2022 Season Countdown: #45 Jalen Perry

 

Jalen Perry (image via Twitter)

Name: Jalen Perry
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 187 lbs.
High school: Dacula (GA) Dacula
Position: Safety
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #16
Last year: I ranked Perry #53 and said he would be a backup safety and special teamer (LINK). He played in eight games and made 3 tackles.
TTB Rating: 88

Perry was the #200 overall player in the 2019 class. He has bounced back and forth between cornerback and safety for the past couple seasons, and he's currently listed at one pound lighter than he was as a recruit. He appears to lack the speed to be a major contributor at cornerback, and he's not quite physical enough to be a factor at safety.

I expect Perry to once again be a backup. Whether he's a cornerback or safety might depend on which way the wind is blowing or which position group stays the healthiest, but I'm not expecting a breakout season. However, he should see consistent snaps on special teams and could be an adequate veteran fill-in for the defensive backfield if someone gets injured.

Prediction: Backup defensive back, special teamer

2022 Season Countdown: #46 Jaydon Hood

 

Jaydon Hood (image via SI)

Name: Jaydon Hood
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 212 lbs.
High school: Fort Lauderdale (FL) Saint Thomas Aquinas
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #34
Last year: I ranked Hood #68 and said he would be a backup linebacker and special teamer (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: 72

Hood came to Michigan last year looking a little too undersized to be a linebacker. His height has always been a bit of a question mark, but a lack of height needs to be supplemented by bulk (he was only listed at 215) and/or excellent quickness (which is yet to be determined). Hood obviously didn't display enough of those traits to get on the field much, which was acceptable in 2021 when considering his youth and the presence of Josh Ross, Nikhai Hill-Green, Junior Colson, Kalel Mullings, and others.

However, 2022 is a different story. Ross is gone and Mullings is dabbling at running back, meaning that #3 linebacker spot is open for the taking. It could be Mullings or Mike Barrett or Joey Velazquez or a freshman, but there's a chance for everyone. I've heard mildly positive things about Hood to make me think he might still be another year away. Unfortunately, his listed weight dropped from 215 last year to 212 this year, but 2022 should see him take on an increased role on special teams and perhaps a few snaps at inside linebacker.

Prediction: Backup linebacker, special teamer

2022 Season Countdown: #47 Reece Atteberry

 

Reece Atteberry (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Reece Atteberry
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 307 lbs.
High school: Aurora (CO) Eaglecrest
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #74
Last year: I ranked Atteberry #51 and said he would be a backup center (LINK). He played in eight games.
TTB Rating: 74

Atteberry was recruited in 2020 as an interior lineman. Originally thought to be a center, it appears that experiment may have mostly ended in 2021 when freshman Greg Crippen passed him off the bat. Andrew Vastardis started, Crippen backed him up, and starting right guard Zak Zinter also practiced some at center. So when Atteberry got a chance to get on the field, it was either at right guard or on special teams.

The 2022 season probably won't be a whole lot different for Atteberry. Instead of Vastardis starting at center, it will be transfer Olu Oluwatimi. Michigan brings back the rest of its starting offensive line except for right tackle Andrew Stueber, and Atteberry doesn't have the ability to slide outside. So Atteberry should once again be looking at backing up Zinter at right guard and perhaps Trevor Keegan at left guard, but if someone were to go down for an extended period of time, I would expect Karsen Barnhart to be the primary backup at either tackle or guard spot.

Prediction: Backup offensive guard

2022 Season Countdown: #48 German Green

 

German Green (image via Twitter)

Name: German Green
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 190 lbs.
High school: DeSoto (TX) DeSoto
Position: Cornerback
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #33
Last year: I ranked Green #50 and said he would be a backup cornerback (LINK). He made 3 tackles.
TTB Rating: 59

Green was a safety early in his career, but he made the transition to cornerback. He played in just two games last season as a corner, while playing in every game on special teams. But he was the backup to the backup and only made 3 total tackles.

It surprises me a little bit that Green is returning for a fifth year of being a backup. I'm sure it helps that his twin brother Gemon will likely start at corner, but most guys would have transferred by now. He's likely looking up at D.J. Turner II, Gemon Green, and Will Johnson at the very least, plus other guys who have received more practice hype, such as Mike Sainristil and Ja'Den McBurrows. But German can still be a valuable special teams player. And with a COVID exemption from 2020, he could still return or transfer in 2023 with perhaps a better chance to earn a starting position.

Prediction: Backup cornerback, special teamer

Visitors: 2022 BBQ at the Big House

 

Collins Acheampong

Note: Rankings mentioned are from Rivals.

2023

Collins Acheampong - DE - Santa Margarita (CA) Rancho Santa Margarita: Acheampong (4-star, #21 WDE) committed to Michigan in March.

Brooks Bahr - DE - Chicago (IL) Wilmette: Bahr (3-star, #45 SDE) committed to Michigan in March.

Semaj Bridgeman - LB - Philadelphia (PA) Imhotep: Bridgeman (4-star, #12 ILB) committed to Michigan in July.

Hit the jump for more.

2022 Season Countdown: #49 Joey Velazquez

 

Joey Velazquez (image via Twitter)

Name: Joey Velazquez
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 228 lbs.
High school: Columbus (OH) St. Frances DeSales
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #29
Last year: I ranked Velazquez #63 and said he would be a backup linebacker and special teamer (LINK). He played in eight games and made 2 tackles with 1 fumble recovery.
TTB Rating: 82

It's been getting late early for Velazquez for a couple seasons now. It seems like forever ago now, but Velazquez was initially recruited to Michigan to play the "Viper" outside linebacker/safety hybrid position in Don Brown's defense. Since that time Velazquez has played some baseball (he hit .277 with 5 homeruns and 21 RBI this past season), changed positions to inside linebacker, and played some special teams. But his impact on the field has been relatively minimal. So far he has played in nine games with 2 tackles and 1 fumble recovery during his three years on campus.

