Colleyville (TX) Covenant Christian defensive end/outside linebacker Enow Etta is ranked as a 4-star, the #13 defensive lineman, and #120 overall in the 247 Composite rankings. As a senior in 2022, he made 134 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, and 2 fumble recoveries for touchdowns.
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Monday, February 27, 2023
Preview of 2024 In-State Recruiting: #1-5
1. C.J. Carr - QB - Saline (MI) Saline
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 195 lbs.
Notable offers: Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State
Commitment: Notre Dame
247 Composite: 4-star, #5 QB, #35 overall
Analysis: Carr is the grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr and the son of former Michigan quarterback Jason Carr, so everyone expected him to pick Michigan. But he went to "The Dark Side" and committed to the Fighting Irish. Rivalries aside, Carr completed 226/339 passes (69%) for 2,697 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions as a junior in 2022. Considered a borderline 5-star prospect, he has good arm strength, excellent accuracy, and decent mobility. He will be a pocket quarterback at the college level. One noteworthy thing from watching his film is that he's not working with superior athletes at Saline, so many of his throws are to receivers who are well covered.
Hit the jump for more.
Friday, February 24, 2023
Kendrick Bell, Wolverine
Kansas City (MO) Park Hill quarterback Kendrick Bell committed to Michigan back in October of 2022. Again, as I was in the throes of football season, I did not have time to put together a commitment post, especially of a player nobody really thought was a Michigan-level prospect at the time. Of course, that runs in his family, since his brother Ronnie Bell was a basketball player and not much of a football prospect until Michigan hopped in with an offer. Kendrick picked Michigan over UMass and Northern Iowa.
Bell is listed at 6'3" and 180 lbs. As a senior in 2022, Bell completed 224/339 passes (72%) for 3,570 yards and 37 touchdowns. He also ran for 670 yards and 10 touchdowns.
RANKINGS
ESPN: 3-star, 77 grade, #19 dual-threat QB
On3: 3-star, 88 grade, #25 ATH
Rivals: 3-star, 5.6 grade, #38 ATH
247 Sports: 3-star, 86 grade, #95 ATH
Hit the jump for more.
Class of 2023 Senior Highlights: OT Evan Link
Washington (DC) Gonzaga offensive line product Evan Link is a 4-star, the #22 offensive tackle, and #269 overall in the 247 Composite rankings.
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Class of 2023 Senior Highlights: C/OG Amir Herring
West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield signee Amir Herring is ranked as a 4-star, the #14 interior offensive lineman, and #286 overall in the 247 Composite rankings. Here are his senior highlights:
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
2024 Recruiting Update: February 22, 2023
Austin Alexander - CB - Chicago Heights (IL) Marian Catholic: Alexander is a 6'1", 165 lb. prospect with offers from Illinois, USC, and Wisconsin; in fact, he decommitted from Wisconsin in late January. He's a 3-star, the #52 cornerback, and #563 overall in the class.
Eagan Boyer - OT - Cornelius (NC) William Amos Hough: Boyer is a 6'8", 265-pounder with offers from Auburn, Clemson, North Carolina, Penn State, and Wisconsin, among others. Despite the solid offer list, he is as yet unranked.
Marques Easley - OT - Kankakee (IL) Kankakee: Easley is a 6'7", 290 lb. tackle who hails from the same school as 2023 cornerback signee Jyaire Hill. Easley is a 4-star, the #23 offensive tackle, and #320 overall with offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Penn State, among others. He transferred in from Peoria (IL) Manual, which is where former Michigan offensive tackle Logan Tuley-Tillman played his high school ball.
Kewan Lacy - RB - Lancaster (TX) Lancaster: Lacy is a 5'10", 195-pounder with offers from Alabama, Florida State, Miami, Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State, among others. He's a 3-star, the #36 running back, and #459 overall.
Kedren Young - RB - Lufkin (TX) Lufkin: Young stands 5'10" and 220 lbs. with offers from Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Texas, and others. He's a 4-star, the #25 running back, and #295 overall. As a junior in 2022, he ran 237 times for 1,666 yards and 19 touchdowns.
OFF THE BOARD
Cleveland (TN) Bradley Central athlete Marcus Goree, Jr. (3-star, #62 ATH, #469 overall) committed to Tennessee.
