2021 Season Countdown: #4 Josh Ross

 

Josh Ross

Name: Josh Ross
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 224 lbs.
High school: Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's
Position: Linebacker
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #12
Last year: I ranked Ross #15 and said he would be the starting WILL linebacker (LINK). He made 53 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception.
TTB Rating: 79

Ross had a rough season in 2020. As part of a deteriorating defense - in performance and health - Ross played in every game. While defensive linemen and his fellow inside linebacker Cam McGrone fell apart, Ross kept plugging away. Reports have come out since then that Ross himself was struggling with a lower body injury, too. He missed tackles and got lost in coverage at times. Everyone expected better from him since he was a fourth-year player who was Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2018, but it just didn't work out.

Reports about Ross's leadership have been glowing this off-season, and Ross has been named one of the four team captains. He has played a lot but has somehow only started ten games in his career. Among the linebackers, he's the grizzled veteran. New linebackers coach George Helow revealed recently that redshirt freshman Nikhai Hill-Green will be starting next to Ross at inside linebacker (beating out Michael Barrett), and I think that elevates Ross's importance even more. The team needs an experienced player on the inside to get people lined up and keep people calm if and when things go poorly on the field.

Prediction: Starting middle linebacker

2021 Season Countdown: #5 Mazi Smith

 

Mazi Smith (image via Maize 'n' Brew)

Name: Mazi Smith
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 326 lbs.
High school: Grand Rapids (MI) East Kentwood
Position: Nose tackle
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #58
Last year: I ranked Smith #28 and said he would be a backup defensive tackle (LINK). He made 3 tackles and 1 tackle for loss.
TTB Rating: 86

Michigan fans have been longing for an impact defensive tackle basically since Maurice Hurst, Jr. moved on to the NFL. For the past few seasons, the Wolverines have been lacking true defensive tackles, resulting in the team playing people like former linebacker Carlo Kemp on the interior. In the class of 2019, Michigan recruited a couple highly regarded, beefy tackle types, and fans have been salivating for them to play. Unfortunately, it's been some slow going with Smith and Chris Hinton, Jr. Smith played in a couple games in 2019 but didn't do much, and last season he made just 3 tackles in five games as a backup.

With the move to more of a 3-4 look under new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Michigan needs a nose tackle to step up. Smith is the obvious top choice considering his size and recruiting pedigree. The concern continues to be his conditioning. How long can he play at one time or in any one game before his performance falls off drastically? Michigan did bring in help in the form of Oregon State nose tackle Jordan Whittley, but reports coming out of practice are saying he's probably not going to help much. (Whittley sat out the 2020 season and is in the 350 lb. range.) Beyond those two players, Michigan is looking at the likes of Donovan Jeter, Jess Speight, and Jack Stewart. Ideally, Smith and Whittley would provide a nice 1-2 punch on standard downs, perhaps with a sub package coming in on passing downs to get a better pass rusher on the field.

Prediction: Starting nose tackle; 15 tackles, 3 tackles for loss

2021 Season Countdown: #6 Hassan Haskins

 

Nov 21, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Hassan Haskins (25) carries the ball as Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Christian Izien (0) pursues during overtime at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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Name: Hassan Haskins
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 220 lbs.
High school: St. Louis (MO) Eureka
Position: Running back
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #25
Last year: I ranked Haskins #40 and said he would be a backup running back (LINK). He led the team with 61 carries for 375 yards (6.1 yards/carry) and 6 touchdowns; he also caught 0 passes for 0 yards.
TTB Rating: 74

I have to admit to being a Hassan Haskins doubter. Not that I ever thought he would be an abject failure (I gave a TTB Rating of 74), but I thought he would get stuck behind Zach Charbonnet. Or Chris Evans. But like a horror movie villain, you try to run away, you stumble, you look up, and he's always there. Looming. Lurking.

Charbonnet (since transferred to UCLA) was the first victim, and Evans (held to just 25 touches in 2020) was the second. Haskins broke a ton of tackles, ran the Wildcat, and seemed to cement his place as the #1 running back on the team. He made some long runs (66 yards vs. Minnesota, 59 vs. Penn State) and squeaked out yardage when it seemed like there was nowhere to go. As a somewhat taller back, he has shown a surprising ability to sink his hips and make people miss.

Now Haskins appears to be the top guy with Blake Corum as his tag team buddy. Michigan has always rotated backs heavily during the Jim Harbaugh era, and not just when Jay Harbaugh was the running backs coach from 2017-2020. Tyrone Wheatley also rotated through guys in 2015-2016, with five players having 30+ carries in 2015 and four guys notching 70+ carries in 2016. The rotation won't be quite as liberal in 2021 since Michigan has just four scholarship running backs on the roster, but both Haskins and Corum should get a fair number of opportunities. I don't think Haskins will have an explosive year on the ground, but if Michigan's line can gel this season, I think he could approach 900 yards.

Prediction: Starting running back; 900 yards, 9 touchdowns

2021 Season Countdown: #7 Jake Moody

 

Michigan kicker Jake Moody (2) kicks a field goal to go up 3-0 in the first quarter of their college football game against Notre Dame at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, October 26, 2019. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Name: Jake Moody
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 211 lbs.
High school: Northville (MI) Northville
Position: Kicker
Class: Senior
Jersey number: #13
Last year: I ranked Moody #30 and said he would be the starting kickoff specialist and the part-time placekicker (LINK). He was the kickoff specialist and made 1/4 field goals.
TTB Rating: N/A

Moody had a season to forget in 2020. And really that forgettable stretch began in the middle of 2019. After making just 2/5 field goals to end that campaign, Moody made just 1/4 field goals last season - including going 0/3 against Minnesota in the season opener. The confidence for Michigan's kickers has been shaky for the past few seasons, as Moody and Quinn Nordin (now with the Patriots) have alternated. One iffy kicker would be benched for another iffy kicker.

Now there's only one iffy scholarship kicker on the roster, and it's Moody. Michigan does have walk-on Cole Hussung and freshman punter/kicker Tommy Doman. Both have potential, but guessing at kicker talent based on highlights is a fool's errand. Every well regarded kicker/punter has the potential to kick 50-yard field goals and average 45 yards per punt, but do they have the consistent technique and emotional stability to handle the job?