Now is the time for him to step up if he's going to step up. Michigan has a solid two inside linebackers with Junior Colson and Nikhai Hill-Green, and then things get dicey. Part-time running back Kalel Mullings, position-fluid Mike Barrett, and redshirt freshman Jaydon Hood are all competing with Velazquez to be the next man in. So far I have not seen anything to make me think Velazquez will be that guy, but he's a decent all-around athlete who should see an increased role on special teams, if nothing else. I think he's getting to the point where he can be a solid veteran on specials, but I would be surprised if he's more than a mop-up duty guy on defense.

Prediction: Backup linebacker and special teamer

2022 Season Countdown: #50 T.J. Guy

 

T.J. Guy (image via MGoBlue)

Name: T.J. Guy
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 251 lbs.
High school: Mansfield (TX) Mansfield
Position: Defensive end
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #42
Last year: I ranked Guy #86 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He played in two games and made 2 tackles and 1 sack.
TTB Rating: 65

When Guy came in as a recruit, his future position was up in the air. Don Brown probably would have turned him into a defensive tackle, but Mike Macdonald made him a stand-up defensive end. He was a way down the depth chart, but he still got some playing time since Michigan blew out a few teams. He managed to make a sack against Maryland while playing in two games and keeping his redshirt.

I heard positive things about Guy in the spring. He's not lighting the world on fire, but he's continuing his progression, hopefully into a useful contributor in the next year or two. Defensive end should be manned by Mike Morris, Braiden McGregor, Taylor Upshaw, and/or Julius Welschof this fall. There's not a star in that group, but there are lots of solid options, and the hope is that somebody steps up and stands out. It will be very, very interesting to see who steps up to replace all-time sacks leader Aidan Hutchinson and the speedy, athletic David Ojabo as pass rushers.

Prediction: Backup defensive end

2022 Season Countdown: #51 Ja'Den McBurrows

 

Ja'Den McBurrows (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Ja'Den McBurrows
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 197 lbs.
High school: Fort Lauderdale (FL) Saint Thomas Aquinas
Position: Cornerback
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #1
Last year: I ranked McBurrows #72 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He played in four games and made 2 tackles with 1 pass breakup.
TTB Rating: 73

McBurrows got hyped up by some insiders going into the 2021 season as a guy who could make an immediate contribution. Fortunately for Michigan, he was not needed in a very large capacity because the Wolverines got good performances from Vincent Gray and D.J. Turner II. But it was probably a good sign that he played in four games, which is more than a lot of freshman corners - including more than Gray or Turner played in their freshman years. Unfortunately for McBurrows, he ended the season by having knee surgery and missed some time to develop.

The 2022 season might be a pivotal one for McBurrows. If he carves out notable playing time with the guys around him, that probably bodes well for his talent and his future. If he falls behind freshmen like Will Johnson, Myles Pollard, and/or Kody Jones, that could spell trouble for him going forward. I've heard enough buzz about McBurrows that I think he can play at this level, but it will be a good battle for playing time over the next couple years.

Prediction: Backup cornerback

2022 Season Countdown: #52 Rhett Andersen

 

Rhett Andersen (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Rhett Andersen
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 172 lbs.
High school: Poquoson (VA) Poquoson
Position: Kicker
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #29
Last year: I did not rank Andersen. He did play in any games.
TTB Rating: N/A

This is probably the highest ranked player about whom readers will say, "Who?!"

Yes, Rhett Andersen is a backup kicker on Michigan's roster. He transferred from Division III Hampden-Sydney prior to the 2021 season and spent last year watching other kickers do kicker things. He was successful on 15/20 field goals at Hampden-Sydney and 51/51 extra points. His average of 36.9 yards per punt at his previous stop does not instill me with confidence about his leg strength, but perhaps he's just not very well practiced at punter.

Anyway, Michigan does not have many options at kicker behind Jake Moody. Tommy Doman was a kicker/punter combo guy coming out of high school, but it appears he's focusing on punting and will be mostly backing up Brad Robbins in 2022. Andersen has a chance to win the job, especially as a short-term replacement. If a long-term replacement were needed, I have to believe Doman would work on becoming the primary kicker.

Prediction: Backup kicker

2022 Season Countdown: #53 Darrius Clemons

 

Darrius Clemons (image via Rivals)

Name: Darrius Clemons
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205 lbs.
High school: Portland (OR) Westview
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #0
Last year: Clemons was a senior in high school (LINK). He scored 17 touchdowns and made 2 interceptions.
TTB Rating: 88

Clemons committed to Michigan in December, and he was a huge get for the Wolverines in more ways than one. Not only is he large - his listed height of 6'3" seems low - but he brings some much needed offensive skill talent to a receiver group that is likely to lose a good chunk of talent after this season.

With the possibility that Ronnie Bell, Mike Sainristil, and Cornelius Johnson could all move on after 2022, Michigan will need some younger guys to step up in 2023. There are some players who have already made some big plays - such as A.J. Henning and Andrel Anthony - but Clemons could be a size and speed mismatch with his height and reported 4.3 forty time. Clemons also has a large catch radius and the ability to make some acrobatic, one-handed snags. I don't think he will get targeted in volume this season, but he will get a chance to adjust to the speed of the college game, and I would expect him to make a nice impact as a sophomore.