Class of 2023 Senior Highlights: TE Zachary Marshall
Carlsbad (CA) Carlsbad tight end Zack Marshall signed with Michigan in December. Marshall is a 6'4", 200-pounder who's a 247 Composite 3-star, the #33 athlete, and #541 overall.
Saturday, February 18, 2023
Class of 2023 Senior Highlights: RB Benjamin Hall
Here are some highlights for Kennesaw (GA) North Cobb running back Benjamin Hall. He ranks as a 3-star, the #55 running back, and #782 overall in the class of 2023.
Friday, February 17, 2023
Class of 2023 Senior Highlights: RB Cole Cabana
Here are some senior highlights from running back signee Cole Cabana. He's a 4-star, the #10 running back, and #171 overall in the 247 Composite rankings.
2023 Michigan Football Staff
I don't know about you, but sometimes I lose track of what off-the-field staff members are where, when they're hired, when they leave, etc. There's so much movement that it can be hard to keep tabs on them all. So I decided to put them all in one post and update it whenever necessary.
ON FIELD FOOTBALL STAFF
Head coach: Jim Harbaugh*
Offensive coordinator/OL coach: Sherrone Moore
QB coach: Kirk Campbell#
TE coach: Grant Newsome*
RB coach: Mike Hart*
WR coach: Ron Bellamy*
Defensive coordinator: Jesse Minter
Co-defensive coordinator/CB coach: Steve Clinkscale
DL coach: Mike Elston*
LB coach: Chris Partridge#
S coach: Jay Harbaugh
OFF FIELD FOOTBALL STAFF
Graduate assistant (QBs): Mimi Bolden-Morris
Graduate assistant (WRs): Andrew Goodrich
Graduate assistant (LBs): LaTroy Lewis
Graduate assistant (OLBs): Dylan Roney
Offensive analyst: Jack Clark
Offensive analyst: Nick Gilbert
Offensive analyst: Bret Ingalls
Offensive analyst: Josh Sinagoga#
Defensive analyst: Doug Mallory*
Defensive analyst: Rick Minter
Special teams analyst: Bradford Banta
Special teams analyst: J.B. Brown
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING STAFF
Director of Strength and Conditioning: Ben Herbert
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach: Sean Lockwood
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach: Ben Rabe
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach: Justin Tress
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach: Devin Woodhouse
RECRUITING STAFF
Director of Player Personnel: Tom Gamble
Assistant Director of Player Personnel: Denard Robinson*
Player personnel analyst: Connor Stalions
Director of Recruiting Operations: Albert Karschnia
Director of On Campus Recruiting and Operations: Christina DeRuyter
Assistant Recruiting and Operations Director: Paige Shiver
Director of Player Development: Chris Bryant*
*Former Michigan football player
#Hired following 2022 football season
George Helow, Ex-Wolverine
As has been rumored for a couple weeks, Michigan linebackers coach George Helow has departed from the program. He will be replaced by Chris Partridge (LINK), the former co-defensive coordinator at Ole Miss.
Helow was hired prior to the 2021 season from Maryland. He was expected to coach safeties, but Ronald Bellamy (2021) and then Jay Harbaugh (2022) took the safety coaching position, while Helow coached the linebackers. The linebackers seemed to perform fairly well in 2021, when Josh Ross took a step forward from his terrible 2020 season, but injuries and inexperience led to just a mediocre year in 2022.
While Helow is a decent recruiter, Partridge is an excellent one. And Partridge also developed a reputation as a solid coach when he was in Ann Arbor working under defensive coordinator Don Brown. So this is an upgrade for Michigan.
As for where Helow might be headed next, he was a friend of former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who is now with the Baltimore Ravens. He has also spent time at Colorado State, Georgia, Florida State, and Alabama in the past, so with such a good resume, I'm guessing he will land on his feet somewhere.
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
2024 Recruiting Update: February 15, 2023
Landyn Cleveland - S - Mansfield (TX) Legacy: Cleveland is a 6'1", 190 lb. prospect with offers from Auburn, Ole Miss, Penn State, and Texas, among others. He's a 3-star, the #33 safety, and #381 overall.
