2024 Season Countdown: #72 Jalen Hoffman

 

Jalen Hoffman (#42, image via Twitter)

Name: Jalen Hoffman
Height: 6'3”
Weight: 225 lbs.
High school: Lake Braddock (VA) Lake Braddock
Position: Tight end
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #42
Last year: I didn't rank Hoffman. He played in one game.
TTB Rating: N/A

Hoffman was a little known preferred walk-on after decommitting form Bucknell in the class of 2023. Used as a wide receiver and H-back at Lake Braddock, he caught 20 passes for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns as a senior in 2022. He runs pretty well, but he's a little bit stiff and doesn't really have the size and length you want in an ideal FBS tight end.

That sounds like a fullback. Though Hoffman is listed as a tight end, the coaching staff has him backing up Max Bredeson - also listed as a tight end, but at 6'2", 240 pounds. They are effectively fullbacks, but tight end sounds sexier. And they function a lot like the H-backs in modern spread offenses. You probably won't see Bredeson or Hoffman lined up on the line of scrimmage or running a lot of downfield routes, but they will be lead blockers and run arrow routes out of the backfield to stretch the defense laterally. I don't expect Hoffman to play a key role in 2024, but he could see some backup snaps and potentially be a guy to watch down the road once Bredeson departs.

Prediction: Backup tight end

2024 Season Countdown: #73 Jordan Marshall

 

Jordan Marshall (image via Rivals)

Name: Jordan Marshall
Height: 5'11″
Weight: 200 lbs.
High school: Cincinnati (OH) Moeller
Position: Running back
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #23
Last year: Marshall was a senior in high school (LINK). He ran for 1,550 yards, had 294 receiving yards, and scored 21 total touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 88

Marshall was perhaps the most prized recruit in the 2024 class, a 247 Composite top-100 player (#78 overall) who was very productive in high school. His offer list was solid (Ohio State, Oregon were included) but not amazing (no Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Texas, etc.). But what Michigan fans latched onto most was a perceived similarity to Blake Corum; both players have compact builds and a tough, tackle-breaking running style.

With two seniors at running back (Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings) and no clear-cut heir apparent, Marshall has a chance to stake his claim to the running back spot in 2025. That role could go to Benjamin Hall, who had an impressive spring game in 2023 but didn't play a ton during the season. It could also go to Tavierre Dunlap, a little-used player who seems to fit new running backs coach Tony Alford's personality than he did Mike Hart's. And then there's Cole Cabana, who barely played last year but has some upside with his speed and pass-catching ability. Regardless, my belief is that Marshall will have an expanded role in 2025 as either the #1 or #2 back, so I think it would be good to get him some carries in 2024. He's unlikely to pass up Edwards or Mullings, but he could be the #3 back, a slot which has averaged 42 carries over the past three seasons.

Prediction: Backup running back

2024 Season Countdown: #74 Nathan Efobi

 

Nathan Efobi

Name: Nathan Efobi
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 285 lbs.
High school: Cumming (GA) South Forsyth
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #55
Last year: I ranked Efobi #109 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He redshirted.
TTB Rating: 68

Efobi joined the program as a part of the class of 2023, a raw offensive lineman who needed some time to refine his technique and work on his body. He went from being listed at 6'4" and 295 pounds last year to losing an inch (now 6'3") and 10 pounds (now 285) for the 2024 season. Even though Michigan lost six offensive linemen from the national championship-winning team last season, Efobi does not appear to be in line to be much of a factor for 2024. With Josh Priebe and Giovanni El-Hadi slated to start at offensive guard, Efobi will have to battle with players like Connor Jones, Dominick Giudice, and Raheem Anderson II for a backup role.

On a side note, in the transfer portal era, it seems like position switches might not be such a big emphasis: why switch a guy from offensive guard to defensive tackle and hope he can play when you can just recruit a proven defensive tackle as a transfer? But Efobi seems like a player who, in some universes, might benefit from a switch to defensive tackle.

Prediction: Backup offensive guard

2024 Season Countdown: #75 Jason Hewlett

 

Jason Hewlett

Name: Jason Hewlett
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 224 lbs.
High school: Youngstown (OH) Chaney
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #19
Last year: I ranked Hewlett #96 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He redshirted.
TTB Rating: 81

Hewlett, as expected, didn't see any game action in 2023. He was a freshman listed at 6'3" and 215 pounds, and that's not a recipe for playing time. Even this year his 224 pound listing is a little too light to be a major factor for playing time. The thing that bumps Hewlett up the list for me is his athleticism. He has the profile to be a potential contributor on special teams, where the speed and aggression he showed on his high school film can start to show through. He's blocked at linebacker by Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann, not to mention Jimmy Rolder and Jaydon Hood; the rest of the linebacker depth chart is in question, but Hewlett will be in a battle for scraps of defensive playing time. If he wants to see the field this fall, it will almost certainly come on special teams.