Prediction: Backup wide receiver

2022 Season Countdown: #54 George Rooks

 

George Rooks (image via MLive)

Name: George Rooks
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 270 lbs.
High school: Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter's Prep
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #54
Last year: I ranked Rooks #84 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He played in three games.
TTB Rating: 80

Rooks joined Michigan's program in 2021 with some questions about what position would he play. Would he remain relatively lean and play on the outside? Or would he bulk up some and play some defensive tackle? With the body of a tweener, it's natural to assume that he might have to spend a year or two figuring out his physical development.

Rooks looked pretty solid in April's spring game, and he should see an uptick in playing time this season. Michigan did lose a lot of production from last year's defensive line - defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, outside linebacker David Ojabo, and defensive tackle Chris Hinton - but there are several experienced veterans returning. Rooks isn't really in the discussion to be a starter, and while he could break into the two-deep, he's more likely be a rotational guy around #3 on the depth chart.

Prediction: Backup defensive tackle

2022 Season Countdown: #55 Caden Kolesar

 

Caden Kolesar (image via Twitter)

Name: Caden Kolesar
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 196 lbs.
High school: Lakewood (OH) St. Edward
Position: Safety
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #35
Last year: I ranked Kolesar #67 and said he would be a backup safety and special teamer (LINK). He made 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, 1 pass breakup, and 3 punt returns for 33 yards.
TTB Rating: N/A

When Kolesar first committed to Michigan, there was confusion about whether he was offered a scholarship or a preferred walk-on spot. (It was the latter.) So he has come pretty far for a walk-on and has done more than some scholarship safeties, including the guy one spot lower than him in the countdown (Quinten Johnson). A clean-up guy, he even made 1 interception in the Big Ten Championship Game against Iowa and was the primary backup to Ronnie Bell on punt returns after Bell tore his ACL in the season opener.

I may be proven wrong, but Kolesar seems to be one of those guys who's good enough to make some people really root for the underdog, but he's not quite talented enough to maintain a highly valued spot at a place like Michigan. He was the backup punt returner to start, but when the lights came on, he misjudged a couple balls and generally looked uncomfortable, which got him replaced. He's pretty reliable as a coverage guy on special teams, but his size and speed are lacking for full-time duty. Overall, Kolesar is a good piece to have on the team, but he's here in the range of special teams contributors rather than a little higher in the range of two-deep contributors.

Prediction: Backup safety, special teamer

2022 Season Countdown: #56 Quinten Johnson

 

Quinten Johnson (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Quinten Johnson
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 200 lbs.
High school: Washington (DC) St. John's
Position: Safety
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #14
Last year: I ranked Johnson #57 and said he would be a backup safety and special teamer (LINK). He made 3 tackles.
TTB Rating: 79

Johnson had a tough road to hoe for playing time in 2021. Behind starters Daxton Hill and Brad Hawkins, he was clawing for playing time with the likes of R.J. Moten, Makari Paige, and others. Eventually, true freshman Rod Moore moved into the starting lineup, too, and Johnson was still mostly playing special teams.

The year 2022 provides a big opportunity. Gone are Hill and Hawkins, meaning another safety or two need to step into starting roles. I feel very confident that Johnson will not be a starter, but if those new starters are Moore and Moten - which I expect - then Johnson could be alongside Paige to be the next guy in. He will need to fend off a good group of incoming freshman defensive backs, as well as walk-on Caden Kolesar. I think Johnson's biggest contributions will continue to be on special teams, and if Johnson intends to earn a starting role, he may need to finish his career elsewhere in 2023 and/or 2024.

Prediction: Backup safety, special teamer

2022 Season Countdown: #57 Louis Hansen

 

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Carlos Osorio/AP/Shutterstock (12879266w) Michigan tight end Louis Hansen plays during an NCAA college football intra-squad spring game, in Ann Arbor, Mich Michigan Spring Football, Ann Arbor, United States - 02 Apr 2022

Name: Louis Hansen
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 252 lbs.
High school: Needham (MA) St. Sebastian's
Position: Tight end
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #81
Last year: I ranked Hansen #46 and said he would be a backup tight end (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: 84

Hansen looked to me like a freshman tight end who might actually be physically ready to play in 2021, and he's a cautionary tale for the class of 2022 tight ends like Colston Loveland and Marlin Klein. Despite being over 250 pounds as a freshman, Hansen spent all but one game watching from the sideline as Erick All, Luke Schoonmaker, Joel Honigford, Trente Jones, and Carter Selzer gobbled up almost every snap.

This year every single one of those players returns. The one quasi-exception is Trente Jones, who's moving back to his more natural position of offensive tackle, where he appears to be the favorite to start now that Andrew Stueber is gone. Michigan will probably employ a backup lineman as a "tight end" like they did with Jones, so not even that spot is really up for grabs for Hansen. Snaps are going to be limited, but I do think it's time to work in some younger backups, because All, Schoonmaker, Honigford, and Selzer are all seniors with expiring eligibility (technically, All, Schoonmaker, and Selzer could use the COVID exemption to return in 2023). If the status quo remains, Michigan could very well enter 2023 with practically zero playing experience from its returning tight ends in Hansen, Matt Hibner, Loveland, and Klein, so I think Hansen might elbow his way into some playing time.