I'm not convinced that Moody can handle the ups and downs of kicking at Michigan, but options are limited. Perhaps with Nordin out of the way, he can settle in and be more consistent. I struggled with where to place Moody because of his inconsistency, but with an offense that may lack explosiveness, it would really help to have a guy who can put the ball through the uprights regularly and prevent too many empty trips into opponent territory.

Predictions: Starting kickoff specialist and placekicker

2021 Ex-Wolverine Updates: Week Zero

 

Zach Charbonnet (image via Yahoo! News)

I'm calling this Week Zero because if Michigan isn't playing, then has the football season really started?

FORMER PLAYERS

RB Zach Charbonnet (UCLA): Charbonnet was third on the team in rushing attempts (6), but he led the team in yardage (106 yards), touchdowns (3), and rushing average (17.7). That rushing average was boosted by a 46-yard touchdown on which he broke several tackle attempts. Here are all three of his scores:

Zach Charbonnet is going off in his @UCLAFootball debut 😤 pic.twitter.com/4WtREvhMQG

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 28, 2021

Hit the jump for more.

2021 Season Countdown: #8 Ronnie Bell

 

Ronnie Bell (image via MLive)

Name: Ronnie Bell
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 192 lbs.
High school: Kansas City (MO) Park Hill
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Senior
Jersey number: #8
Last year: I ranked Bell #12 and said he would be a starting wide receiver (LINK). He caught 26 passes for 401 yards and 1 touchdown.
TTB Rating: 71

We have reached the point in the countdown where I think any major injury in the top eight could be devastating for Michigan's season. In this case, I hemmed and hawed about who should be ranked the lowest of the tier, and I finally settled on Bell. Bell still gets a lot of flak for not being good enough, which is odd to me because he has led the team in receiving for two consecutive years. He has also repeatedly shown that he's the only receiver who can consistently gain yards after the catch. That led to him averaging a respectable 15.8 and 15.9 yards per reception in each of the past two seasons. But when you're an afterthought as a recruit with no high-level offers, I guess that stigma sticks with you.

The 2020 season saw him make 4 receptions in five games and 6 against Indiana, a game in which he totaled 149 yards and 1 touchdown, including a 52-yard catch and run. Bell has decent hands and isn't afraid to venture over the middle. He can break tackles and maintain his balance well, but what he lacks is top-end speed. His leadership and toughness have led to him being named a captain for the 2021 season, so I don't think he's getting passed up on the depth chart. There's a chance that another receiver will take over the lead in receptions or yards this fall, but I'm putting my figurative money on Bell to once again lead the team. With other talented receivers on the roster, I don't think the passing game would fall apart if Bell were to get injured, but I don't know that any other receiver can take a bubble screen or RPO slant, break a couple tackles, and gain 40-50 yards after the catch.

Prediction: Starting wide receiver; 43 catches, 670 yards, 4 touchdowns

2021 Season Countdown: #9 Gemon Green

 

Gemon Green (image via Rivals)

Name: Gemon Green
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 181 lbs.
High school: DeSoto (TX) DeSoto
Position: Cornerback
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #22
Last year: I ranked Green #46 and said he would be a backup cornerback (LINK). He started six games and made 22 tackles with 9 pass breakups.
TTB Rating: 82

It was easy to watch Michigan's secondary in 2020 and reach the conclusion that every player did bad and is bad. I think every Michigan fan probably felt that way at one point or another a year ago. But I thought Green had his fair share of positive moments. After getting embarrassed in week two against Michigan State, Michigan's two starting cornerbacks went in divergent directions. Green seemed to take umbrage at getting picked on and improved. Opposite corner Vincent Gray seemed shell-shocked and the staff had to completely change how he played defense.

Going into the 2021 season, those career arcs seem destined to continue. Green was reportedly the first corner to lock up his starting job, while Gray's spot seems to have been usurped by D.J. Turner II. Michigan continues to prioritize tall, lanky, athletic corners who are similar in body type to Green, and I think the coaching staff likes what they have in him. Green doesn't have blazing speed, but he's physical and has some length to make up for some of that lack of burst. I think the new defensive philosophy will help Green continue to ascend, making Green a possibility for the lower end of all-conference status (third team or honorable mention).

Prediction: Starting cornerback; 32 tackles, 1 interception

2021 Season Countdown: #10 Andrew Stueber

 

Andrew Stueber

Name: Andrew Stueber
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 338 lbs.
High school: Darien (CT) Darien
Position: Offensive guard/tackle
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #71
Last year: I ranked Stueber #20 and said he would be the starting right guard (LINK). He started six games.
TTB Rating: 82

In some ways Stueber is Michigan's most experienced offensive lineman. Not in years (Andrew Vastardis is in his sixth year), but in playing time. After redshirting in 2017 and playing minimally in 2018, Stueber was in a battle for the starting right tackle job with Jalen Mayfield in 2020 when Stueber's ACL quit on him. He returned in 2020 to become the starting right guard, eventually bumping out to tackle when Mayfield himself got hurt. Stueber acquitted himself fairly well and was one of just two linemen to start every game.

I debated placing Stueber higher on this list, but I think Michigan has depth on the offensive line - especially after starting so many guys in 2020 - and there are a bunch of key, seemingly top-heavy positions. Stueber is probably not looking at being a high draft pick in the NFL, but he is massive, has some versatility, and has turned out to be a solid leader. The expectation is that he starts at right tackle, with Vastardis at center and Zak Zinter at right guard.

Prediction: Starting right tackle

2021 Season Countdown: #11 Ryan Hayes

 

Ryan Hayes (image via Twitter)

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Name: Ryan Hayes
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 307 lbs.
High school: Traverse City (MI) West
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #76
Last year: I ranked Hayes #18 and said he would be the starting left tackle (LINK). He started two games.
TTB Rating: 84

Hayes played quite a bit as a redshirt freshman in 2019, making him one of the more experienced offensive linemen. Unfortunately, one of the many reasons for Michigan's poor season in 2020 was injury, and Hayes was not spared. Along with right tackle Jalen Mayfield and center Andrew Vastardis, Hayes's season ended early. In Hayes's case, he did not play after Michigan's loss to Michigan State, leaving the Wolverines to start redshirt freshman Karsen Barnhart in his place.