Prediction: Backup linebacker, special teamer

2024 Season Countdown: #76 Joey Klunder

 

Joey Klunder

Name: Joey Klunder
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 276 lbs.
High school: Grosse Pointe (MI) South
Position: Defensive end
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #93
Last year: I ranked Klunder #119 and said he would be a backup defensive end (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: N/A

Klunder was a preferred walk-on from South a couple seasons ago and has yet to make a big impact in the football program. This is projecting a pretty big jump for Klunder, all the way from #119 last year to #76 this season. Michigan has some questionable depth on the defensive line; there are bodies but not a ton of experience, and Michigan tried to find a defensive tackle or two in the portal, unsuccessfully.

A starting job is out of reach for Klunder at this point, but he's put on a considerable amount of weight during his time in college - up 23 pounds since last year - and may be able to absorb some snaps that might otherwise go to freshmen trying to retain their redshirts, such as Ted Hammond. It's possible that Klunder might be ahead of some second-year players, too, such as Brooks Bahr. Either way, I wouldn't be surprised to see Klunder get on the field for a few games this season.

Prediction: Backup defensive lineman

2024 Season Countdown: #77 Jayden Denegal

 

Jayden Denegal

Name: Jayden Denegal
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 235 lbs.
High school: Apple Valley (CA) Apple Valley
Position: Quarterback
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #4
Last year: I ranked Denegal #104 and said he would be a backup quarterback (LINK). He completed 4/5 passes for 1 touchdown and ran 4 times for 10 yards.
TTB Rating: 61

Denegal entered Michigan's program in the class of 2022, one year behind J.J. McCarthy and alongside Alex Orji. In the head-to-head battle with Orji, it might seem to be neck-and-neck. Last year Denegal was the only one of the two to attempt a pass (completing 4 out of 5 passes, in fact), but Orji was the complementary run threat down the stretch (15 carries for 86 yards and 1 touchdown in 2023). Denegal's lone touchdown was a mop-up throw to Peyton O'Leary as the final score in a 45-7 victory.

While quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell said Denegal has improved a bunch since arriving on campus, he appears to be running at least fourth in the race for the quarterback job. Orji is in the lead pack, along with Jack Tuttle and Davis Warren. With an eye toward the future, maybe the coaching staff even views Jadyn Davis as the "next man up" after those first three. Denegal clearly has the size advantage at 6'5" and 235 pounds (compared to Davis's 6'1", 202) and poses a bigger running threat than Davis, but his ability to process defenses and deliver accurate passes will determine his future. This season will probably be another mop-up year for Denegal, but it's also a season that might not provide many mop-up opportunities.

Prediction: Backup quarterback

2024 Season Countdown: #78 Jo'Ziah Edmond

 

Jo'Ziah Edmond (image via SI)

Name: Jo'Ziah Edmond
Height: 6'1”
Weight: 180 lbs.
High school: Indianapolis (IN) Northwood
Position: Cornerback
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Edmond was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 64 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble; he caught 65 passes for 505 yards and 7 touchdowns; and he ran 26 times for 204 yards and 4 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 82

Michigan really needed cornerbacks in the 2024 class. When they were recruiting for 2024, they probably didn't even realize how badly they needed corners. Because at one time D.J. Waller and Cam Calhoun looked like they might be Michigan's cornerbacks of the future, as long as they could hold off classmate Jyaire Hill. But now that Waller and Calhoun will be suiting up for Kentucky and Utah, respectively, in the fall of 2024, the future at the position is very murky.

Luckily, Purdue is no match for Michigan on the recruiting trail, so the Wolverines were able to flip Edmond. He could be "next" after Will Johnson graduates, but Michigan also brought in transfers Aamir Hall (Albany) and Ricky Johnson (UNLV) to help at the position. At one time it seemed like Edmond might be forced into early action - just like Jacob Oden at safety - but now Michigan has options at the position. With Will Johnson locking down one side, the other corner probably comes down to Hill or Hall; then comes the battle for the #4 spot, and Edmond could be that guy. If Michigan envisions Edmond as the heir apparent for Johnson's spot, then I would expect him to get some snaps this year. Luckily, Michigan does have other potential contributors at that spot, such as Kody Jones and Myles Pollard.