Prediction: Backup tight end

2022 Season Countdown: #58 Giovanni El-Hadi

 

Giovanni El-Hadi (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Giovanni El-Hadi
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 318 lbs.
High school: Sterling Heights (MI) Stevenson
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #58
Last year: I ranked El-Hadi #92 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: 84

El-Hadi came into Michigan in 2021 with a need to improve some of his technique and get his body right. He had some bad weight even at last year's listed weight of 305, and though he's now listed at 318 pounds, I'm guessing he looks better now. Luckily, Michigan didn't really need any true freshmen to contribute much on the line last season, so any experience they got - and El-Hadi did play against Northern Illinois - was a chance to get them live reps and experience.

Michigan returns its interior linemen in 2022, except for center Andrew Vastardis - who was replaced by transfer Olu Oluwatimi - and backup guard Nolan Rumler. So there's not much room to move up the depth chart in 2022, but El-Hadi was a top-100 prospect whom I have high hopes for in the future. Coincidentally, his placement in the countdown coincides with his jersey number. At #58 he won't be a key piece of this year's offensive line, but he should see some reps in a few games and may be a guy that can work into the field goal/extra point unit, too.

Prediction: Backup offensive guard

2022 Season Countdown: #59 Kechaun Bennett

 

Kechaun Bennett (image via SI)

Name: Kechaun Bennett
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 241 lbs.
High school: Suffield (CT) Suffield Academy
Position: Defensive end
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #52
Last year: I ranked Bennett #90 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: 78

Bennett missed out on his senior season of football due to COVID, so last year was his first season of football since 2019. I expected him to be behind because of that, and whether his trajectory was changed much or not, he only played in one game last season.

Michigan needs some young guys to step up at the edge positions. We know that Jaylen Harrell, Mike Morris, and Taylor Upshaw are going to play, but those guys got time last year even with Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo on the roster. Now that Morris and Harrell are likely to step up in big ways, who will be the 2022 versions? I have Bennett below the likes of Julius Welschof, Braiden McGregor, and T.J. Guy, but he could start to get some more snaps this season.

Prediction: Backup defensive end

Way Too Early 2023 Depth Chart: July 2022

 

Erick All

Following the decommitment of Raylen Wilson and the commitment of several prospects, I think it's time for an updated look at the potential depth chart for 2023.

The following depth chart has removed these listed players from the 2022 depth chart due to expiring eligibility, even though some could return with a fifth year or COVID year exception:

• QB Alan Bowman (graduation)
• WR Ronnie Bell (graduation)
• WR Cornelius Johnson (graduation)
• WR Mike Sainristil (graduation)
• TE Erick All (graduation)
• TE Luke Schoonmaker (graduation)
• OL Ryan Hayes (graduation)
• OL Olu Oluwatimi (graduation)
• DE Taylor Upshaw (graduation)
• DT Julius Welschof (graduation)
• LB Michael Barrett (graduation)
• CB Gemon Green (graduation)
• S German Green (graduation)
• P Brad Robbins (graduation)

It also assumes that every currently rostered player and every currently committed prospect will be here in 2023, which is obviously not true.

Hit the jump for the depth chart.

2022 Season Countdown: #60 Tyler McLaurin

 

Tyler McLaurin (image via Twitter)

Name: Tyler McLaurin
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 237 lbs.
High school: Bolingbrook (IL) Bolingbrook
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #27
Last year: I ranked McLaurin #74 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: 75

McLaurin is a big linebacker at 6'3" and 237 pounds. He might have been a prototypical inside linebacker in the 1990s or even the early 2000s, but most linebackers these days are smaller and quicker than they used to be. It seemed to be pretty obvious that he would redshirt - most freshman linebackers do unless they're likely to start the following year - and he did. Michigan had plenty of depth at outside linebacker, and they had three solid guys on the inside.

As for the 2022 season, we can be fairly confident that the two starters will be Junior Colson and Nikhai Hill-Green. After that things are up in the air. Kalel Mullings might be playing running back, Joey Velazquez plays baseball all winter/spring, Jaydon Hood got some snaps last year, and there are two solidly built freshmen in Jimmy Rolder and Deuce Spurlock. And that's not to mention Michael Barrett, who is likely to fit in somewhere, but we just don't know where. Someone has to call "Next!" I don't think it will be McLaurin because I think his upside is capped, but he should start to get some special teams action this year.

Prediction: Backup linebacker, special teamer

2022 Season Countdown: #61 Raheem Anderson II

 

Raheem Anderson II (image via USA Today)

Name: Raheem Anderson II
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 302 lbs.
High school: Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Position: Center/offensive guard
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #62
Last year: I ranked Anderson #62 and said he would be a backup center/guard (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: 83

I ranked Anderson #62 last year and said he would be a backup. I guess that was technically true, but he just played in one game and was able to maintain his redshirt. I think it's always a good thing to keep redshirts on linemen if possible, because they're usually not good as freshmen and they seem to be more likely to stick around for a fourth or fifth year than many other positions.

It appears that fellow class of 2021 signee Greg Crippen moved ahead of Anderson in the race for center, and Anderson has been repping quite a bit at guard. The expectation going into 2022 is that after starter Olu Oluwatimi, Crippen would be the next guy in. Anderson might be #3, or that could go to starting guard Zak Zinter or backup lineman Reece Atteberry. Either way, Anderson is probably a few injuries away from playing major time, but he will probably get more season in anticipation of another increased role in 2023.