The left tackle position appears to be locked down by Hayes; every off-season projection has him back to starting on the blind side. He has always had tantalizing size and athleticism, but the technique and strength have been a little lacking. He still could probably add some more bulk as his career progresses, but he is up from 302 lbs. to 307 this year. Hopefully by 2022 he can be in the 315 range. Considering his experience and athleticism, Hayes should be one of the more consistent pieces on the line this season. If Michigan has a good season, I think Hayes will be named an all-conference player.

Prediction: Starting left tackle

2021 Season Countdown: #12 Zak Zinter

 

Zak Zinter (image via Detroit News)

Name: Zak Zinter
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 320 lbs.
High school: North Andover (MA) Buckingham Browne & Nichols
Position: Center/guard
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number: #65
Last year: I ranked Zinter #79 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He started four games at right guard.
TTB Rating: 80

Zinter was supposed to redshirt in 2020 - according to me - but that didn't work out. He played some special teams in the first couple games, but then Michigan suffered a spate of injuries on the offensive line. Once right tackle Jalen Mayfield got injured, Michigan bumped starting right guard Andrew Stueber out to right tackle and inserted Zinter. It's noteworthy that Michigan played Zinter rather than a few redshirt freshmen like Trevor Keegan, Trente Jones, Jack Stewart, etc. Zinter played fairly well for a freshman and moved some people, but the line as a whole was a major issue.

This off-season there has been talk that Zinter is Michigan's best offensive player. Even the coaching staff has suggested as much. That might seem like bluster and hype, but why would Michigan talk him up rather than an older guy who's captain material or draft-eligible? We've been burned by the off-season hype machine before, so I'm not ready to say Zinter is the most important offensive player. I also think Michigan has a fair amount of depth on the offensive line. But if Zinter's play can match the hype, I look forward to watching him push people around this fall.

Prediction: Starting right guard

2021 Season Countdown: #13 Brad Hawkins

 

Brad Hawkins (image via MGoBlue)

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Name: Brad Hawkins
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 221 lbs.
High school: Suffield (CT) Suffield Academy
Position: Safety
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #2
Last year: I ranked Hawkins #7 and said he would be a starting safety (LINK). He started all six games and made 39 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 2 pass breakups.
TTB Rating: 78

There have been some jokes made this off-season about how old Brad Hawkins is. He originally committed in the 2016 class, ended up going to prep school, signed with Michigan again in 2017, and is now going into his fifth college season. For a little perspective, he first signed with Michigan in the same class as Kingston Davis and Rashan Gary. You probably don't remember the first guy, and the second guy is going into his third NFL season.

As for Hawkins on the field, he has been serviceable. But for a guy who has played in 42 career games and started 17, his total of 4 pass breakups, 0 interceptions, 0 fumbles forced, and 0 fumble recoveries is a bit frustrating. I expect safeties to get their hands on the ball more than that. He's the type of guy who allows a guy to make a catch and is immediately there to tackle, which is fine, but Michigan needs more than "fine."

Normally I would put a third-year starter higher on this list, but Michigan seems to really like sophomore Makari Paige and redshirt freshman R.J. Moten. Moten in particular seems to be a dark horse candidate to make an impact this season, if practice rumblings are to be trusted. Paige played quite a bit last season but didn't really make any flash plays. Hawkins should have a solid season and will probably be honorable mention all-conference.

Prediction: Starting safety; 60 tackles

2021 Season Countdown: #14 Cornelius Johnson

 

Cornelius Johnson (image via Rivals)

Name: Cornelius Johnson
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 211 lbs.
High school: Greenwich (CT) Brunswick
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #6
Last year: I ranked Johnson #27 and said he would be a starting wide receiver (LINK). He started three games and made 16 catches for 254 yards and 3 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 87

Johnson was in a unique situation at Michigan last year. A program somewhat known for pumping out NFL-prototype receivers suddenly found itself with a bunch of slotty receivers and one 6'3" guy: Johnson. The 6'4" Nico Collins opted out of the 2020 season, and that left Johnson to tower over the 6'0" or shorter wide receiver room. Partly because of that, I expected Johnson to take over a starting role to give Michigan a bigger presence on the field.

Johnson didn't do a ton the first couple weeks, exploded for 9 catches for 187 yards and 3 touchdowns against Indiana and Rutgers, and then didn't do much again when the Wolverines didn't have a healthy QB against Penn State. Apparently he's only good against teams wearing red, which bodes well for the Ohio State game this season.

I think Johnson is headed for a breakout season in 2021. He has some confidence from 2020 and has now had an extra year to build his relationship with Cade McNamara. Johnson is a good route runner with solid speed and that NFL-prototype size. Michigan doesn't produce superstar-level stats on offense, but Johnson should perform well enough for people around the league to recognize.

Prediction: Starting wide receiver; 35 catches, 540 yards, 5 touchdowns

2021 Season Countdown: #15 Brad Robbins

 

Brad Robbins (Image via Maize 'n' Brew)

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Name: Brad Robbins
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 203 lbs.
High school: Westerville (OH) South
Position: Punter
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #91
Last year: I ranked Robbins #64 and said he would be a backup punter (LINK). He punted 23 times for 1,041 yards (45.3 yards/punt) and put 8 of them inside the 20-yard line.
TTB Rating: 70

If you talk about an up-and-down career at Michigan, Robbins should be in the conversation. He was Honorable Mention All-Big Ten in 2017 before an injury caused him to miss 2018, when walk-on Will Hart stepped in and looked outstanding. But then Hart's play fell off, allowing Robbins to take back over the job. Hart went from looking like an All-American to looking very pedestrian (and has since transferred to San Jose State), while Robbins went from looking pedestrian to looking like an All-Big Ten player, leading the conference in punting average.

With Hart out of the picture in 2021, Robbins is even more important than he was, since the Wolverines have no proven or experienced backup. He's the only full-time punter listed in the roster. Backups include fifth year senior transfer Rhett Andersen from Hampden-Sydney - who has been a placekicker his entire college career - and true freshman Tommy Doman, who averaged 44.8 yards on punts as a high school senior. Doman is the best bet to be the backup, but you never know how a freshman will respond to the pressure of playing in the Big Ten.