Max LeBlanc - TE - Chattanooga (TN) Baylor School: LeBlanc is a 6'5", 220-pounder with offers from Colorado, Florida State, Miami, Ohio State, and Oklahoma, among others.
Deyvid Palepale - DT - Landisville (PA) Hempfield: Palepale is 6'3", 288 lbs. and has offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and USC, among others. He's a 247 Sports 3-star and the #47 defensive lineman.
Cole Sullivan - LB - Pittsburgh (PA) Central Catholic: Sullivan is a 6'3", 200 lb. prospect with offers from Notre Dame, Penn State, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, among others. He's a teammate of 2024 linebacker Anthony Speca, who recently committed to Penn State.
Izaiah Williams - WR - Tampa (FL) Carrollwood Day: Williams is a 6'0", 160-pounder with offers from Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Penn State, and numerous others. He's a 4-star, the #47 wide receiver, and #345 overall.
Sunday, February 12, 2023
Mantrez Walker, Wolverine
Buford (GA) Buford linebacker Mantrez Walker, a class of 2025 prospect, committed to Michigan on Saturday evening. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, Penn State, and Tennessee, among others.
Walker is listed at 6'1" and 215 lbs. He benches 305 and squats 405.
RANKINGS
ESPN: N/A
On3: N/A
Rivals: N/A
247 Sports: N/A
Hit the jump for more on Walker's commitment.
Saturday, February 11, 2023
Chris Ewald, Jr., Wolverine
Hollywood (FL) Chaminade-Madonna cornerback Chris Ewald, Jr., a 2025 prospect, committed to Michigan on December 16, 2022. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Miami, Oklahoma, Penn State, and USC, among others.
Ewald is listed at 6'0" and 160 lbs.
RANKINGS
ESPN: N/A
On3: 4-star CB, 90 grade
Rivals: 4-star CB, #23 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 90 grade, #6 CB, #75 overall
Hit the jump for more.
2023 Recruiting Grades: Offensive Line
Previously: QUARTERBACK, RUNNING BACK, TIGHT END
2023 DEPARTURES: 2 (Ryan Hayes, Olu Oluwatimi)
2023 NEEDS: 1
2023 COMMITMENTS: Cumming (GA) South Forsyth OT Nathan Efobi, Arizona State transfer OG LaDarius Henderson, West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield C Amir Herring, Stanford transfer OT Myles Hinton, Washington (DC) Gonzaga OT Evan Link, Stanford transfer C Drake Nugent
NOTEWORTHY 2023 OFFERS
- Kade Eldridge - Lynden (WA) Christian: USC
- D.J. Chester - McDonogh (GA) Eagle's Landing: LSU
- Cole Dellinger - Clarkston (MI) Clarkston: Michigan State
- Spencer Fano - Provo (UT) Timpview: Utah
- Cayden Green - Lee's Summit (MO) North: Oklahoma
- Landen Hatchett - Ferndale (WA) Ferndale: Washington
- Logan Howland - Princeton (NJ) The Hun School: Oklahoma
- Caleb Lomu - Gilbert (AZ) Highland: Utah
- Luke Montgomery - Findlay (OH) Findlay: Ohio State
- Paul Mubenga - Buford (GA) Buford: LSU
- Dylan Senda - Dearborn (MI) Divine Child: Northwestern
GRADE: A
REASON FOR THE GRADE: Despite losing just two players to the NFL, the starting offensive line appeared to be in pretty good shape going into 2023. Of course, having a good offensive line is typically predicated on experience, so we have to look at what players are behind them and how ready they will be in 2024 and beyond. Michigan's numbers were solid enough that they didn't have to snag too many linemen in the class of 2023 to maintain a healthy overall number at the position (~15), but they hit it out of the park in the transfer portal, if not the high school ranks.
Starting with the transfer portal guys, Michigan landed Arizona State offensive guard/tackle LaDarius Henderson, Stanford center Drake Nugent, and Stanford right tackle Myles Hinton. All three are starters, and in particular, Henderson was a captain and Nugent was a Rimington Award finalist. While offensive guards Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter return, Henderson could end up playing left or right tackle, depending on who steps up at those positions. Nugent should slot in as the starting center, and Hinton will probably be in a battle to start at one of the tackle spots, as injuries and inconsistency have hampered him a little bit so far. However, Hinton was a top-100 prospect and has great potential if he can put everything together.