Prediction: Backup cornerback

2024 Season Countdown: #79 Andrew Sprague

 

Andrew Sprague

Name: Andrew Sprague
Height: 6'8”
Weight: 295 lbs.
High school: Kansas City (MO) Rockhurst
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Sprague was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 14 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 pass breakup on defense.
TTB Rating: 89

I wrote a scouting report on Sprague (LINK) that probably has more relevant information than the commitment post linked above, but Sprague is a high-level tackle prospect whom the Michigan coaches seem particularly excited to get on the field. A giant human at 6'8", he still has to put on some weight, but it's probably a good thing he hasn't been carrying around 320 pounds his entire high school career; being lighter helped him play basketball and probably added some time to his career if he develops into an NFL-level type of player. In that scouting report, I mentioned that Sprague had a lot of technical work to do based on his junior film . . . and I think he got noticeably better as a senior.

The sheer depth of Michigan's offensive line should prevent Sprague from being needed immediately in 2024, and with three guys - Myles Hinton, Jeff Persi, Andrew Gentry - having a legitimate shot at starting, the Wolverines shouldn't need him to make an immediate impact like Brady Hoke needed Mason Cole to do back in 2014. It may be a good idea to get Sprague some snaps to prepare him for 2025, because both Hinton and Persi won't be returning next year. I think Sprague will be starting for Michigan by year three at least, but this should be a developmental season.

2024 Season Countdown: #80 Henry Donohue

 

Henry Donohue (#49, image via My Hometown Bronxville)

Name: Henry Donohue
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 209 lbs.
High school: Bronxville (NY) Bronxville
Position: Running back
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #49
Last year: I ranked Donohue #117 and said he would be a backup running back and special teamer (LINK). He had 1 carry for 3 yards.
TTB Rating: N/A

Donohue is a special teams player and running back who has earned carries for the past two seasons. Last year his lone carry came against UNLV, but he played special teams in five games overall. His role seems to be increasing some, and this year he added another seven pounds to his 5'11" frame. While he will never factor into the running back rotation - unless there's a major spate of injuries - he might continue to see an increasing role on special teams units. This year will be tough to get on the field as a backup running back because the schedule is more difficult than in most recent years.

Prediction: Backup running back, special teamer

2024 Season Countdown: #81 Brooks Bahr

 

Brooks Bahr (#99)

Name: Brooks Bahr
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 298 lbs.
High school: Lake Forest (IL) Loyola
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #51
Last year: I ranked Bahr #120 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He redshirted.
TTB Rating: 71

After being coached by former Illinois and NFL linebacker John Holecek in high school, Bahr was one of those tweener freshmen in 2023, the kind of player who comes in tall and somewhat thin (if 280 can be considered thin) and doesn't really have a place. Does he lose weight and play defensive end? Or does he add weight to become a defensive tackle? Either direction was going to take some time, so Bahr redshirted.

Now it's 2024, and we see which direction Michigan has Bahr going: defensive tackle-ward. He's up to 298 pounds this season, which is defensive tackle-adjacent, but it's probably not where he needs to be to get on the field. At 6'5" that's not a ton of bulk. Add in the technique work he needed coming out of high school, and he probably still needs another year in the oven before he's really ready for prime time. Bahr might start getting some snaps in certain situations, but I don't think we're going to see him on the field much in 2024.

Prediction: Backup defensive tackle

2024 Season Countdown: #82 Channing Goodwin

 

Channing Goodwin

Name: Channing Goodwin
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 185 lbs.
High school: Charlotte (NC) Providence Day
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Goodwin was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 65 catches for 1,094 yards and 14 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 72

Goodwin is a Michigan legacy who seemed like a pretty good bet all along to end up as a Wolverine. Of course, that's not always the case, because I thought the same thing about tight end Will Mallory back in 2018 - among others over the years - and I was wrong. (Mallory committed to Miami and made 115 catches for 1,544 yards and 14 touchdowns before being taken by the Colts in the 5th round in 2023.) But Channing played alongside quarterback Jadyn Davis, and why not go to the same school where you might be able to maintain the chemistry you developed in high school? It has seemed to work for Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase as they moved from LSU to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Goodwin is not particularly big, nor is he particularly fast. Usually, it seems like you have to be one or the other to make a big impact as a freshman. While he may have been in line for more playing time prior to a couple transfers, the arrivals of C.J. Charleston (Youngstown State) and Amorion Walker (Ole Miss) to the receiving group make Goodwin a good redshirt candidate. I'm going to count on him being able to block since his dad was an NFL offensive lineman, so perhaps that will get him on the field early, but he probably won't be a big factor in 2024.