Prediction: Starting punter

2021 Season Countdown: #16 Donovan Jeter

 

Donovan Jeter

Name: Donovan Jeter
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 325 lbs.
High school: Beaver Falls (PA) Beaver Falls
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #95
Last year: I ranked Jeter #29 and said he would be a backup defensive tackle (LINK). He made 11 tackles, 1 pass breakup, and 1 fumble recovery for a touchdown.
TTB Rating: 78

In some ways Jeter has been a much maligned figure over the past four years. He was listed as a strongside defensive end as a recruit, but everybody knew he was headed for defensive tackle. Fans expected him to take a couple years to develop, but that never seemed to happen. As he enters his fifth year on campus, he has not yet registered a single sack or tackle for loss. Far and away, the biggest highlight of his career was last year against Minnesota, when a big hit by a blitzing Michael Barrett popped the ball up into the air, where it happened to land in Jeter's arms and he ran a few yards into the endzone. Otherwise, the soundtrack of Jeter's career is filled with crickets.

Here we are in 2021 in Jeter's last chance (maybe) to make an impact. Jim Harbaugh has said this was Jeter's best off-season, but big talk from coaches doesn't always translate onto the field. It's possible that Jeter could return in 2022 since last season didn't count for eligibility, but that doesn't make much sense. If he performs well in 2021, he should probably try to parlay that into an NFL career. If he doesn't perform well, then why waste another year in Ann Arbor where Shaun Nua obviously hasn't been able to figure out how to develop your skills?

I think Michigan's scheme change should benefit Jeter. He's not athletic enough to play a 5-tech regularly, and he doesn't stay low enough to play in the interior. Playing a tackle position on the inside shoulder of the offensive tackle should be a good spot. He won't have to take on endless double-teams, and he won't have to hold the edge. If he can occupy the B-gap while allowing Michigan's outside linebackers to get to the quarterback and set the edge, Jeter will have done his job. I'm beyond predicting a breakout for Jeter and expect him to have a pretty ho-hum end to his career in a winged helmet, but this should still be his best year.

Prediction: Starting defensive tackle; 18 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack

2021 Season Countdown: #17 Blake Corum

 

Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) runs for a touchdown against Michigan State cornerback Chris Jackson (12) during their Big Ten football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, October 31, 2020. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Name: Blake Corum
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 200 lbs.
High school: Baltimore (MD) St. Frances
Position: Running back
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number: #2
Last year: I ranked Corum #58 and said he would be a backup running back (LINK). He started one game and had 26 carries for 77 yards and 2 touchdowns, plus 5 catches for 73 yards.
TTB Rating: 83

I've never seen so much off-season hype for a running back who averaged 2.96 yards per carry the previous season, but that's where we are as Michigan fans, hoping for players to come out of nowhere and be stars. Corum did show flashes in 2020, bouncing a stuffed run outside for a touchdown against MSU, catching a 24-yard toss (which was officially scored as a pass but should have been a rush) against Minnesota, etc. Michigan's offensive line and quarterback play were mostly questionable last season, so those things are probably at least partially responsible for Corum's lack of production. He also showed some impatience at times.

With Chris Evans (Cincinnati Bengals) and Zach Charbonnet (UCLA) now departed, Corum clearly moves up on the depth chart. All accounts have Hassan Haskins as the #1 guy on the depth chart and Corum #2, with freshmen Donovan Edwards and Tavierre Dunlap backing them up. Michigan has typically rotated several backs, but the depth chart gets thin quickly with only four scholarship players on the roster. It will be important for all the backs to stay healthy, especially Haskins and Corum. Corum also has value as a receiver and seems to have more big-play ability than Haskins.

Prediction: Backup running back

2021 Season Countdown: #18 D.J. Turner II

 

D.J. Turner II

Name: D.J. Turner II
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 181 lbs.
High school: Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy
Position: Cornerback
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #5
Last year: I ranked Turner #33 and said he would be a backup cornerback (LINK). He played in four games.
TTB Rating: 82

Turner was thought by some to be in line for more playing time going into 2020, so I am reticent to put him this high. Injuries have been an issue at times, but Sam Webb talked to Turner's trainer (former NFL cornerback Ray Buchanan) and some of those injury problems had been corrected. So when Michigan rode the duo of Gemon Green and Vincent Gray, the latter of whom struggled mightily week after week, it was surprising that Turner or others didn't get more of an opportunity. Turner's only appearance on defense came in the blowout loss to Wisconsin.

But I'm putting my faith on insiders this year who say Turner has claimed one of the two cornerback spots, opposite Green. Gray has reportedly been demoted but will still play. Turner is a better athlete than Gray but a little shorter and obviously not as experienced. Things almost literally can't get worse than 2020, because that was Michigan's second-worst scoring defense in school history. The corners should benefit from an improved pass rush, and new cornerbacks coach Steve Clinkscale has a solid track record of developing players.

Prediction: Starting cornerback; 20 tackles, 1 interception

2021 Season Countdown: #19 Erick All

 

Erick All

Name: Erick All
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 245 lbs.
High school: Fairfield (OH) Fairfield
Position: Tight end
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #83
Last year: I ranked All #31 and said he would be a backup tight end (LINK). He started two games and caught 12 passes for 82 yards.
TTB Rating: 75

I want to apologize for my comment on All from last year's countdown piece: "[All] reportedly has some of the best hands on the team, regardless of position."

There's no getting around the fact that All was pretty bad in 2020, perhaps the offense's biggest disappointment. I believe he dropped 4 passes while catching just 12, which is a terrible ratio. To top it off, even when he caught the ball, he averaged just 6.83 yards per catch. That is the lowest average per catch for a wide receiver or tight end at Michigan since the 2017 version of Maurice Ways averaged 2.33 yards on 3 catches. Furthermore, no WR/TE has caught double-digit passes and averaged fewer yards since Brian Thompson in 2003 (13 catches, 82 yards).

This is not meant to castigate All as much as it is to point out the ineffectiveness of Michigan's play-calling and quarterback play.

This is a very controversial coaching philosophy of mine, but I'll stand by it:

Don't call plays that don't work.

That's obviously tongue-in-cheek, but All would have been removed from my game plan after the Wisconsin game. He just wasn't getting it done, and neither was Josh Gattis's crappy play calling. But he caught 4 passes for 27 yards against Rutgers and then 1 for 8 yards against Penn State to finish out the season.

