Team depth 2023
Not doing a depth chart because we have done enough of those, but I was just thinking with the additions from the portal we have had, there aren’t too many positions at all that are “a concern”. Much different from years past. Here’s a quick look and some areas we might still be looking to add to.
QB: Should be very solid unless we feel we need to add a veteran to back up JJ.
RB: Even without Corum, I would feel great with Don, Stokes, Cabana and now maybe Mullings moving over full time.
WR: Should be pretty loaded.
TE: Would be nice to add Barner from Indiana.
OL: Feel like this group could have 2 starting fives.
DL: Gonna be loaded. Looking to add the pass rusher from Coastal Carolina as well.
LB: Could have both starters back plus NHG, Rolder and now Hausmann. Wow.
Secondary: Question is does Green or Turner come back? If one does, I think we are fine. If both leave, we might need a guy like Grimes from UNC. We are pushing. Doesn’t sound like Cypress from Virginia will be coming.
LOT to be excited about.
December 15th, 2022 at 12:58 PM ^
As far as QB, I might entertain one that has 2 years left. One that would be willing to be a backup next year but push JJ and then be the primary in 2024 with Jadyn backing him up. Either that or get a high quality one year rental in 2024 from the portal.
Cornerback is the one area we need some depth and talent in, even if one of those do come back. We still have the possibility of adding Jyaire Hill and there is a ton of possibilities in the portal.
As far as the OL, I’m only slightly concerned about the center spot. If Keegan or Zinter comes back, I’ll be less concerned because we won’t be losing our entire inside of the line.
Other than these, I think we are set up for another strong run next year.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:01 PM ^
I’m not as concerned about center because we have options. Zinter could player Center if he returns in order to get our best 5 out there. And they love both Crippen and Anderson.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:36 PM ^
Zinter is not coming back
December 15th, 2022 at 1:00 PM ^
You refrained from doing a depth chart but still kinda did? Why hold back, it's been at least a week since we've had a thread to discuss the 2023 roster.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:02 PM ^
I’ll run it past you next time before posting.
Also…the roster is fluid with additions and subtractions. So one thread a year isn’t going to cut it. I know this place is allergic to new topics.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:44 PM ^
That's not a depth chart. Depth shows starters backups and others. He made mostly a needs or no needs chart.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:03 PM ^
These past two years have definitely changed my thinking from "star ranking matters" to "coaching matters more". Going into 2021 I thought we were cooked (big wrong on my part) and going into this year I figured we'd have to win shootouts because our defense was decimated by the draft but even that would be hard because we lost Gattis ( an even bigger wrong),
As long as we've got Jim and a staff he's assembled and comfortable with I have 0.0% worries about the depth chart anymore.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:06 PM ^
I agree with this but I follow our rosters really closely each year and there is often times of “Well, no idea who is going to play here, let’s see what happens”. Seems like there won’t be much of that next year. We have proven guys all over. That’s a good formula.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:08 PM ^
Could not agree more.... So nice to see development in our roster two years in a row to fill in huge questions. That is coaching!!
December 15th, 2022 at 1:22 PM ^
I think it’s obviously both, jj is 5*, the don 5*, Corum top 150, mazi was top 50, will Johnson 5*. I think purely star gazing isn’t enough, but an entire roster without top 100 types also doesn’t likely yield sustained success, such as what we have seen the last 2 years.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:33 PM ^
I think one difference between a five, four, and three star player - is the potential for that player to contribute materially during his first year.
Michigan, from my perception, will encourage incoming freshmen to enroll in January and take advantage of the seven months prior to Summer / Fall camp - to become acclimated, get Spring ball under their belt, and take advantage of the S&C necessary to compete at this level.
Now, which players make that "step up" - that depends on a lot of things. But, the list you provided - shows that "more than one player" can contribute as a true freshman. I'm not saying they would be a starter - but, they could certainly get a fair number of reps and game experience.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:56 PM ^
Our top contributors are pretty universally highly ranked guys. Looking across the offense JJ, Edwards, Corum, Hayes, Jones, C. Johnson, Keegan, Barnhart, Zinter, Roman Wilson were all 4 star guys, that is pretty much the entire starting offense plus Olu who wasn't a star out of high school but was as a transfer and not developed by this staff. On defense more lower ranked guys have broken through but Mazi, Will Johnson, Green, Paige, Moten, McGregor, Moore, Eyobi, and Colson were all 4 stars too.
The majority of our starting lineups on both sides of the ball come from the top halves of our recruiting classes. Obviously coaching and development matters, but basically across the board our starters are our higher ranked recruits
December 15th, 2022 at 2:57 PM ^
Green was a 3 star. Eyabi* was a 5 star.
December 15th, 2022 at 3:52 PM ^
The Green twins were in the three-star mafia
December 15th, 2022 at 2:40 PM ^
Ah you instigator! Apparently, this debate doesn't mGrowOld!
December 15th, 2022 at 1:06 PM ^
The kid undersold the most on our team has to be Davis Warren. I feel like he is a legit back up option and could spell short injuries and maybe even impress. Do not think he is JJ by any stretch but I get the feeling his ceiling is McNamara big ten title year with more mobility. Probably not there yet but I bet he can get there. I loved what I saw in the spring game.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:58 PM ^
I agree about Warren. Like him a lot and it seems that the team and Harbaugh do too. Also, they don't want anything to mess up the recruitment of 5* Davis. It's becoming common for a team not to take any QB the year beforehand as part of the package in recruiting an elite QB. It's what Dabo did for both Deshawn and Trevor Lawrence. And we really want Davis.