Link improved as a senior to the point where I think he can be a solid player at the next level, especially in the run game; he has limited pass pro reps on his senior highlights, but there's potential if he can stay consistent with his technique. Efobi still plays too high for my liking, and he doesn't really win enough blocks even on his highlights. Meanwhile, interior lineman Herring could play guard or center - some think center is his best spot because of a lack of height - and is the type of kid who should be a good locker room presence while he waits for his opportunity for a few years, and he could step in as an upperclassman and start for a couple years.
Overall, Michigan did a good job of not only plugging a hole at center, but creating immediate competition at the tackle positions. Link, Herring, and Efobi are all guys with potential down the road, though I don't think any of them are headed for stardom in college. If the Wolverines can maintain their solid offensive line play and use the transfer portal to their advantage on a yearly basis, this could be a recipe for great annual success even if the high school recruiting is so-so.
Thursday, February 9, 2023
2026 Recruiting Update: February 9, 2023
Naeem Burroughs - WR - Jacksonville (FL) Bolles: Burroughs is a 6'0", 155 lb. prospect with offers from Florida, Florida State, and Georgia, among others.
Simeon Caldwell - S - Jacksonville (FL) Bolles: A teammate of Burroughs, Caldwell is a 6'3", 185 lb. safety with a 4.65 forty time as a freshman.
Messiah Mickens - RB - Camp Hill (PA) Trinity: Mickens is a 5'11", 185-pounder with offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas A&M at an early juncture.
Brady Smigiel - QB - Newbury Park (CA) Newbury Park: Smigiel is a 6'5", 190 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona, Colorado, Florida State, Georgia, and Penn State, among others. As a freshman in 2021, he had 3,467 passing yards with 46 passing touchdowns and 5 rushing scores.
Chaston Smith - CB - Knoxville (TN) Bearden: Smith is a 6'1", 151-pounder with offers from Kentucky, Louisville, and Ole Miss, among others.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Chris Partridge, Wolverine (again)
Former Ole Miss co-defensive coordinator Chris Partridge has been officially re-hired by the first FBS program to give him a job, and that's the Michigan Wolverines.
Partridge was the head coach at Paramus (NJ) Catholic for five years, a school that sent the likes of Jabrill Peppers, Rashan Gary, and Juwann Bushell-Beatty to Michigan. He was then hired in a recruiting role in 2015 before becoming an on-field coach from 2016-2019, working with the safeties, linebackers, and special teams. He was hired away by Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss to be the co-defensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021, but after being let go by the Rebels after the 2022 season, he was in search of a new job.
Partridge's next role at Michigan is undetermined as of yet . . . or at least Michigan hasn't released their plans for him. He was announced on Twitter as having joined Michigan's staff, and while that could be at an analyst position, rumblings suggest that he will be replacing a current coach on the staff. Since he has only ever coached defense, most likely there will be movement on the defensive side of the ball.
Partridge's most noteworthy asset is probably his recruiting prowess. While at Michigan, he was the primary recruiter for three 5-star players (Gary, Chris Hinton, and Aubrey Solomon) and seventeen 4-star guys (too many to list). Michigan's recruiting efforts in New Jersey have tailed off some since he left, but I would imagine some of those connections will be renewed now that Partridge is back on the staff.
2023 Recruiting Grades: Tight End
Previously: QUARTERBACK, RUNNING BACK
On Saturday I covered the quarterback position, followed by the running backs on Tuesday. Now for a look at the tight ends.