I do believe All has the potential to be better this season. His TTB Rating of 75 is still well within reach of being accurate, and I have him here at #19 in the countdown for reasons. He is fast and blocks well. His poor display of catching skills in 2020 could very well just have been a string of bad luck. Maybe new tight ends coach Jay Harbaugh - who coached 2016 Mackey Award winner Jake Butt - can help All out a little bit. The door isn't shut on All being a quality player. But if his struggles continue, there are good prospects waiting in the wings in the form of Luke Schoonmaker, Matt Hibner, and Louis Hansen.

Prediction: Starting tight end; 25 catches, 250 yards, 3 touchdowns

2021 Season Countdown: #20 Michael Barrett

 

Michael Barrett

Name: Michael Barrett
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 227 lbs.
High school: Valdosta (GA) Lowndes
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #23
Last year: I ranked Barrett #22 and said he would be the starting Viper (LINK). He made 44 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 quarterback hurry.
TTB Rating: 82

Barrett has made quite a transition, going from high school quarterback to Viper (outside linebacker) for the past couple seasons at Michigan. Generally considered to be an athlete coming out of high school (he spent time at RB, slot receiver, and LB to start his college career), he eventually settled in where most people expected him, playing Viper. After watching Khaleke Hudson man the position for a couple seasons, Barrett stepped in and had a decent campaign. His Minnesota game was outstanding, including a strip sack that resulted in a Donovan Jeter touchdown and a 64-yard kickoff return. Unfortunately, his impact was somewhat negated afterward, notching just 0.5 tackles for loss for the final five games of the year. He did pile up some tackles in a couple games - making 11 twice - but those tackles were downfield for a struggling defense.

Barrett's role in 2021 is very intriguing. Most insiders have him starting at one of the inside linebacker spots (early reports said MIKE linebacker, but more recently I have seen talk that he's playing WILL). At the same time, there's more buzz surrounding Nikhai Hill-Green, a second-year player. Barrett is a bit of an odd fit at inside linebacker with his (lack of) size, and the fear is that the former safety/linebacker hybrid might get run over. I have Barrett penciled in as a starter because of his experience, leadership, and athleticism, but the coaches might give Hill-Green a shot if Barrett struggles early.

Prediction: Starting inside linebacker

2021 Season Countdown: #21 Christopher Hinton, Jr.

 

Christopher Hinton

Name: Christopher Hinton, Jr.
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 310 lbs.
High school: Johns Creek (GA) Greater Atlanta Christian
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #15
Last year: I ranked Hinton #11 and said he would be a part-time starting nose tackle (LINK). He started four games and made 13 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 2 pass breakups.
TTB Rating: 90

Hinton started off his college career at 285 lbs. in 2019, was up to 305 for 2020, and is now listed at 310 lbs. All the while his projection has morphed. At one time as a recruit, he was listed as a strongside end. Then he was a defensive tackle. Then he was getting a look at nose tackle. The whole defense was pretty abysmal in 2020, and some of that can be attributed to the production - or lack thereof - from Hinton and his defensive linemates. Michigan quite simply did not hold at the point of attack, especially on the interior, and then the unit was hurt even more when Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson got injured.

I think the move to a three-man front in 2021 will be beneficial for Hinton, who seems to me to make more sense as a 3-4 tackle (or end) rather than a 3-tech or strongside end. The position is probably never going to rack up counting stats, but playing on the inside shoulder of the tackle, he should free up the inside and outside linebackers to make plays. Teams frequently have to double those 4i tackles and use combo blocks to get to the second level, and those can be tricky. Hinton will likely be a starter at one defensive tackle spot, and I expect him to have a solid season and start to live up to that 5-star potential.

Prediction: Starting defensive tackle; 25 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks

2021 Season Countdown: #22 Taylor Upshaw

 

Taylor Upshaw

Name: Taylor Upshaw
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 262 lbs.
High school: Bradenton (FL) Braden River
Position: Outside linebacker
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #91
Last year: I ranked Upshaw #47 and said he would be a backup defensive end (LINK). He started two games and made 17 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.
TTB Rating: 73

I'm internally embarrassed right now. And it's about to become external.

I normally do a good job of keeping track of players as they matriculate through (and out of) Michigan's program, but as I was plugging in Upshaw's class year above, I did a double-take when I realized that he's a redshirt junior. This will be his fourth year in the program, not his third. Maybe the shortened 2020 season had something do with it, but it just didn't register to me.

Upshaw was a part-time starter last season once injuries happened to Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson. He acquitted himself fairly well and looked the part of an eventual contributor, even though he lacked flash plays. (But really, nobody flashed much on Michigan's defense.) He registered his first career sack against a bad Penn State team. So there's work to be done.

Right now Upshaw appears to be penciled in as one of the starting outside linebackers, along with Aidan Hutchinson. That's a formidable duo coming off the edge, but Michigan also has a few other talented players or veterans who can spell Upshaw, including David Ojabo, Gabe Newburg, and others. I hope this is a breakout season for Upshaw and I think he will respond well to his new role, but considering Jim Harbaugh's positive comments about Ojabo in particular, I have Upshaw on the low end of the starting group.

Prediction: Starting outside linebacker; 35 tackles, 5 sacks

What I've Been Reading: "Belichick" by Ian O'Connor

 

Belichick by Ian O'Connor

I have been a Detroit Lions fan since birth, but I will admit that I started to become intrigued with the New England Patriots as a kid in the early 1990's when they re-branded themselves with new uniforms, drafted Drew Bledsoe, and started moving up in the world. So when Tom Brady became the quarterback in the early 2000's, that was just icing on the cake. The Patriots have been my second favorite team for almost my entire adult life, at least until Brady left for the Buccaneers in 2020.

With the dynasty that Bill Belichick has built in New England, numerous books and biographies and autobiographies have been released. I generally hold off on purchasing memoirs or histories of players and coaches who are still in the midst of their greatest runs, but I broke down with Ian O'Connor's Belichick. As a coach, it can't hurt to get a close-up look at the best NFL coach to ever walk the sideline.