Prediction: Redshirt

2024 Season Countdown: #83 Ike Iwunnah

 

Ike Iwunnah (image via Maize 'n' Brew)

Name: Ikechukwu Iwunnah
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 313 lbs.
High school: Garland (TX) Lakeview Centennial
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #92
Last year: I ranked Iwunnah #79 and said he would be a backup nose tackle (LINK). He did not play in any games.
TTB Rating: 75

Michigan has been blessed the past few years by having some very good defensive tackles. The Wolverines have a couple potential first round picks in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, so it makes sense that a backup defensive tackle would have a hard time cracking the rotation. Graham and Grant are guaranteed snaps, and then everyone else is just going to fill in the gaps.

But this type of thing with Iwunnah doesn't happen very often: he's a fourth-year 300-pounder who has never played in a game for Michigan. When he arrived from Texas, he was going to be a bit of a project, so not playing in year one was somewhat expected. Then you think that type of guy will get a few snaps in year two, but not in his case. But surely in year three? Not so surely.

So now we're entering year four, and I don't know what to make of Iwunnah. Kris Jenkins and Cam Goode are gone, and Rayshaun Benny is the only heavy-rotation player still left behind the aforementioned Graham and Grant. Roderick Pierce will certainly play a role at nose tackle, but Michigan went after some defensive tackles in the portal and they were unsuccessful. The Wolverines were even messing around with walk-on Joey Klunder and defensive end-turned-defensive tackle Enow Etta in the spring game. Iwunnah got some snaps this spring, too, but it looks like he might be one of those guys who doesn't really play at Michigan and then transfers to a MAC school as a grad transfer, like Keith Heitzman or Wyatt Shallman or Tom Strobel. This season I wouldn't be surprised if a player like freshman Deyvid Palepale immediately steps in and passes Iwunnah on the depth chart, because something obviously isn't clicking.

Prediction: Backup defensive tackle

2024 Season Countdown: #84 Joel Metzger

 

Joel Metzger (image via Umich CSE)

Name: Joel Metzger
Height: 6’1"
Weight: 226 lbs.
High school: Battle Creek (MI) Lakeview
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #54
Last year: I ranked Metzger #114 and said he would be a backup linebacker (LINK). He played in two games on special teams.
TTB Rating: N/A

Metzger redshirted in 2022 but had a pretty decent couple years for a redshirt freshman walk-on. Not only did he play in two games last year, but he was named Special Teams Scout Team Player of the Year in 2022. That seems to be a good upward trajectory for a young player, going from scout team player of the year to getting in two games. One would expect him to play even more in 2024. I still don't think he'll be a factor in the linebacker rotation, but he seems to be developing into a solid player. We'll see if new special teams coach J.B. Brown thinks of him in the same way as the departed Jay Harbaugh.

Prediction: Backup linebacker, special teamer

2024 Season Countdown: #85 Cole Sullivan

 

Cole Sullivan

Name: Cole Sullivan
Height: 6’3"
Weight: 215 lbs.
High school: Pittsburgh (PA) Central Catholic
Position: Linebacker
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #18
Last year: Sullivan was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 105 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 3 blocked punts; he also caught 36 passes for 450 yards and 9 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 87

Linebacker might not be the sexiest position, but Sullivan might be the most tantalizing prospect in the class of 2024. Lots of comparisons have been made between Sullivan and former Michigan linebacker/tight end/defensive end Chase Winovich, who made 44.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks during his time in Ann Arbor before becoming a 3rd round pick of the New England Patriots. Winovich started as a linebacker, bounced to tight end, and then finally settled in at defensive end, where his non-stop motor helped him terrorize opposing quarterbacks. Sullivan is the same height (6'3") but a little bit lighter.

That's not to say that Sullivan will be a defensive end, though I think he could be an outside linebacker in Michigan's defensive system. I think Sullivan is a little better of an athlete than Winovich. Whether he has the same tenacity remains to be seen. Regardless, 215 pounds is pretty light for most positions on defense. He's probably a year away from seeing the field much because of that lack of bulk, but Michigan could potentially use his athleticism on special teams. If preserving eligibility isn't a concern, I would love to use someone like Sullivan on kickoff or punt coverage units. Much like Jimmy Rolder last year, I would expect to see Sullivan play in up to four games while still keeping his redshirt.

Prediction: Redshirt

2024 Season Countdown: #86 Dale Chesson

 

Dale Chesson

Name: Dale Chesson
Height: 6’0"
Weight: 190 lbs.
High school: St. Louis (MO) Ladue Horton Watkins
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Sixth year senior
Jersey number: #84
Last year: I did not rank Chesson. He did not play.
TTB Rating: N/A

Chesson is one of the oddest roster additions in recent years, making an under-the-radar appearance over the summer in 2023. The younger brother of former Michigan - and NFL - receiver Jehu Chesson, I was aware of when he was coming out of high school several years ago. But his size and athleticism weren't on the same level as Jehu's, so Dale went to a school without much of an academic reputation called . . . Dartmouth. He had an impressive showing as a junior in 2021 with 21 catches for 259 yards and 2 touchdowns in just four games, but he barely played in 2022 and then just happened to appear on Michigan's roster in 2023.

