2020 Michigan Football Depth Chart

Submitted by MaizeBlueA2 on December 1st, 2019 at 12:19 PM

While we continue to search for answers...I've started to look to next year. Obviously draft decisions need to be made, there will be transfers and 5th years that aren't renewed. There will also be position changes and I'm sure I missed quite a few...but still can't edit the OP!

QB:
1. Dylan McCaffrey
2. Joe Milton
3. Cade McNamara

RB:
1. Zach Charbonnet / Hassan Haskins
3. Tru Wilson
4. Christian Turner / Blake Corum
6. Ben VanSumeren
7. Gaige Garcia

RB/WR/SLOT:
1. Mike Sainristil
2. Giles Jackson
3. Eamonn Dennis

FB:
1. Ben Mason
2. Ben VanSumeren

WR:
1. Donovan Peoples-Jones
2. George Johnson
3. Roman Wilson

WR:
1. Tarik Black
2. Cornelius Johnson

WR:
1. Ronnie Bell
2. AJ Henning
3. Jake McCurry

TE:
1. Nick Eubanks
2. Erick All
3. Luke Schoonmaker
4. Matthew Hibner
5. Nick Patterson

LT:
1. Jalen Mayfield
2. Ryan Hayes
3. Karsen Barnhart
4. Trevor Keegan
5. Jeffrey Persi

LG:
1. Chuck Filiaga
2. Jack Stewart
3. Micah Mazzccua

C:
1. Cesar Ruiz
2. Andrew Vastardis
3. Zach Carpenter
4. Reece Atteberry

RG:
1. Joel Honigford 
2. Nolan Rumler
3. Zak Zinter

RT:
1. Andrew Stueber
2. Ryan Hayes
3. Trente Jones

EDGE:
1. Kwity Paye
2. Luiji Vilian
3. Taylor Upshaw
4. David Ojabo

DT:
1. Carlo Kemp
2. Donovan Jeter
3. Mazi Smith
4. Phillip Paea

DT:
1. Michael Dwumfour
2. Chris Hinton / Jess Speight
4. Kris Jenkins

ANCHOR:
1. Aidan Hutchinson
2. Julius Welschof / Braiden McGregor
4. Gabe Newburg / Mike Morris
6. Aaron Lewis

WLB:
1. Josh Ross
2. Devin Gil
3. Jordan Anthony
4. Jordan Morant
5. Nikhil Hill-Green

MLB:
1. Cameron McGrone
2. Josh Ross
3. Jordan Anthony
4. Charles Thomas
5. Kalel Mullings / Cornell Wheeler

VIPER:
1. Michael Barrett
2. Anthony Solomon
3. Joey Velazquez
4. Osman Savage / William Mohan

CB:
1. Ambry Thomas
2. DJ Turner
3. Andre Seldon

CB:
1. Vincent Gray
2. Gemon Green / Jalen Perry

NB:
1. Jaylen Kelly-Powell
2. German Green

S:
1. Daxton Hill
2. Sammy Faustin / Makari Paige

S:
1. Brad Hawkins
2. Quinten Johnson / RJ Moten

K:
1. Jake Moody

P:
1. Will Hart
2. Brad Robbins

MGoBoard
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MaizeBlueA2

December 1st, 2019 at 12:34 PM ^

He started his career at LT and played it as a freshman. Who knows though...all 3 of them (Hayes and Stueber as well) can play either spot. They'll likely just pick the best two.

But as I said below, I wonder if you could go Hayes at LT, Mayfield stays at RT and Stueber can play RG. OL should be interesting but because we've done well recruiting we actually have options.

Look at OL and the look at DBs. It's SCARY how much of a difference it is when you talk about recruiting, depth and working guys into a starting lineup.

Joined: 11/06/2018

MGoPoints: 49955

NotADuck

December 1st, 2019 at 2:45 PM ^

Hayes at LT, Mayfield at RT, and Stueber at RG seems the most likely scenario.

At DT the likelihood of Jeter making the 2-deep looks bleak at this point.  Mazi and Chris were very highly touted coming out of high school and got more playing time as the season progressed.  Jeter is no longer hurt either.  They should be at or above Jeter's level by the time fall camp rolls around unless Jeter can suddenly be good enough to play.