We all know so much about Belichick by now that nothing big was surprising - his small school playing experience,;his rise through the ranks with the Giants, Browns, and Patriots; Sypgate; Deflategate; Aaron Hernandez; and more. What I appreciated most were the details about his failure in Cleveland, his falling out with Bill Parcells, the way he changed NFL scouting, his attention to detail, and the personal side that we don't see much of from the mainstream media. Naturally, there's a bunch of detail about his relationship with Brady, along with the deterioration of that relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in Belichick, the Patriots, or even the trials and tribulations of coaching in the NFL.

What have you been reading lately?

2021 Season Countdown: #23 A.J. Henning

 

A.J. Henning (image via ClickOnDetroit)

Name: A.J. Henning
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 185 lbs.
High school: Frankfort (IL) Lincoln-Way East
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number: #3
Last year: I ranked Henning #41 and said he would be a backup wide receiver with 7 catches for 90 yards and 1 touchdown (LINK). He caught 6 passes for 59 yards and ran 3 times for 15 yards.
TTB Rating: 86

Henning was a freshman speedster last season who would have really benefited from playing a full season. A jack-of-all-trades type of high school player, he never got a chance to spend much time honing his craft of playing wide receiver. The highlight of his freshman season was a leaping catch on a jump ball for 28 yards against Penn State, but otherwise, he had a pretty uneventful freshman year. That made sense because of the presence of then sophomore Giles Jackson, a similar slot-type player with a year of experience under his belt.

Jackson has since transferred to Washington, opening the door for Henning to be the resident gimmick player, a guy who can run the ball, catch the ball, and return kicks. If his high school film is to be believed, he has very good speed, some power, and some wiggle. It will be a matter of translating those athletic skills to the college game, and hopefully a full off-season has helped with that. Michigan will probably use him in a variety of ways, but I don't expect him to start. While the Wolverines don't have any true superstars at receiver, they do have some more experienced and proven players in the forms of Ronnie Bell, Cornelius Johnson, and Daylen Baldwin, among others.

Prediction: Backup wide receiver and starting kick returner; 14 catches for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns

2021 Season Countdown: #24a Karsen Barnhart

 

Karsen Barnhart (image via Twitter)

Name: Karsen Barnhart
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 307 lbs.
High school: Paw Paw (MI) Paw Paw
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #52
Last year: I ranked Barnhart #36 and said he would be a backup offensive guard (LINK). He started four games at left tackle.
TTB Rating: 86

Barnhart was a high school tight end and basketball player who figured to need a few years to develop his body and technique before he was ready to play a major role in college. After redshirting in 2019, he was slated to be a backup in 2020. That idea went out the window when injuries felled three-fifths of the starting line, giving Barnhart a chance to start four games at left tackle. Despite not being ready, he held his own at times but struggled to get much of a push because of a lack of bulk and strength.

It remains to be seen how the line will be staffed in 2021. Some projections have Barnhart replacing Jalen Mayfield at right tackle, while others have Barnhart on the outside looking in. Michigan's early starting line in fall practice has been (from left to right) Ryan Hayes, Trevor Keegan, Andrew Vastardis, Zak Zinter, and Andrew Stueber. I can't really see Vastardis spending an entire season as the starting center - at least not if Michigan wants to be good - so I'm expecting someone else to slip into the starting five, and that person is Barnhart.

Prediction: Starting right tackle

2021 Season Countdown: #24b Jordan Whittley

 

Jordan Whittley (image via Oregon Live)

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Name: Jordan Whittley
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 348 lbs.
High school: Richmond (CA) Castlemont
Position: Nose tackle
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #93
Last year: Whittley opted out of playing the 2020 season at Oregon State.
TTB Rating: N/A

Whittley was a huge addition to Michigan's team this off-season. Listed at 358 pounds for Oregon State (now at 348), he was an immovable object at nose tackle the last time he played in 2019. The high school running back-turned-defensive tackle has bounced around to a few places, and apparently, whatever was going on in Beaverton did not fit his tastes. He entered the transfer portal and ended up with the Wolverines. California to Oregon to Michigan is a path rarely traveled, but it appears to be working okay this time.

What will Whittley bring to the table for the Wolverines in 2021? So far practice buzz has been non-existent about Whittley, while there have been some rumblings about fellow nose tackle Mazi Smith. Michigan needs at least one of those guys to step up this season for a new 3-4 defense that needs to be more stout in the interior. I have a hard time believing in any kind of consistency for either one, but I do believe that part of the reason for the Mazi Smith buzz is that the coaching staff brought in competition in the form of Whittley. So regardless if which one wins the most snaps, the presence of the other might light a fire under someone's butt.

My guess is that Smith will get the first shot to play nose tackle, but it's nice to have Whittley on board as a rotation piece and potential starter.

Prediction: Backup nose tackle

2021 Season Countdown: #25 Trevor Keegan

 

Trevor Keegan (image via Shaw Local)

Name: Trevor Keegan
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 324 lbs.
High school: Crystal Lake (IL) Crystal Lake
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #77
Last year: I ranked Keegan #54 and said he would be a backup offensive tackle (LINK). He played in five games on special teams and three games at offensive guard.
TTB Rating: 81

Keegan was a highly rated offensive tackle prospect in the offensive line-heavy 2019 class. It's been rather curious to see which of those linemen would filter out and which would rise to prominence. Keegan finally seemed to break through a little bit late in the shortened 2020 season. Filling in at times for left guard Chuck Filiaga, Keegan made some nice blocks and seemed like an upgrade in some ways.

Filiaga supposedly had a good off-season, but if you have a neck-and-neck battle, I think you go with the younger guy. Why coach up a fifth year senior when you can potentially get a couple more seasons out of coaching up a redshirt sophomore? My belief is that Keegan will take over the starting left guard position. But because the team has Filiaga and other talented linemen as backups, I have Keegan toward the lower end of my projected starters in order of importance.

Prediction: Starting left guard

2021 Season Countdown: #26 Mike Sainristil

 

Mike Sainristil

Name: Mike Sainristil
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 185 lbs.
High school: Everett (MA) Everett
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #19
Last year: I ranked Sainristil #26 and said he would be a backup wide receiver (LINK). He started three games and made 7 catches for 82 yards and 2 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 84

Sainristil has earned bits and pieces of practice buzz - mixed with some tantalizing on-field play - for the past two seasons. So far that has amounted to just 15 total catches, albeit including 3 touchdowns. Those three scores came on an RPO catch-and-run in 2019, a leaping 23-yard touchdown from Cade McNamara against Wisconsin last season, and a screen catch-and-run against Rutgers. Sainristil has also had some frustrating drops.