He didn't get on the field during the 2023 season, but he did get a ring, so that's nice.

Michigan needs help at receiver in 2024, but I'm not sure it will come from Chesson. For being a sixth year senior, he really doesn't have a ton of production to his name (29 catches, 341 yards, 2 touchdowns) and he also doesn't add much size to a receiving crew that is lacking most in the size department. The Wolverines had a bunch of small receivers, and their lone answer for adding size was a skinny, 6'3" Amorion Walker. Chesson doesn't really answer any questions that Michigan had going into the off-season. But he could potentially step in on some special teams units or perhaps take a few snaps that could help a freshman or two preserve a redshirt.

Prediction: Backup wide receiver

2024 Season Countdown: #87 Jacob Oden

 

Jacob Oden (image via Twitter)

Name: Jacob Oden
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 206 lbs.
High school: Harper Woods (MI) Harper Woods
Position: Safety
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #5
Last year: Oden was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 56 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 14 pass breakups while scoring 2 defensive touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 80

Oden is the son of a former walk-on fullback at Michigan, so the recruitment did not seem to be a difficult one. He was an ardent member of the 2024 class even when Jim Harbaugh was headed to the NFL. But Oden wasn't just a legacy recruit. He finished as a 247 Composite 4-star, the #27 safety, and #293 overall while also fielding offers from Auburn, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and others.

Oden enrolled early and could be on track to play some this season. In fact, he might have been one of the top few safeties if not for some late developments, such as landing Wesley Walker (Tennessee) and Jaden Mangham (Michigan State), while also securing the return of Quinten Johnson. That affords Oden a little more time to develop. He seems to have put on some good weight since his junior year, and Michigan now lists him at 206 pounds, which is good bulk for someone who's 6'1". Michigan now has the numbers to let Oden redshirt, but considering that he might be in line to start in 2025 (Makari Paige, Rod Moore, Johnson, and Walker could all move on), the coaching staff may want to get him some on-field experience.

Prediction: Backup safety

2024 Season Countdown: #88 Alessandro Lorenzetti

 

Alessandro Lorenzetti

Name: Alessandro Lorenzetti
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 301 lbs.
High school: Windsor (CT) Loomis Chaffee
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #89
Last year: I ranked Lorenzetti #110 and said he would be a backup defensive tackle (LINK). He did not play.
TTB Rating: 85

So far in his career, Alessandro Lorenzetti has helped me look a little silly for giving him a TTB Rating of 85 as an offensive lineman. I loved the quickness and consistency of his feet as an offensive lineman, even if he was coming from Canada and Connecticut, where the competition isn't necessarily great. By his second year on campus, he was moved to defensive tackle and has been far enough down the depth chart that he hasn't seen the field on either side of the ball.

Now going into year three, there's still no buzz about Lorenzetti. Michigan does need some rotational pieces after Kris Jenkins and Cam Goode both moved on, and the Wolverines tried to find defensive tackle depth in the transfer portal. Behind Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham, the depth chart gets a little fuzzy, especially if Rayshaun Benny isn't fully recovered from his broken ankle. It would be very surprising to see Lorenzetti jump up into the second-team realm, but there's a chance he could see some mop-up duty. On the plus side, he's up from 289 pounds to 301, so if a lack of bulk was holding him back, perhaps he's one step closer to getting on the field. Hopefully he can at least be helpful on the practice field, and perhaps his outlook will improve if Graham and Grant move on to the NFL after this season.

Prediction: Backup defensive tackle

2024 Season Countdown: #89 Owen Wafle

 

Owen Wafle

Name: Owen Wafle
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 280 lbs.
High school: Princeton (NJ) The Hun School
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Wafle was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 16 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.
TTB Rating: 73

Wafle was a flip from Notre Dame and is known for his quickness and versatility. He could play defensive tackle or perhaps defensive end, and I even threw out the idea that he could end up as a fullback. He has a younger brother, Luke, who is a top-200 player being recruited by Michigan as an edge player and a tight end end by various schools for 2026. Versatility is the name of the game in the Wafle household.

Owen Wafle is one of those guys who I could see working his way into playing time as a freshman. If Greg Mattison were still the defensive line coach, I would think Wafle would play early. I'm largely unfamiliar with how new defensive line coach Lou Esposito will rotate and reward his guys, so that's a question mark. It would be a huge surprise for Wafle to make a big impact in 2024, but he could get a little bit of playing time to prepare him for 2025, when there's a good chance that both Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant will be in the NFL.