Joined: 12/20/2013

MGoPoints: 18268

NotADuck

December 1st, 2019 at 2:49 PM ^

I think if Shea played well all season instead of the last 3 games and the offense got out of it's own way both DPJ and Nico would be locks for the 2nd round, maybe touching the late to mid first round.  They're both fantastic athletes with great size.  Nico is a jump ball specialist with enough wheels to be a solid deep threat, if not spectacular.  DPJ has it all while being only 2 inches shorter than Nico.

If DPJ comes back next year and has a 1200 yard season he has to be a first round prospect.  The guy was a top 10 recruit out of high school for a reason.  He has everything you need for his position.

Joined: 12/20/2013

MGoPoints: 18268

tspoon

December 1st, 2019 at 3:57 PM ^

... except a track record sure hands.  In a year where there is a MASSIVE pool of talent available in the draft, his inconsistencies in holding onto the ball will get nit picked.

No doubt he is an NFL athlete. And he has made many, many plays. But we shouldn’t kid ourselves (more importantly, he shouldn’t kid himself) that the drops throughout his body of work to-date will be overlooked.

In a normal draft year, I’d say he would go. This year, it’s not so clear cut.

The X-factor in all of this is his view on the QB situation. If he thinks the 2020 QB will struggle, that may be a real argument in favor of him leaving. Otherwise, he has a chance to materially improve his draft stock by staying a year and not only improving his skills, but also positioning himself against a far weaker pool at his position. First round profile in the 2021 draft versus likely third round (IMO) this year.

 

Joined: 07/30/2008

MGoPoints: 3814

stephenrjking

December 1st, 2019 at 1:13 PM ^

This assumes basically everybody except Nico returns, which is absolutely the best-case scenario.

It would be very disappointing if both Hinton and Smith are stuck mid-depth chart next year. The reason they aren’t playing this year, with our serious DT issues, is presumed to be that they are inexperienced. That is perfectly acceptable with DTs. But they ought to be pushing for starter-level snaps next season.

I would be absolutely delighted to get DPJ back, but I’m pessimistic. More hopeful that Tarik Black will regain his sharpness and become a genuine threat next to Ronnie Bell. There’s a chance that our offense really does carry momentum and look good next year. 

Joined: 03/15/2012

MGoPoints: 20143872

Coldwater

December 1st, 2019 at 12:30 PM ^

The offense looks good, the defense looks as brutal as it does this year.  OSU will easily drop 50 again.     I hate to be a negative Nelly, but I’m just conditioned into this state of mind.   

Joined: 12/14/2008

MGoPoints: 11234

bluepalooza

December 1st, 2019 at 1:36 PM ^

I am really trying to be positive. What makes you think they will be better next year? Michigan will lose it's best corner and not much waiting in wings (assuming Hill leaves).  The D line got pushed around by Wisconsin and OSU the last two years and there is no 330 lb run stuffers waiting in wings. The Linebackers should be better as I think Ross, McGrone and Barrett should be an upgrade.  Safety should be better with Dax starting.  I just don't see Michigan holding up in the trenches or on the outside at CB. Brown isn't going anywhere unless he decides to leave, so please explain how they will be better?  Could they be as good? yes.  Better? I just don't see it.

Joined: 09/02/2017

MGoPoints: 2776

BlueUPer

December 1st, 2019 at 1:41 PM ^

Quite simply, on the line....Smith and Hinton will be more experience, bigger and better technique-wise.  As will Kemp and Dwumfour, provided they return.  Plus, looking for a leap from someone else.  

You make the case for the back-end.  It will be better except at one position, CB.  And who knows.....that may be debatable!  

Joined: 10/03/2010

MGoPoints: 6450

GOMBLOG

December 1st, 2019 at 2:20 PM ^

Who are you looking at to leap?  There is nobody else to step up on the d-line.  DBs are going to get torched.  LBs should be pretty good.  Still no push from the d-line next year so teams like OSU will run and pass at will.  

Michigan has a QB made out of paper mache.  No big play threat at RB - Haskins and ZC are slow as fuck.  WR should be okay.  OL will have to be rebuilt so no idea how that goes.   
 

