 2019, Kolesar quietly earned some practice praise and got some run on Saturdays.

But ever since his ACL injury last fall, nothing much has been heard about him. This ranking is purely a projection, but I would expect him to once again be an important special teams player in 2023. He's good on coverage units, and he has stepped in as a backup safety. And if the coaching staff trusted him on punt returns at one time, they at least have some faith in him as a trustworthy athlete. (Note: I do not expect Kolesar to be in the running to start at punt returner.) He's also someone who could return for a sixth year in 2024, so a solid comeback year could put him in the running for more playing time at safety next year.

Prediction: Backup safety and special teamer