Prediction: Redshirt

2024 Season Countdown: #90 I'Marion Stewart

 

I'Marion Stewart (image via 247 Sports)

Name: I'Marion Stewart
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180 lbs.
High school: Chicago (IL) Kenwood
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Stewart was a senior in high school (LINK). He caught 38 passes for 909 yards and 9 touchdowns, and he ran 14 times for 128 yards and 3 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 80

Stewart is a diminutive wide receiver prospect who shows impressive speed on his high school film. He's listed at 5'10" and 180 pounds, which is approximately the same size as 2023 freshman contributor Semaj Morgan (5'10", 176). The new NCAA '25 video game (BUY IT HERE) gives Stewart a speed rating of 92, which is tied for fourth on the team. That speed shows through with numerous big plays and an average of 23.9 yards per catch. Stewart was ranked as a 4-star, the #50 wide receiver, and #309 overall in the 247 Composite.

Freshman wide receivers are perfectly capable of making an impact on the field, but the Wolverines brought in transfer portal options in the form of C.J. Charleston (Youngstown State) and Amorion Walker (Ole Miss) while also having young up-and-comers like Tyler Morris, Frederick Moore, and the aforementioned Morgan. Stewart could potentially factor in as a receiver or returner, but I'm guessing he will be similar to Karmello English, who caught 1 pass and had 1 punt return while playing in six games in 2023.

Prediction: Backup wide receiver

2024 Season Countdown: #91 Blake Frazier

 

Blake Frazier

Name: Blake Frazier
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 275 lbs.
High school: Austin (TX) Vandegrift
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #77
Last year: Frazier was a senior in high school (LINK).
TTB Rating: 89

Blake Frazier is another legacy player at Michigan, and being a Michigan legacy means you're going to be awesome, just like Will Johnson and Aidan Hutchinson. There are absolutely no exceptions to that rule. The son of former center Steve Frazier, Blake committed in April of 2023 and remained solid through the coaching transition. Frazier ended the cycle as a 4-star, the #14 offensive tackle, and #169 overall in the 247 Composite rankings.

While he has length and athleticism, the spring game was a little bit rough. He had some flat-out whiffs and just kind of froze a couple times. I believe the recognition and reaction will speed up, but in April he was supposed to be worried about prom, not about 250 lb. 21-year-old men trying to beat him to the quarterback. This will probably be a redshirt year for Frazier. But there will be some openings along the offensive line in 2025 after Myles Hinton and Jeffrey Persi move on.

Prediction: Redshirt

2024 Season Countdown: #92 Ben Roebuck

 

Ben Roebuck

Name: Ben Roebuck
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 330 lbs.
High school: Lakewood (OH) St. Edward's
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Roebuck was a senior in high school (LINK).
TTB Rating: 64

Roebuck is a mammoth offensive lineman who committed to the Wolverines in March of 2023. He and fellow Ohioan offensive lineman Luke Hamilton had some fun exchanges about Ohio State on Twitter, ingratiating them with Michigan fans. Players from Ohio who don't get recruited by OSU have a chip on their shoulders when it comes to the Buckeyes, which may help down the road.

Anyway, Roebuck finished the cycle as a 247 Composite 3-star, the #41 offensive tackle, and #539 overall player. I pointed out some issues in his original commitment post, and those issues still existed in his senior highlights: he's a huge player who doesn't really finish blocks with a lot of ferocity, and he's limited athletically (doesn't show a lot of foot quickness, doesn't bend particularly well, etc.).

After having played tackle in high school, I think Roebuck will have to move inside to guard. That should help mitigate some of the above issues. I had some of the same concerns about Michael Onwenu, and Onwenu played as a freshman, so perhaps Roebuck's size will be too overwhelming to keep off the field. Maybe he'll get a few snaps late in games. Ultimately, I'll think he'll play in four games or fewer and keep his redshirt.

Prediction: Redshirt

Ivan Taylor, Wolverine

 

Winter Garden (FL) West Orange safety Ivan Taylor (image via Orange Observer)

Winter Garden (FL) West Orange safety Ivan Taylor flipped from Notre Dame to Michigan.

Taylor is listed at 6'0" and 174 pounds. As a junior in 2023, he made 45 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 pass breakup.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 85 grade, #5 S, #41 overall
On3: 4-star, 92 grade, #14 S, #132 overall
Rivals: 4-star, 5.9 grade, #11 S, #102 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 94 grade, #2 S, #41 overall

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2024 Season Countdown: #93 Lugard Edokpayi

 

Lugard Edokpayi (image via SI)

Name: Lugard Edokpayi
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 225 lbs.
High school: Bowie (MD) Bishop McNamara
Position: Defensive end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Edokpayi was a senior in high school. He made 22 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 5 pass breakups.
TTB Rating: 84

Maybe it's just my perception, but Edokpayi is one of the most overlooked members of the 2024 class, especially because he's #152 overall in the 247 Composite. Michigan got a highly ranked edge rusher, and nobody seems to talk about him. And that includes me, because I never wrote a commitment post for him.