Prediction: Backup center/offensive guard

2022 Season Countdown: #62 Gabe Newburg

 

Gabe Newburg (image via USA Today)

Name: Gabe Newburg
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 251 lbs.
High school: Clayton (OH) Northmont
Position: Defensive end
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #99
Last year: I ranked Newburg #38 and said he would be a backup defensive end (LINK). Newburg did not play in any games.
TTB Rating: 72

Newburg has had a very quiet career in Ann Arbor for the past three years. After redshirting in 2019, he played in four games in 2020 and then had injury issues, causing him to miss the 2021 season. (Odd side note: Because of the 2020 COVID exemption, Newburg could practically count any of his seasons on campus as a redshirt.)

With just 3 tackles to his name, I have a hard time putting too much stock in Newburg's future in a winged helmet. Practice buzz about him has been almost non-existent, and when I said last year that other guys would have to leapfrog him, well . . . it appears they have. Newburg could still be a decent rotational piece, and maybe 2023 will be a better outlook for him once a couple guys move on, but I'm not expecting a breakout season. In fact, if you're looking for guys who could potentially finish their careers elsewhere, Newburg seems to be a prime candidate, considering his lack of playing time and practice buzz.

Prediction: Backup defensive end

Manuel Beigel, Wolverine

 

Manuel Beigel (image via Twitter)

Wallingford (CT) Choate Rosemary Hall offensive tackle Manuel Beigel, a 2024 recruit, committed to Michigan this afternoon. He picked the Wolverines over an offer from Central Michigan.

Beigel is listed at 6'5" and 282 lbs.

RANKINGS
ESPN: N/A
On3: N/A
Rivals: N/A
247 Sports: N/A

Hit the jump for more on Beigel's recruitment.

2022 Season Countdown: #63 Mason Graham

 

Mason Graham

Name: Mason Graham
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 292 lbs.
High school: Anaheim (CA) Servite
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #55
Last year: Graham was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 60 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks.
TTB Rating: 84

Graham made perhaps the biggest leap (for me) from his junior year to his senior year. Watching his junior film, I thought he was a slightly undersized, try-hard player who was a decent prospect. He was committed to Boise State at one point, and I thought that was appropriate. But the more I watched him as a senior, I thought he made great strides with his technique. And his high effort continued to be there, despite putting on some weight and starting both ways.

I'm leery of placing him too high in the countdown based on the spring, but I think it's clear that he's ready to play. He got a good number of reps in the spring game and didn't look out of place. Here at #63 is a good place for a rotational player, but he has older, more experienced guys in front of him, such as Mazi Smith, Cam Goode, and Kris Jenkins, Jr. I think 2022 will be a developmental year for him, and by his sophomore season, he could be a starter if Smith and Goode move on.

Prediction: Backup defensive tackle

Aymeric Koumba, Wolverine

 

Aymeric Koumba (far right, image via Twitter)

Paris (France) Pionniers de Touraine outside linebacker Aymeric Koumba committed to Michigan on Friday. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Buffalo, East Carolina, Vanderbilt, and UConn.

Koumba is listed at 6'4" and 230 lbs.

RANKINGS
ESPN: N/A
On3: 3-star Edge, 88 grade
Rivals: N/A
247 Sports: N/A

Hit the jump for more.

2022 Season Countdown: #64 Davis Warren

 

Davis Warren (image via Yahoo!)

Name: Davis Warren
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 195 lbs.
High school: Suffield (CT) Suffield Academy
Position: Quarterback
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #16
Last year: I ranked Warren #126 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He redshirted.
TTB Rating: N/A

Warren was a true freshman walk-on last season, but he still managed to win Scout Team Player of the Week three times. Here's what I said about him in last year's countdown:

I think Michigan got a bit of a steal here with Warren, who has some good athleticism and a live arm. Of course, he’s in the same class as 5-star recruit J.J. McCarthy, but down the road, Warren could be a guy who factors into the depth chart if he continues to build his body and work on his mechanics (which can be inconsistent).

In the spring game back in April, Warren looked like the third best quarterback on the roster - better than former Texas Tech starter Alan Bowman and better than freshman 3-star Alex Orji. Warren completed 12/23 passes for 175 yards and looked like a scholarship quarterback. Will he retain that #3 role during the season? It remains to be seen. What we do know is that both Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy will play, and it's likely that if something happened to either one, the other guy would just be the full-time quarterback. So it would take a couple injuries for Warren to see the field much, but I do think he should be the #3 quarterback.

Prediction: Backup quarterback

2022 Season Countdown: #65 Greg Tarr

 

Greg Tarr (image via MGoBlue)

Name: Greg Tarr
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 207 lbs.
High school: Washington (MI) Romeo
Position: Long snapper
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #45
Last year: I ranked Tarr #80 and said he would be a backup long snapper (LINK). He did not play in any games.
TTB Rating: N/A

A backup long snapper is completely and utterly useless on game days . . .

. . . until he isn't.

Will Wagner has Michigan's long snapping job locked down. Tarr has spent the past two years on campus without seeing the field. Michigan also brought in preferred walk-on Evan Boutorwick in the class of 2022. So how valuable is Tarr, and would he even be the #2 guy? I have to be honest that I don't know the depth chart of the backup long snappers, but I'm guessing the more experienced guy would be the first one on the field if something happens to Wagner.