2023 DEPARTURES: 4 (Erick All, Louis Hansen, Joel Honigford, Luke Schoonmaker)
2023 NEEDS: 2
2023 COMMITMENTS: Carlsbad (CA) Carlsbad TE Zack Marshall, Oswego (IL) Oswego TE Deakon Tonielli
2023 OFFERS
- Kade Eldridge - Lynden (WA) Christian: USC
- Cooper Flanagan - Concord (CA) De La Salle: Notre Dame
- Jaden Hamm - Eudora (KS) Eudora: Kansas
- Nyckoles Harbor - Washington (DC) Archbishop Carroll: South Carolina
- Luke Hasz - Bixby (OK) Bixby: Arkansas
- Chico Holt - Houston (TX) Strake Jesuit: Northwestern
- Jaxon Howard - Minneapolis (MN) Robbinsdale Cooper: LSU
- Matthew Klopfenstein - Scottsdale (AZ) Horizon: Baylor
- Ty Lockwood - Thompson's Station (MO) Independence: Alabama
- Walker Lyons - Folsom (CA) Folsom: USC
- Mac Markway - St. Louis (MO) DeSmet: LSU
- Brett Norfleet - St. Charles (MO) Francis Howell: Missouri
- Andrew Rappleyea - Milton (MA) Milton: Penn State
- Jelani Thurman - Fairburn (GA) Langston Hughes: Ohio State
- Riley Williams - Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy: Miami
- Preston Zinter - Cambridge (MA) Buckingham Browne & Nichols: Notre Dame
GRADE: C+
REASON FOR THE GRADE: Michigan needed to restock the tight end position in the class of 2023 after suffering heavy losses from the group following the 2022 season. Not only did Erick All (Iowa) and Louis Hansen (UConn) transfer, but second string tight end Luke Schoonmaker departed for the NFL, blocking tight end Joel Honigford ran out of eligibility, and a decent walk-on in Carter Selzer also graduated. All, Schoonmaker, and Honigford all played a ton. Tight end is a position where players typically need at least one season of strength and conditioning development before being relevant, so it's important to keep a steady string of players coming.
Unfortunately, the Wolverines whiffed on most of their top targets, which is surprising considering how often tight ends are used in Michigan's offense. Tonielli (4-star, #20 TE, #411 overall) was the tenth highest ranked guy at the position that Michigan offered, and Marshall would be the thirteenth highest ranked offeree if he were listed as a tight end (he's an "athlete" according to the 247 Composite). Tonielli is really a big receiver being converted to tight end, and Marshall does not look like much of a difference maker when it comes to his athleticism.
Overall, Michigan supplemented its numbers decently at the position, but the talent level drops off. All and Schoonmaker are both NFL-caliber tight ends and Hansen was a well regarded 4-star recruit, though he hadn't made an impact on the field during his first two seasons; Marshall is not on their level as an athlete, and Tonielli has good upside even if he doesn't have the body and skills to play immediately. Michigan did take a strong swing at 5-star Nyckoles Harbor, but ultimately, NIL drove Harbor to South Carolina. Massachusetts product Andrew Rappleyea was committed to the Wolverines at one point, but he flipped to Penn State.
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
2023 Recruiting Grades: Running Back
Previously: QUARTERBACK
On Saturday I covered the quarterback position, so here's a look at the running back spot.
2023 NEEDS: 2
2023 COMMITMENTS: Dexter (MI) Dexter RB Cole Cabana, Kennesaw (GA) North Cobb RB Benjamin Hall
2023 OFFERS
- Jaden Booker - Naples (FL) Palmetto Ridge: Undecided
- Dalton Brooks - Shiner (TX) Shiner: Texas A&M
- Jeremiah Cobb - Montgomery (AL) Catholic: Auburn
- Mark Fletcher - Fort Lauderdale (FL) American Heritage: Miami
- Justice Haynes - Buford (GA) Buford: Alabama
- Sedrick Irvin, Jr. - Miami (FL) Columbus: Stanford
- Kaleb Jackson - Baton Rouge (LA) Liberty: LSU
- Christopher Johnson - Fort Lauderdale (FL) Dillard: Miami
- Jaquez Keys - Ironton (OH) Ironton: Wake Forest
- Jayden Limar - Lake Stevens (WA) Lake Stevens: Oregon
- London Montgomery - Scranton (PA) Prep: Penn State
- Samuel Singleton, Jr. - Orange Park (FL) Fleming Island: Florida State
- Daylan Smothers - Charlotte (NC) West: Oklahoma
- Dijon Stanley - Granada Hills (CA) Granada Hills: Utah
- Darius Taylor - Walled Lake (MI) Western: Minnesota
- Treyaun Webb - Jacksonville (FL) Trinity: Florida
- Richard Young - Lehigh Acres (FL) Lehigh: Alabama
GRADE: B+
REASON FOR THE GRADE: Michigan needed at least one running back in the class of 2023 to bump up its scholarship backs from four to five. As we saw this past season, four scholarship running backs leaves Michigan precariously thin at the position. When Blake Corum hurt his knee and backup Donovan Edwards hurt his hand, Michigan was stuck with redshirt freshman Tavierre Dunlap, true freshman C.J. Stokes, position switchers, and walk-ons. That led to an array of plays in which more talented backs would have made Michigan's season a little easier, such as walk-on Isaiah Gash's dropped pass against Illinois and converted linebacker Kalel Mullings's fumble against TCU. Michigan should have at least five scholarship backs on its roster at all times.