Nordin will probably be kicking in the XFL so I’m not sure what’s available for special teams.

Michigan should be 8-4 next year with what they have coming back. 

 

Joined: 08/29/2019

MGoPoints: 2349

MaizeBlueA2

December 1st, 2019 at 12:31 PM ^

Thoughts...

We still need a QB, that situation is already a little rough and it could be worse by the end of next summer. Hopefully we get CJ Stroud, a grad transfer is going to be tough knowing he won't start...just pray Milton stays if he doesn't win the starting job.

***At RB I missed Chris Evans, he'll be in the mix with Haskins and Charbonnet.***

I've got DPJ coming back and Collins leaving. DPJ and Tarik Black are best friends and it's an opportunity to become a top 10 WR in the 2021 draft. I like that group with Bell and Henning, plus Cornelius Johnson looked good this year. I like the TE group as well.

OL is tricky...Mayfield and Hayes are 100% tackles. Maybe Stueber can play RG and Honigford battle Filiaga for the LG spot.

DL is also tricky without knowing Kemp's situation. Hopefully he can get that 5th year. Dwumfour as well.

I've got Ross moving to the weakside, all in all, VIPER will be week and we've got Ross, McGrone, Gil and Anthony who've all played significant snaps. I think we see more of a traditional 4-3 or 3-4 look from time to time.

I've been extremely critical of the CB recruiting, this is why. It is going to hurt us big time next year unless Turner and Perry BOTH become starter level players this offseason. That's a big ask. Gray should be playing NB, he's too slow to hold up at CB unless it's zone. Safety depth is also a problem but I like the 2 starters.

Joined: 11/06/2018

MGoPoints: 49955

MaizeBlueA2

December 1st, 2019 at 3:55 PM ^

I didn't say it was THE reason he would stay. Of course it's not. But it doesn't hurt.

I've been saying the same thing about Milton, but that gets people upset so I've always left it alone. I had a thread that questioned whether or not we should be playing McNamara and I got DESTROYED!

Last year we played 4 QBs and got the freshman his games while also playing Brandon Peters. The year before we STARTED 3 different QBs.

We could roll into next year with McCaffrey who's been injured 2-3 times in his short career, McNamara with 0 college attempts and walk-ons. Not great. Like I said, let's hope Milton sticks it out if he's the #2.

Joined: 11/06/2018

MGoPoints: 49955

WoodleyIsBeast

December 1st, 2019 at 12:53 PM ^

If we start our two 285 pound DT’s again, I will be far more pessimistic than I am now. Love Kemp and Dwumfour, but they can’t hold up in the Big Ten. We missed Mone this year big time.  Smith/Hinton need the biggest minutes. 

Joined: 09/24/2009

MGoPoints: 39733

Wolverine 73

December 1st, 2019 at 1:44 PM ^

Agree completely.  Those two advancing significantly by the end of their second years will be key to controlling the LOS against teams like OSU and Wisconsin.  I was happy to see Hinton in there during a red zone series where he busted through and dumped Dobbins for a loss before he could get going.  A rare bright spot.  

Joined: 08/03/2009

MGoPoints: 27239

Double-D

December 1st, 2019 at 12:54 PM ^

OL typically the best five play.  

Barnhart was the 1st and only true freshman to play this year I think. 

Mayfield-Barnhart-Ruiz-Stueber-Hayes?

We would be starting 4 guys that can play tackle.

 

Joined: 12/21/2013

MGoPoints: 87515

maize-blue

December 1st, 2019 at 1:02 PM ^

CB's seem like the soft part of the defense. 

Offense should be pretty decent, if Milton or McCaffery pan out.

Joined: 01/10/2013

MGoPoints: 44662

Jimmyisgod

December 1st, 2019 at 1:58 PM ^

Ruiz will grade out as a top 2-3 center. Paye will grade out 3rd round. Kemp has already said this is his last season. DPJ will leave.  Black is a mystery, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s not here next season. lol Dwumfour get another year?  I think if 3 of those 6 return it would be a big surprise. 

Joined: 01/24/2012

MGoPoints: 10342