Prediction: Backup long snapper

2022 Season Countdown: #66 Tavierre Dunlap

 

Tavierre Dunlap (image via Twitter)

Name: Tavierre Dunlap
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 222 lbs.
High school: Del Valle (TX) Del Valle
Position: Running back
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #22
Last year: I ranked Dunlap #69 and said he would be a backup running back (LINK). He played in two games and ran 7 times for 51 yards.
TTB Rating: 59

Dunlap came into the 2021 season as a true freshman trying to earn carries in a loaded backfield. That was always going to be an uphill battle with the roster Michigan had, and being a 220 pound power back with Hassan Haskins on the roster was never going to work unless Haskins got hurt. Luckily, Haskins stayed healthy and Michigan had a great season, but Dunlap appropriately stayed on the bench for most of the year. He retained his redshirt, got a little experience against Northern Illinois and Indiana, and goes into 2022 with a better chance of contributing.

Unfortunately, linebacker Kalel Mullings has entered the mix. The staff realized they would miss Haskins a bunch and wanted to make sure they had a big back ready. This spring Mullings started pulling double duty at running back in addition to linebacker, and based on the spring game, it appears to me that Mullings is ahead of Dunlap. To me it looks like Dunlap is the fourth best back on the roster, and that might change if we get a look at C.J. Stokes in the non-conference season. Dunlap should get a few carries this season, but I don't think he will play a critical role.

Prediction: Backup running back

Enow Etta, Wolverine

 

Enow Etta (image via Twitter)

Colleyville (TX) Covenant Christian Academy defensive end Enow Etta committed to Michigan on Wednesday afternoon, picking the Wolverines over offers from Alabama, LSU, Michigan State, Stanford, and USC, among others.

Etta measures in at 6'4 1/2" and 261 lbs. As a junior in 2021, he made 124 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 22.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries (1 for a touchdown), and 3 pass breakups.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 82 grade, #25 DE, #189 overall
On3: 4-star, 92 grade, #19 Edge, #132 overall
Rivals: 4-star, 5.8 grade, #18 WDE, #239 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 94 grade, #8 DL, #58 overall

Hit the jump for more on Etta's commitment.

2022 Season Countdown: #67 Alex Orji

 

Alex Orji (image via Dallas Morning News)

Name: Alex Orji
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 226 lbs.
High school: Sachse (TX) Sachse
Position: Quarterback
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #10
Last year: Orji was a senior in high school (LINK). He completed 127/247 (51.4%) of his passes for 2,064 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions; he also ran for 1,187 yards and 24 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 55

Orji committed to Michigan in December 2021 after being committed to play quarterback at Virginia Tech. He was the second QB at VT, and he became the second QB at Michigan. Perhaps I'm reading too much into it, but that is probably not a good sign for him to continue his career at quarterback. If a school can't settle on a player as its quarterback in the class, then the school is probably hedging its bets.

Orji enrolled early, and in the spring game, they used him a little bit. He made some throws that didn't look good, and then he ran the ball where he looked okay. Personally, I have surmised that he will end up at linebacker or tight end/H-back. He has two older brothers who have played linebacker at the collegiate level, and while there's probably no genetic predisposition to play linebacker, the body type and athletic skills seem to lend themselves to that position. However, Michigan has often allowed eventual position-switchers to spend one year competing at their preferred position before moving, so maybe we'll see Orji be a running QB in a game or two this season before a change comes.

Prediction: Redshirt

2022 Season Countdown: #68 Cristian Dixon

 

Cristian Dixon

Name: Cristian Dixon
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 197 lbs.
High school: Santa Ana (CA) Mater Dei
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #10
Last year: I ranked Dixon #66 and said he would be a backup wide receiver (LINK). He played in one game and caught 1 pass for 7 yards.
TTB Rating: 75

Dixon did not make much of an impact in 2021, playing in one game against Northern Illinois and notching just 1 catch for 7 yards; technically, that preserves his redshirt and could extend his career at Michigan through 2025. Michigan turned out to have very good depth and talent at receiver, and Dixon's services were just not needed much, even with the early injury to Ronnie Bell. As a bigger, possession-type receiver, Dixon does not have the big play speed that might make him a huge difference maker.

Dixon does have decent size and good playing strength, so he may develop into a useful player. But the only player Michigan lost from 2021 was backup Daylen Baldwin. With Bell now back from injury and an incoming freak athlete in Darrius Clemons, I don't see a clear path for Dixon to work his way onto the field. He may have to bide his time and hope for an increased role in 2023 when Ronnie Bell and perhaps Cornelius Johnson and Mike Sainristil move on.

Prediction: Backup wide receiver

2022 Season Countdown: #69 Ikechukwu Iwunnah

 

Ike Iwunnah

Name: Ikechukwu Iwunnah
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 306 lbs.
High school: Garland (TX) Lakeview Centennial
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #92
Last year: I ranked Iwunnah #85 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He redshirted.
TTB Rating: 75

Iwunnah's season in 2021 went about as expected. A defensive tackle with some good size coming in, he was pretty raw and needed to redshirt. So when the season came and went without him getting any snaps, I don't think anyone was surprised.

I don't expect much from Iwunnah in 2022, either. Even though Michigan lost a couple defensive tackles, they brought in UCF transfer Cam Goode and are expecting big things from Rayshaun Benny and George Rooks. I think Iwunnah will start getting some snaps behind Mazi Smith and Goode, but Michigan has enough defensive linemen that Iwunnah shouldn't be forced into a critical role unless there are major injury issues.