So Michigan needed at least one, and then a lot of people expected Blake Corum to leave for the NFL after a highly productive season, bumping up the need to two. Indeed, Michigan landed speedster Cole Cabana (4-star, #10 RB, #161 overall), who might be more of a scat back who can split out wide. And they also took a fairly early commitment from Benjamin Hall (3-star, #55 RB, #781 overall). Hall is the bigger question mark of the two, not only because of his lower ranking, but also because he didn't start for most of his senior season. Hall is a bigger back (5'10", 225 lbs.) and lacks great speed. One might expect to see him be a bruising downhill runner, but he bounces a lot of his runs outside and tries to reverse field, which he will not have the speed to do in college.
Michigan tried to get in late on in-state Minnesota commit Darius Taylor, but it was too late to get much movement there. So obviously the coaching staff wanted a third back - or perhaps to replace Hall in the class - but that didn't happen. That not only solidifies my confidence that Michigan wanted at least two backs, but it makes me question how much confidence they have in the guys they brought in.
Right now the Wolverines are in a good position with Corum, Edwards, Dunlap, and Stokes all returning (for now), plus Cabana and Hall entering the program. Even if someone like Dunlap or Stokes transfers following the spring, Michigan would still have five scholarship guys on the roster.
Monday, February 6, 2023
2024 Recruiting Update: February 6, 2023
COMMITMENT
Harper Woods (MI) Harper Woods safety Jacob Oden committed to Michigan (LINK).
Josiah Brown - WR - Hicksville (NY) Holy Trinity Diocesan: Brown is a 5'11", 170 lb. prospect with offers from Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Penn State, among others. He's a 4-star, the #14 athlete, and #136 overall.
Daniel Cruz - OG - North Richland Hills (TX) Richland: Cruz is a 6'3", 295-pounder who has been offered by Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Texas, and Texas A&M, among others. He's a 4-star, the #18 interior offensive lineman, and #333 overall.
Xavier Filsaime - S - McKinney (TX) McKinney: Filsaime is a 6'1", 180 lb. safety with offers from Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M, among others. He's a legitimate speedster with a 10.52 time in the 100 meters.
Hit the jump for more.
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Way Too Early 2024 Depth Chart: February 2023
The following depth chart has removed these listed players from the depth chart due to various reasons, even though some could return with a fifth year or COVID year exception:
- QB Jack Tuttle (graduation)
- RB Blake Corum (graduation)
- WR A.J. Henning (graduation)
- WR Cornelius Johnson (graduation)
- WR Roman Wilson (graduation)
- OL Karsen Barnhart (graduation)
- OL LaDarius Henderson (graduation)
- OL Myles Hinton (graduation)
- OL Trente Jones (graduation)
- OL Trevor Keegan (graduation)
- OL Drake Nugent (graduation)
- DT Cam Goode (graduation)
- LB Michael Barrett (graduation)
- LB Kalel Mullings (graduation)
- LB Joey Velazquez (graduation)
- CB Jalen Perry (graduation)
- CB Mike Sainristil (graduation)
- S Quinten Johnson (graduation)
It also assumes that every currently rostered player and every currently committed prospect will be here in 2024, which is obviously not true.
Hit the jump for the depth chart.
Saturday, February 4, 2023
2023 Recruiting Grade: Quarterback
I'm going to start something that I haven't done in a few years, and that's handing out recruiting grades. As Michigan's recruiting has dropped off a little bit in 2023 to the low teens, I want to share how I feel about Michigan's efforts overall.
I'll start off with the most important position on the football fied: quarterback.