Edokpayi is a 6'6", 225 lb. athlete who made a somewhat obvious choice to pick Michigan; other suitors included Florida State, Minnesota, Rutgers, and Tennessee, so it wasn't exactly a who's-who of colleges, especially for a top-200 player. He only played in six games as a senior due to injury, so his numbers don't exactly jump out, either. Bishop McNamara also used him as a wide receiver, and while he shows decent speed, there's not a lot of smoothness to his ability to catch the football. I don't think he's in danger of being moved to tight end.

But Edokpayi does have a nice, natural stance and a good get-off. His first step is very good, and he shows some nice lateral quickness to keep offensive tackles guessing. 247 mentions him having an 84" wingspan, and when you combine that with his ability to dip his inside shoulder and use his quickness, I think Michigan has a very good prospect here. It will take some time for his strength to catch up to the rest of his attributes, so we're probably looking at a redshirt season. But if he's added some strength, he could be a dark horse to be one of those freshmen who makes 1 or 2 sacks and shows a glimpse of what's to come in the future.

Prediction: Redshirt

2024 Season Countdown: #94 Micah Ka'apana

 

Micah Ka'apana

Name: Micah Ka'apana
Height: 5'11″
Weight: 190 lbs.
High school: Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman
Position: Running back
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Ka'apana was a senior in high school (LINK). He ran for 732 yards and 9 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 66

One player with a tantalizing high school highlights reel is running back Micah Ka'apana. A product of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, he plays with a lot of other star players, so it's tough to gauge how well a player like him would produce on a more ho-hum team. But his junior highlights consist of a ton of long runs through huge holes. He averaged over 12 yards per carry that season and scored a total of 19 touchdowns on just 81 targets, which means he scored on almost 25% of his carries.

Michigan has usually been able to give at least three running backs a pretty good number of carries. With Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings likely to take a huge chunk of the touches, the real question is about who emerges as that third back. Some people are penciling in fellow freshman Jordan Marshall, while second-year player Ben Hall is also an intriguing option. Ka'apana is a speedy player with big-play potential, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield. Altogether, Michigan has a good mix of speedy players (Edwards, Ka'apana, Cole Cabana) and pound-the-rock types (Mullings, Hall, Marshall) to be able to do a variety of things with play calling and personnel. I think Ka'apana will probably get a few carries in mop-up duty if possible, but he's likely to play in four games or fewer so he can keep his redshirt.

Prediction: Redshirt

2025 Recruiting Update: July 7, 2024

 

Kainoa Winston and Sherrone Moore

COMMITMENTS

I recently put up commitment posts for the following players:

• RB Donovan Johnson (LINK)
• RB Jasper Parker (LINK)
• WR Jacob Washington (LINK)
• OL Kaden Strayhorn (LINK)
• DE Julius Holly (LINK)
• LB Chase Taylor (LINK)
• S Kainoa Winston (LINK)

OFF THE BOARD

Las Vegas (NV) Bishop Gorman offensive guard Seuseu Alofaituli (4-star, #3 IOL, #70 overall) committed to Miami. He had visited Michigan officially at the beginning of June and was a teammate of incoming freshman running back Micah Ka'apana.

Princeton (NJ) Hun School linebacker Kamar Archie (4-star, #32 LB, #286 overall) committed to Rutgers. He had visited Michigan several times and took an official to Ann Arbor in late June. There were rumors long ago that Michigan might be "too big of a stage" for his liking, so perhaps that was an important factor in his decision.

Hit the jump for more.

2024 Season Countdown: #95 Chibi Anwunah

 

Chibi Anwunah (image via ESPN)

Name: Chibi Anwunah
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 268 lbs.
High school: Canton (MI) Plymouth Christian
Position: Edge
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #95 #97
Last year: I ranked Anwunah #121 and said he would be a backup defensive end (LINK). He did not play.
TTB Rating: N/A

Anwunah has had a little bit of a ride during his college career so far, bouncing back and forth between the tight end and edge positions. Last year he was listed at 6'5" and 242 pounds, so he has put on 26 pounds since the previous weight update. That's a significant change and may indicate a little more readiness to play. At his height, it might be kind of difficult to see the field at 242, but 268 is a much more playable size.