Prediction: Backup nose tackle

2022 Season Countdown: #70 Leon Franklin

 

Leon Franklin (image via SI)

Name: Leon Franklin
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 206 lbs.
High school: Southfield (MI) A&T
Position: Running back
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #40
Last year: I ranked Franklin #108 and said he would be a backup running back (LINK). He ran 8 times for 33 yards while playing in nine games.
TTB Rating: N/A

Franklin came out of nowhere as a walk-on to be the #4 running back last season. A prep running back from Southfield, he didn't play football at all as a freshman, redshirted as a second-year player, and then appeared on the field in 2021, getting more snaps than 3-star recruit Tavierre Dunlap. His season high in carries was 3 in the season opener against Western Michigan, and he only totaled 8 carries for 33 yards. But he was usually the first guy in behind Hassan Haskins, Blake Corum, and Donovan Edwards.

Now that Haskins is gone to the NFL, it might make sense to bump him up to #3, but I don't think that will be the case. I think Dunlap is a superior talent and played less last season to preserve his redshirt. They may preserve freshman C.J. Stokes's redshirt in the same manner as Dunlap's last year, but also the staff has moved Kalel Mullings to running back part-time - if not full-time - to be a power back. I wouldn't be surprised to see Franklin drop to at least #5 on the running back depth chart in 2022.

Prediction: Backup running back and special teamer

2022 Season Countdown: #71 Keon Sabb

 

Keon Sabb (image via Twitter)

Name: Keon Sabb
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 200 lbs.
High school: Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy
Position: Safety
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #3
Last year: Sabb was a senior in high school (LINK).
TTB Rating: 84

Sabb was a long-time Clemson commit that Michigan poached from the Tigers after defensive coordinator Brent Venables departed for the Oklahoma head coaching job. Of course, Michigan had its own instability with the loss of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Baltimore Ravens, but if you play college football, you have to expect at least one coordinator change during your career. Sabb started his high school career in Glassboro, NJ, but his talent led him to IMG Academy to wrap up, and he was enough of a standout to be selected for the Under Armour All-American Game.

Sabb is probably a strong safety at the Big Ten level, but if he keeps bulking up, he could perhaps play an outside linebacker role. I could see some teams playing him as a nickel, though I think relying on him in a ton of man coverage is probably not a great idea. As for this year, Sabb is likely to take on a backup role. I think he's too good to redshirt and could help on special teams, but Michigan has some experience at safety in Rod Moore, R.J. Moten, and Makari Paige.

Prediction: Backup safety and special teamer

2022 Season Countdown: #72 Derrick Moore

 

Derrick Moore (image via Twitter)

Name: Derrick Moore
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 250 lbs.
High school: Baltimore (MD) St. Frances
Position: Defensive end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #8
Last year: Moore was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 55 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks.
TTB Rating: 78 83

Moore was a long-time target of Michigan's last cycle, but he made Michigan fans sweat it out until the end. The program has a connection to St. Frances since former head coach Biff Poggi is on staff in Ann Arbor. Moore eventually signed with the Wolverines on National Signing Day and then enrolled in January after being named the Under Armour All-American Game's Player of the Game.

Moore should be able to contribute fairly early in his career at Michigan, but it's usually a struggle for true freshmen on the defensive line since strength and physical maturity are such big factors. I think he is a good enough prospect to start getting some snaps in 2022, while Michigan prepares for the potential departures of Mike Morris, Julius Welschof, and Taylor Upshaw, all of whom could leave after this upcoming season.

Prediction: Backup defensive end

Collins Acheampong, Wolverine

 

Collins Acheampong (image via Twitter)

Santa Margarita (CA) Rancho Santa Margarita defensive end Collins Acheampong committed to Michigan on Friday afternoon. He picked the Wolverines over offers from LSU, Miami, Oregon, Texas, UCLA, and USC, among others.

Acheampong is reportedly heavier than his listed weight and comes in at 6'7" or 6'8" and 254 lbs.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 82 grade, #23 DE, #162 overall
On3: 3-star, 89 grade, #43 Edge
Rivals: 4-star, 5.8 grade, #21 WDE
247 Sports: 3-star, 88 grade, #35 ATH

Hit the jump for more.

2022 Season Countdown: #73 Alan Bowman

 

Alan Bowman (image via USA Today)

Name: Alan Bowman
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 205 lbs.
High school: Grapevine (TX) Grapevine
Position: Quarterback
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #15
Last year: I ranked Bowman #41a and said he would be a backup quarterback (LINK). He completed 2/4 passes for 9 yards and 1 touchdown.
TTB Rating: N/A

Bowman graduated after three years at Texas Tech and transferred to Michigan for the 2021 season, I guess in the hopes of finding a starting role. Unfortunately for him, Cade McNamara proved to be a superior quarterback, and so did freshman J.J. McCarthy. Perhaps it's just the poor quality of the Big 12 - or just a lack of reps - but I couldn't help watching Bowman in his limited reps and thinking, "I can't believe this guy used to be a starting quarterback." He doesn't have much arm strength and looks to be slow to process things at times.

Perhaps it's just a lack of reps as the #3 or #4 quarterback, but Bowman looked worse in the spring game than walk-on Davis Warren. I think Bowman has moved down to the #4 spot, and it's rare that the #4 guy spends much time on the field. Even the #3 guy in 2021 only played in blowout situations toward the end of games. Add in the possibility that Michigan uses freshman Alex Orji as a Wildcat/running quarterback, and Bowman's snaps may dwindle even more.

Prediction: Backup quarterback

Amir Herring, Wolverine

 

West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield lineman Amir Herring (image via Twitter)

West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield offensive lineman Amir Herring committed to Michigan on Thursday night. He picked the Wolverines over a finalist group including Boston College, Missouri, and Nebraska, but Michigan State, Ole Miss, and Penn State were among his other offers.