2023 NEEDS: 1
2023 COMMITMENTS: Indiana transfer Jack Tuttle
2023 OFFERS
- Arch Manning - New Orleans (LA) Isidore Newman: Texas
- Dante Moore - Detroit (MI) King: UCLA
- Malachi Nelson - Los Alamitos (CA) Los Alamitos: USC
- William Watson III - Springfield (MA) Central: Virginia Tech
- Creed Whittemore - Gainesville (FL) Buchholz: Florida
GRADE: F
REASON FOR THE GRADE: First and foremost, Michigan completely whiffed on the quarterback position in the class of 2023 unless you count sixth year senior Jack Tuttle, who is a one-year backup rental. Technically, Michigan offered superstar recruits Arch Manning and Malachi Nelson, but both were extreme longshots and the Wolverines never really had a chance. Meanwhile, Watson and Whittemore are both undersized QB/ATH recruits who are probably likely to play a different position in college.
So really, Michigan put all of its eggs in the Dante Moore basket. Unfortunately, Moore had a desire to play immediately, and the presence of J.J. McCarthy blocked Moore at Michigan for at least the 2023 season, if not 2024. Moore is a 5-star prospect and could perhaps be the best quarterback in the class when all is said and done, and it hurt to lose him. It stings a little bit less since he didn't end up at Michigan State or Ohio State, two programs he was also considering. But Michigan had a lot of connections and still couldn't close the deal. Moore committed to Oregon initially, and when his future QB coach left for Arizona State, Moore flipped to UCLA. Personally, I think UCLA is an odd fit because head coach Chip Kelly does not have a strong record of developing pro-style quarterbacks.
Regardless, Michigan tried to land a quarterback in 2023 and failed. They could have potentially earned a commitment from Warren (MI) De La Salle's Brady Drogosh (4-star, #20 QB, #317 overall) if they moved on him earlier, but they waited too long and burned that bridge. That leaves the cupboard relatively bare, since beyond McCarthy for the future, the Wolverines have only walk-on Davis Warren and projects Jayden Denegal and Alex Orji. That puts a lot of pressure on the staff to land a very good 2024 quarterback and/or explore the transfer portal for a future starter.
Friday, February 3, 2023
Kirk Campbell, Wolverine
In the wake of quarterbacks coach Matt Weiss getting fired from Michigan for something having to do with computers, Michigan hired Kirk Campbell to be the quarterbacks coach. Campbell spent the 2022 season as an offensive analyst for the Wolverines.
Here's a brief timeline of Campbell's career:
2009-2010: WR/TE graduate assistant at West Virginia Wesleyan
2011: WR/TE coach at Tiffin
2012-2016: OC at Alderson-Broaddus
2017-2019: Offensive analyst at Penn State
2020-2021: OC/QB coach at Old Dominion
2022: Offensive analyst at Michigan
One of my former players played offense for Campbell in college and had great things to say about him, even going on to become a high school and college coach himself. (Not that Campbell was the sole reason for that, but at least he didn't make this kid hate football.)
Overall, it's tough to glean much from Campbell's coaching career, considering he's been an analyst and coaching at smaller schools. It says something that he was reportedly the #1 choice for starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy. It also helps that he has spent seven seasons as a play caller. Even though he likely won't be calling plays on Saturdays in the Big House, he's at least qualified to be coaching the quarterback position itself if he can understand how to install and implement an entire offense.
Quarterback coaches under Jim Harbaugh have included Jedd Fisch in 2015-2016 (now head coach at Arizona), Pep Hamilton in 2017-2018 (now offensive coordinator for Houston Texans), Ben McDaniels (now passing game coordinator for Houston Texans), and Weiss. There are mixed reviews for some of those guys, but considering everyone but Weiss has moved up in the world, it's probably safe to say that Jim Harbaugh can be trusted to find talented quarterback coaches.
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Jacob Oden, Wolverine
Harper Woods (MI) Harper Woods safety Jacob Oden, a 2024 prospect, committed to Michigan on Thursday evening. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Iowa, Michigan State, Penn State, Tennessee, and others.
Oden is listed at 6'1" and 188 lbs.
RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 82 grade, #13 S, #153 overall
On3: 4-star, 90 grade, #22 S, #247 overall
Rivals: 4-star, 5.8 grade, #13 S, #132 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 90 grade, #24 ATH, #191 overall
Hit the jump for more.