In a recent interview, offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Josh Gattis lamented the fact that Nico Collins's opt-out in 2020 forced Michigan to move Sainristil out of the slot to the "X" receiver position. The implication was that Sainristil is back in the slot for 2021. With Giles Jackson (Washington) having transferred, Michigan is searching for someone who can make big plays in the slot. I'm not yet convinced that Sainristil can be that guy, but off-season hype has him taking a step forward this season.

Prediction: Starting slot receiver; 25 catches, 330 yards, 3 touchdowns

2021 Season Countdown: #27 Vincent Gray

 

Vincent Gray (image via LSJ)

Name: Vincent Gray
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 192 lbs.
High school: Rochester (MI) Adams
Position: Cornerback
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #4
Last year: I ranked Gray #17 and said he would be a starting cornerback (LINK). He made 25 tackles and 3 pass breakups.
TTB Rating: 71

Gray had a 2020 season to forget. We probably all wish we had one of those flashy thingies from Men in Black to forget about the Michigan State game, which largely consisted of Michigan State's crappy quarterback (who has since transferred to Northern Illinois) blindly flinging balls to Michigan State's no-name receivers. Ricky White's 8 catches, 196 yards, and 1 touchdown were 6 more catches, 169 more yards, and 1 more touchdown than he compiled in all his other games. When Gray wasn't getting torched by no-names, he was grabbing and tugging on jerseys to give up yards in 15-yard chunks at a time, courtesy of yellow flags.

Gray did supposedly recover toward the end of the year, but basically that seemed to include changing coverages and playing Gray way off to prevent other teams from running right past him.

From my commitment post:

What Gray lacks is great athleticism. His 4.76 forty isn’t inspiring, and he doesn’t play much faster than what one would assume from that forty time. He struggles to pull away from mediocre competition at Adams, and he doesn’t have great acceleration. He’s a bit of a glider and doesn’t seem to be going all out when he sprints, although I have no reason to believe he’s not going 100%. His tackling could use some work; he needs better technique, and he needs to get stronger.

Michigan is getting from Gray what I expected. The problem is that Gray shouldn't have been starting. Ambry Thomas, Gemon Green, Andre Seldon, and others were all ranked higher, but with Thomas opting out, Seldon missing time, etc., Gray was almost forced into action. Gray was supposed to be a late-career spot starter or fill-in, not a guy starting full-time in his third year.

Most insiders think D.J. Turner II is going to take over Gray's starting corner job, and I'm hopping on that bandwagon. Overall, I believe that athleticism usually wins out, and Gray is not a guy who should be a two- or three-year starter in a Michigan uniform. However, Gray has been a heavy contributor up to this point in his career, and I don't think he'll suddenly get mired on the bench. I expect him to be a rotation guy or perhaps a sub-package guy if the coaches want to go with a third cornerback.

Prediction: Backup cornerback

2021 Season Countdown: #28 William Wagner

 

William Wagner (image via MGoBlue)

Name: William Wagner
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 247 lbs.
High school: Alpharetta (GA) Alpharetta
Position: Long snapper
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #49
Last year: I did not rank Wagner. He started six games.
TTB Rating: N/A

You probably forgot that Michigan's starting long snapper opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID concerns. That long snapper, Camaron Cheeseman, became a 6th round pick of the Washington Football Team even without playing the season, which is pretty impressive.

So in stepped Wagner, whom I did not rank in the 2020 Season Countdown. Wagner started all six games and did well, with "did well" meaning you probably didn't know who the long snapper was.

Wagner returns as one of two long snappers in the program, along with redshirt freshman Greg Tarr. I have no reason to expect Wagner to be replaced, so here he is, a quasi-starter, at #28.

Prediction: Starting long snapper

2021 Season Countdown: #29 Chuck Filiaga

 

Chuck Filiaga (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Chuck Filiaga
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 337 lbs.
High school: Aledo (TX) Aledo
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #66
Last year: I ranked Filiaga #25 and said he would be the starting left guard (LINK). He started six games.
TTB Rating: 86

Filiaga was a highly regarded member of the monster 2017 recruiting class, and his recruiting ratings seemed on the verge of paying off going into 2020. Like with almost everyone else, his first game as a starter against Minnesota seemed to go pretty well. But everything went downhill from there. The fears with Filiaga seemed to rise to the fore when he struggled to identify defenders and move laterally. Despite starting all six games, he was the weakest member of the line, or at least of the initial starting group.

A little bit to my surprise, Filiaga stuck around for 2021. His teammates reportedly love him, so maybe he's just a team-oriented guy who fits in well with his guys, but most projections have Trevor Keegan replacing him at left guard. Of course it's a nice idea to have a huge, experienced guy coming off the bench to potentially sub in at a couple positions, but a lot of guys would have headed off for a guaranteed starting position. It's entirely within the realm of possibility that Filiaga will earn a starting job; however, I expect Filiaga to be a backup or else be a frustrating member of the starting crew.

Prediction: Backup offensive lineman

2021 Season Countdown: #30 Makari Paige

 

Makari Paige (image via Victory Bell Rings)

Name: Makari Paige
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 192 lbs.
High school: West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield
Position: Safety
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number: #7
Last year: I ranked Paige #63 and said he would be a backup safety (LINK). He made 6 tackles.
TTB Rating: 79

It's not usually a good thing when the third best safety in the program is a true freshman, because safety is a notoriously difficult position to learn so quickly. And yet in 2020, that was exactly where Michigan found itself. Paige was a well regarded recruit but not a superstar high school player, and with no spring ball during a COVID year, he was apparently the best guy available to back up Brad Hawkins and Daxton Hill at safety. He performed adequately for a freshman, but he was still slow to read things and lacked something when supporting the run.

Paige looks to be the third best guy again, but now he has six games and an entire off-season under his belt. He also now plays for his former high school coach, Ron Bellamy, the new assistant at the position. (It's also worth noting that last year's safeties coach, Bob Shoop, was not with the team for the entire season and fill-in Aashon Larkins was not nearly as accomplished.) So there should be an improvement here, and Michigan needs to groom replacements for Hawkins and Hill, both of whom are likely to be gone to the NFL in 2022.