Herring is listed at 6'3" and 300 lbs.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 83 grade, #6 OG, #159 overall
On3: 3-star, 88 grade, #43 IOL
Rivals: 4-star, 5.8 grade, #13 OG
247 Sports: 4-star, 90 grade, #13 IOL

Hit the jump for more.

2022 Season Countdown: #74 Carter Selzer

 

Carter Selzer (image via MLive)

Name: Carter Selzer
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 242 lbs.
High school: Kansas City (MO) Rockhurst
Position: Tight end
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #89
Last year: I ranked Selzer #70 and said he would be a backup tight end (LINK). He caught 1 pass for 6 yards.
TTB Rating: N/A

Selzer has become a bit of a fan favorite. A walk-on tight end who has been targeted multiple times in his career but has just 1 catch in college, Selzer is hard to miss at 6'8". Oh, and because he's played in 21 total football games throughout his career.

Selzer played in four games at tight end last year, but Michigan has such depth at tight end that it's hard to put him much higher on the list. Along with returning three tight ends with senior eligibility, Michigan has recruited well at the position. Third-year player Matt Hibner and second-year Louis Hansen both need reps to get ready for 2023, and I haven't even mentioned two talented freshmen in Colston Loveland and Marlin Klein. Selzer was play this fall, but it's time to get the next wave ready.

Prediction: Backup tight end

2022 Season Countdown: #75 Tristan Bounds

 

Tristan Bounds (#72, image via Twitter)

Name: Tristan Bounds
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 282 lbs.
High school: Wallingford (CT) Choate Rosemary Hall
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #72
Last year: I ranked Bounds #88 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: 82

Bounds was a 3-star prospect coming out of high school who was 6'8" and needed to add a significant amount of weight before contributing. He played in one game in 2021 against Northern Illinois, a game in which Mary Sue Coleman caught 1 pass for a 52-yard touchdown. So not much can be gleaned from that.

For better or worse, there has not been much buzz about backup offensive tackles this off-season. But aside from starter Ryan Hayes, presumed starter Trente Jones, and utility guy Karsen Barnhart, it seems to be a crap shoot. Bounds and redshirt sophomore Jeffrey Persi would presumably be the next two guys in the mix, and I would guess that one of them - Persi, in this case - will start getting some noteworthy snaps this season to prepare for a potential role in 2023 when Ryan Hayes has moved on to the NFL. Hopefully Bounds has made some good strides this off-season so he can compete for a role.

Prediction: Backup offensive tackle

Fredrick Moore, Wolverine

 

St. Louis (MO) Cardinal Ritter WR Fredrick Moore (image via 247 Sports)

Saint Louis (MO) Cardinal Ritter wide receiver Fredrick Moore committed to Michigan on Saturday, July 1. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Iowa, Penn State, and Texas A&M, among others.

Moore is listed at 6'0" and 175 lbs. As a junior in 2021, he caught 41 passes for 1,010 yards and 12 touchdowns.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 3-star, 77 grade, #101 WR
On3: 3-star, 86 grade, #131 WR
Rivals: 4-star, 5.8 grade, #41 WR
247 Sports: 3-star, 89 grade, #52 WR

Hit the jump for more on Moore's commitment.

2022 Season Countdown: #76 Eamonn Dennis

 

Eamonn Dennis (image via USA Today Sports)

Name: Eamonn Dennis
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175 lbs.
High school: Worcester (MA) St. John's
Position: Cornerback
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #37
Last year: I ranked Dennis #75 and said he would be a backup cornerback (LINK). He played in three games on special teams.
TTB Rating: 79

Dennis was a standout all-around player in high school who has yet to gain his footing at Michigan. Despite being a three-way superstar, Michigan can't seem to find a place for him. After redshirting as a freshman, he played in the first three games last season on special teams and was never heard from again.

It's going to be tough to break in at cornerback in 2022, also, with both D.J. Turner II and Gemon Green returning with starting experience, as well as 5-star freshman Will Johnson now on the roster. Things could potentially open up in 2023 for some more contributors when Green and Turner will likely be gone, but for this season, Dennis's best chance to play is probably to expand his role on special teams.

Prediction: Backup cornerback and special teamer

2022 Season Countdown: #77 Colston Loveland

 

Colston Loveland (image via On3)

Name: Colston Loveland
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 230 lbs.
High school: Gooding (ID) Gooding
Position: Tight end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #18
Last year: Loveland was a senior in high school (LINK). He caught 62 passes for 968 yards and 14 touchdowns; rushed 33 times for 352 yards and 4 touchdowns; and made 66 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 2 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 65 85

Loveland came a little bit out of nowhere during the 2022 recruiting cycle to suddenly be at the forefront of Michigan's tight end recruiting situation. He was thin as a junior and did not have great film, but reports out of Idaho were that he had hit a growth spurt and improved as an athlete. And he did. He got bigger and better. Now listed at 6'5" and 230 pounds, he had good senior film for a tight end and was a real focal point of Gooding's team, playing wide receiver, tight end, quarterback, outside linebacker, some safety, etc. A tight end who can score 18 touchdowns in a season is tough to come by.

While I upped Loveland's TTB Rating from a 65 to an 85, I don't think the early enrollee is going to play much of a factor on the field this season. Michigan returns three senior tight ends who all played a big role last year, and that doesn't even include walk-on Carter Selzer, who has received increased reps the past two years. Michigan got 57 catches from tight ends next year, and all that production returns in 2022. It would probably be best if Loveland can redshirt this season since there's not much room for him to contribute.

Prediction: Redshirt