2023 Recruiting Update: February 2, 2023
COMMITMENT
Chatsworth (CA) Sierra Canyon defensive end Cameron Brandt committed to Michigan (LINK).
OFF THE BOARD
Washington (DC) Archbishop Carroll tight end Nyckoles Harbor committed to South Carolina. Michigan put their version of the full-court press on Harbor, but NIL reportedly played a huge factor, and South Carolina offered the best deal. Oregon supposedly finished second with Maryland and Michigan following behind.
Altamonte Springs (FL) Lake Brantley linebacker twins Andrew and Michael Harris re-committed to UCF. They both took an official visit to Michigan last spring, but Michigan pulled back. They then committed to UCF, decommitted, and were considering Maryland, too.
Chicago (IL) Marist defensive tackle Jamel Howard re-committed to Wisconsin. Michigan appeared to lead back in December, but he pushed back his commitment date, which allowed Wisconsin to retake the lead.
Ole Miss transfer cornerback Davison Igbinosun committed to Ohio State after visiting both Columbus and Ann Arbor this past weekend. He may have been able to come in and start for the Wolverines in the fall, but now Michigan might have to look to the post-spring transfer portal for help at corner in the fall.
Folsom (CA) Folsom tight end Walker Lyons committed to USC. He had been committed to Stanford earlier in the process.
Gardena (CA) Junipero Serra cornerback Rodrick Pleasant committed to Oregon.
Jacksonville (FL) University Christian linebacker Desirrio Riles committed to Indiana.
2025 Recruiting Update: February 2, 2023
Carter Lowe - OT - Toledo (OH) Whitmer: Lowe is a 6'5", 290 lb. prospect with offers from Cincinnati, Michigan State, and Ohio State, among others. He has taken two visits to Michigan in the past.
Davon Mitchell - TE - Allen (TX) Allen: Mitchell is a 6'4", 230-pounder with offers from Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Texas, and more. He's a 5-star, the #1 tight end, and #26 overall. As a sophomore in 2022, he caught 33 passes for 726 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Maxwell Roy - DT - Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph's: Roy is a 6'5", 265 lb. defensive lineman with a lone offer from Maryland.
Jayden Shelton - LB - Dallas (TX) South Oak Cliff: Shelton is a 6'1", 190 lb. prospect with offers from Arizona State, SMU, USC, and Washington, among others. Though he's currently built like a safety - and moves like one - he appears to have the frame to bulk up into an athletic linebacker prospect.
Marky Walbridge - OT - Hanover (MA) Hanover: Walbridge is a 6'6", 255 lb. player with offers from Boston College, Michigan State, Pitt, and UMass, among others.
OFF THE BOARD
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Cameron Brandt, Wolverine
Chatsworth (CA) Sierra Canyon defensive end Cameron Brandt flipped from Stanford to Michigan on Wednesday afternoon. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Arizona, Cal, Oregon, UCLA, and USC, among others.
Brandt is listed at 6'4" and 260 lbs. As a senior in 2022, he made 61 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.
RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 80 grade, #25 DT
On3: 3-star, 88 grade, #66 DL
Rivals: 3-star, 5.7 grade, #31 DT
247 Sports: 4-star, 90 grade, #41 DL
Hit the jump for more.
Zack Marshall, Wolverine
Carlsbad (CA) Carlsbad tight end Zack Marshall committed to Michigan way back in August 2022. And since I was in the throes of fall camp for football, I didn't write up a commitment piece at the time . . . and then it slipped my mind until now. Marshall picked Michigan over offers from Arizona, Cal, Utah, and Washington State, among others. He signed with Michigan in December and enrolled in college in January.
Marshall is listed at 6'4" and 220 lbs. His Hudl profile lists him with a 4.79 forty, a 4.41 shuttle, a 32" vertical, a 265 lb. bench press, and a squat of 315 lbs. As a senior in 2022, he caught 23 passes for 284 yards and 5 touchdowns.
RANKINGS
ESPN: 3-star, 78 grade, #24 TE-H
On3: 3-star, 89 grade, #28 TE
Rivals: 3-star, 5.7 grade, #28 TE
247 Sports: 3-star, 88 grade, #46 ATH
Hit the jump for more.
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