The edge positions appear to be pretty set for this fall with Derrick Moore and Josaiah Stewart looking like the starters, and with people like Enow Etta, T.J. Guy, Cameron Brandt, and Kechaun Bennett all vying for playing time. Anwunah is unlikely to beat out many - if any - of those guys, but it's possible that he could get a few snaps if there are some blowout opportunities.

Prediction: Backup defensive end

2024 Season Countdown: #96 Joshua Nichols

 

Joshua Nichols (image via Instagram)

Name: Joshua Nichols
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 196 lbs.
High school: Detroit (MI) Loyola
Position: Safety
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #29
Last year: I ranked Nichols #102 and said he would be a backup safety and special teamer (LINK). He did not play.
TTB Rating: N/A

Nichols came in as a decently talented safety, but he has yet to see the field at Michigan. Over two seasons on campus, he has been unable to crack the rotation or even end up on special teams, the latter of which I thought was pretty likely in 2023. This spring he got a bit of a bad rap when he was beaten for a long touchdown by redshirt freshman wide receiver Kendrick Bell, but that was a case where Nichols was forced into action at cornerback due to the split squad setup of the spring game.

Michigan has faced some departures at safety this off-season with guys like Keon Sabb transferring to Alabama and Rod Moore heading off to ACL rehab land. But they brought in reinforcements like Wesley Walker and Jaden Mangham, so Nichols isn't any further up the depth chart. His best bet is still getting on the field as a special teams guy. We'll see if year three pays off for him.

Prediction: Backup safety and special teamer

2024 Season Countdown: #97 Jadyn Davis

 

Jadyn Davis

Name: Jadyn Davis
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 203 lbs.
High school: Charlotte (NC) Providence Day
Position: Quarterback
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #2
Last year: Davis was a senior in high school (LINK). He completed 204/288 (70.8%) of his passes for 3,370 yards, 43 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, while also rushing for 3 touchdowns.
TTB Rating: 68

Davis was one of the highest profile commitments in Michigan's 2024 class. He finished the cycle ranked as a 4-star, the #9 quarterback, and #112 overall in the 247 Composite. Throwing the ball to Michigan commit and legacy Channing Goodwin - along with other elite players - Davis led his high school team to a state championship and put up great numbers, especially with completing 70.8% of his throws, which is superb for a high schooler.

Davis joins a team that is unlikely to use him this season. He enrolled early, but at a listed 6'1" and 203 pounds, he has some physical limitations. After considering what else Michigan has in the pipeline, I dropped his TTB Rating pretty precipitously from an 87 to a 68; with the transfer portal the way it is, I'm not sure Davis will hang around long enough to be a starter. Furthermore, Michigan has very little history of playing quarterbacks who are so slight but somewhat lacking in mobility; Denard Robinson was 6'1" but super fast and Shea Patterson (6'2", 202) was known for making plays with his legs. I see Davis as a 6'1" (but probably shorter) pocket quarterback, and that's just a tough thing to do at a place like Michigan with a bunch of 6'6" linemen.

Additionally, Michigan seems to have a three-way battle for the starting quarterback position, including Alex Orji, Jack Tuttle, and Davis Warren. Jadyn Davis would be a great scout team quarterback during the week, but if he gets on the field, it will likely only be in mop-up duty during a blowout or two. And considering that Orji and Warren both have eligibility into 2025 and beyond, Davis would likely have to bide his time for two or three years before having a legitimate shot to play.

Prediction: Redshirt

Kainoa Winston, Wolverine

 

Kainoa Winston and Sherrone Moore (image via Rivals)

Washington (DC) Gonzaga safety Kainoa Winston committed to Michigan on June 14, 2024. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Florida, Georgia, LSU, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State, among others.

Winston is listed at 5'10" and 185 pounds. He reportedly holds the 200 meter dash record at Gonzaga with a time of 21.58.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 84 grade, #4 S, #42 overall
On3: 4-star, 92 grade, #11 S, #103 overall
Rivals: 3-star, 5.7 grade, #36 S
247 Sports: 4-star, 94 grade, #3 S, #43 overall

Hit the jump for more.

Julius Holly, Wolverine

 

Alpharetta (GA) Alpharetta defensive end Julius Holly (image via Rivals)

Alpharetta (GA) Alpharetta defensive end Julius Holly committed to Michigan. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Georgia, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M, among others.

Holly is listed at 6'3" and 230 pounds. As a junior in 2023, he made 57 tackles, 8 sacks, 3 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble. He claims a 4.8 forty, a 4.63 shuttle, an 8'10" broad jump, and a 79.6" broad jump.

RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 80 grade, #34 DE
On3: 4-star, 90 grade, #25 DE, #236 overall
Rivals: 4-star, 5.8 grade, #22 WDE
247 Sports: 3-star, 89 grade, #31 EDGE

Hit the jump for more.