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