Prediction: Backup safety, special teamer

2021 Season Countdown: #31 Roman Wilson

 

Roman Wilson (image via MLive)

Name: Roman Wilson
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180 lbs.
High school: Honolulu (HI) St. Louis
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number: #14
Last year: I ranked Wilson #56 and said he would be a backup wide receiver (LINK). He caugh 9 passes for 122 yards and 1 touchdown.
TTB Rating: 78

Wilson's role in 2020 seemed up in the air going into the year, but he established himself as a reliable target with 9 catches in just six games. The freshman speedster made a nice diving catch against Indiana for a touchdown, which was the highlight of his year, but the coaching staff also gave him a handoff on an end around. Only four other true freshmen have averaged 1.5 catches or more per game since 2009 (Roy Roundtree, Jake Butt, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black), and Wilson reached 1.5 in 2020.

That bodes well for Wilson, even though he does not appear to be in line to start in 2021. The expectation is that he will be a rotation guy unless injuries happen. It's good to have a guy like Wilson coming off the bench, a guy who can stretch the field with his speed and who has reliable hands. This probably won't be a breakout year for him, but I expect to see continued growth, especially if the quarterback play can be more consistent.

Prediction: Backup wide receiver

2021 Season Countdown: #32 Luke Schoonmaker

 

Luke Schoonmaker

Name: Luke Schoonmaker
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 252 lbs.
High school: Hamden (CT) Hamden Hall
Position: Tight end
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #86
Last year: I ranked Schoonmaker #53 and said he would be a backup tight end (LINK). He played in all six games.
TTB Rating: 81

Schoonmaker seemed to take a step back in 2020. After catching 2 passes for 54 yards and 1 touchdown in 2019, he was fighting with Erick All for backup snaps last season. With Nick Eubanks as the starter, All largely took over the backup role (and dropped a lot of passes in the process), relegating Schoonmaker to the third guy at the position. (That does not include Ben Mason, who was more of a fullback.)

Now Eubanks (and Mason) have graduated, which should be good news for Schoonmaker. With All likely ascending to the starter's role, that probably puts Schoonmaker in the #2 role. He has decent speed but has struggled a little as a blocker; however, he has gained 10 pounds since last season, squeezing those 10 pounds onto a shorter frame (fun fact: Schoonmaker was listed at 6'6" in 2020 and is now 6'5"). Redshirt freshman Matt Hibner and true freshman Louis Hansen will both also be vying for snaps, but Schoonmaker is more experienced and has shown to be a quality backup.

Prediction: Backup tight end

2021 Season Countdown: #33 Andrew Vastardis

 

Andrew Vastardis (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Andrew Vastardis
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 296 lbs.
High school: Ashburn (VA) Stone Bridge
Position: Center
Class: Sixth year senior
Jersey number: #68
Last year: I ranked Vastardis #48 and said he would be a backup center (LINK).
TTB Rating: N/A

I pegged Vastardis as a backup going into the 2020 season, and I was proven wrong immediately when he started the first four games of the year. To top it off, he was voted a captain. Unfortunately for him, he tried playing through injury but eventually missed the final two games of the year. In the meantime, his performance was decent but nothing special. Vastardis is a hard-nosed player and respected by his teammates, but he's neither big nor quick.

I'm not confident in this ranking, since it basically projects a starter, captain, and sixth year player to be a backup to a sophomore who has never played the position in a game, but word coming out of practice is that Zak Zinter will be the starting center. Of course, Vastardis's presence already helped chase one guy (Zach Carpenter) off to Indiana, so maybe Zinter will be the next Zach(k) to get his position yoinked by the former walk-on. But either way, Vastardis is a good guy to have as a veteran presence, whether he's a starter or backup.

Prediction: Backup center

2021 Season Countdown: #34 Trente Jones

 

Trente Jones (image via 247 Sports)

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Name: Trente Jones
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 305 lbs.
High school: Loganville (GA) Grayson
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #53
Last year: I ranked Jones #72 and said he would be a backup offensive tackle (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: 88

Jones seems to have been lost in the shuffle over the past years, so some may have forgotten that he was an Under Armour All-American and the #108 overall player in the country. After redshirting as a freshman and then playing in just one game last season, it's understandable that he might have been forgotten. Scuttlebutt out of practice is that he and former offensive line coach Ed Warinner did not quite see eye to eye. While Warinner has proven to be a very good offensive line coach, sometimes people just don't mesh.

According to that same scuttlebutt, Jones and new offensive line coach (former tight ends coach) Sherrone Moore get along much better. And it doesn't hurt that a couple starting-caliber offensive linemen moved on in Zach Carpenter (transfer to Indiana) and Jalen Mayfield (drafted by the Falcons), the latter being more significant for Jones's case. With the right tackle position open, it appears to be coming down to Jones and classmate Karsen Barnhart to see who will start. I'll give the edge to Barnhart, who started four games at left tackle in 2020 when Ryan Hayes was injured. But injuries always happen, and Jones should be one of the first guys off the bench.

Prediction: Backup offensive tackle

2021 Season Countdown: #35 Julius Welschof

 

Julius Welschof (image via Twitter)

Name: Julius Welschof
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 286 lbs.
High school: Miesbach (Germany) FOS Altoetting
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #96
Last year: I ranked Welschof #67 and said he would be a backup defensive tackle (LINK). He made 6 tackles and 0.5 sacks.
TTB Rating: 78

After redshirting in 2018 and playing in just one game in 2019, Welschof became a rotational player in 2020. An athletic big man, Michigan used him in pass rush situations, lining him up at defensive tackle and having him loop and stunt. When forced into action against the run, he did not perform well. I still have nightmares of him getting pushed around against Wisconsin.

There has been positive buzz about him this off-season. How much value should those rumors get? I don't know. I do know that if I were putting together a 3-4 defense, I would really like having a 6'6", 290-ish pound guy playing 4i. The biggest question is whether Welschof has improved at defeating run blocks (down blocks, combo blocks, etc.). If Shaun Nua has not improved those skills, then Welschof will probably remain a sub-package guy.

Prediction: Backup defensive tackle