December 15th, 2022 at 3:02 PM ^
I think it's less out of choice than necessity. We would have taken Dante Moore or Malachi Nelson (both 5 stars) if we could've gotten them.
December 15th, 2022 at 3:06 PM ^
Well, yeah. I mean now that Davis is the only 5* available to us.
December 15th, 2022 at 3:36 PM ^
Jam, I read an article that indicated Dante Moore might be taking a visit to UCLA - and, with the movement of Oregon's OC to a head coaching position (I think at Arizona State) - that Moore might flip.
December 15th, 2022 at 3:54 PM ^
Dante must really hate Michigan
December 16th, 2022 at 7:17 PM ^
Tough to pay $4M for a HS kid.
December 15th, 2022 at 5:46 PM ^
I say, Moore power to him.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:08 PM ^
I want Storm Duck to come over at CB purely because his name rules.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:17 PM ^
So does Gus Johnson.
QUACK. QUACK.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:13 PM ^
I don't know if I would characterize the WR room as "pretty loaded". With Bell leaving you have two sure-fire contributors in Johnson and Wilson. Outside of those two you're hoping for a lot of growth and development from Anthony or Henning or true sophomores. I think there's substantial upside with those true sophomores, especially Morris and Clemons, but I'm not sure they are ready to be every down guys next season. An experienced WR out of the portal who can get snaps as the 3rd/4th guy seems like a necessity to me.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:26 PM ^
I don’t think think you are going to attract a 4th year WR to our offense who is better than Wilson, Johnson (if he were to return), andrel, etc.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:29 PM ^
This feels like an over recruiting situation to me, have to weigh the risks of taking a guy in the portal vs. rolling with Andrel/Clemons/Morris. Think there's enough there that you don't need to go hunting in the portal, especially when we've seen that Michigan isn't going to throw the ball 40 times/game, so I'm not sure the type of WR you get from the portal is going to be much better than what you already have on the roster.
* I see the TLDR version was made while typing this
December 15th, 2022 at 1:41 PM ^
I guess that could be an issue, but I just don't see it being too detrimental if say Anthony or Henning were to transfer. Anthony has been so overhyped by the Michigan fandom even though he's had miniscule production aside from the 2021 MSU game and really doesn't do anything well. I don't see him progressing into some great receiver, much less a solid starter. And Henning is essentially just a punt returner at this point. I would also expect there to be a reduced for one of the sophomores to transfer if another receiver joined the room; those guys have so much eligibility and time to get their big share of snaps. I'm just talking about having experience/reliability added to the room. Michigan is losing two of its most experienced receiving targets to the NFL this season and as it stands will be relying on guys who have barely or never played meaningful college snaps to step into much more impactful roles. Having a safety blanket is a good idea.
December 15th, 2022 at 7:40 PM ^
Agree. I think we definitely need a wr from the portal. Forget Anthony, he shouldn’t see the field. We need a speedster to open the field.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:28 PM ^
"If you build it, he will come."
As others have pointed out - there are a number of variables and characteristics for a team to play at a championship level. Facilities, staff, development / coaching, scheme / strategy, mission, cohesion, and - of course - talent.
Michigan's foundation seems to be sound. I would say it hasn't been this strong since some time in the 90's - and, it seems to be reflected in the players, their unity of vision and objectives. It's about the culture that everyone involved has been part of establishing / creating.
The team, really the sport of college football, has a couple of issues to figure out. The two that come to mind are - NIL and the portal.
As for the roster. It does seem like we're in good shape. Though, I do have a question - and that question would be directed to Olu. What's the question? Why did you come to Michigan, as a grad transfer, when you could have entered the NFL Draft a year ago? His answer might provide some insight.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:30 PM ^
I've seen Turner floating around the top 100 by most draft analysts. I would think he's gone. Green would be 50/50. I'm certain the coaches have a good feel for who is going or staying.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:42 PM ^
Might be alone in this, but fully believe they should be chasing the highest end RBs portal or committed flip possibilities. If Cabana is a major hit then yes, it doesn't seem too big a concern, but even look at where UM is right now: with Corum out and Edwards hand, a third star player (which, amazingly, they did have in the fold at one time) would be getting a lot of carries.
December 15th, 2022 at 1:49 PM ^
While that second corner spot is still a question, the staff seems pretty high on Ja'Den McBurrows and wouldn't be shocked if he locked up that second corner spot
December 15th, 2022 at 2:02 PM ^
It sure looks like Elston has really been coaching up our DL. Not only is the DT play lights out, but guys like McGregor look a lot more promising now. Position coaching is huge.
December 15th, 2022 at 2:11 PM ^
SC - "Position coaching is huge." I strongly agree.
To me, it seems like the schemes are more advanced - building on / borrowing NFL concepts and introducing them in all aspects of the game / team. We can look at the entire staff - Harbaugh, Macdonald, Minter, Moore, Weiss, Elston, Clinksdale, Hart, etc. - everyone.
And, the approach which Poggi was involved in that created - that to me - is defined as an "espirit de corps". It's just fantastic. The key will be to sustain and continue to grow it.
December 15th, 2022 at 3:07 PM ^
Well said. Hope we can sustain the culture with Poggi gone. But that's what happens -- great people get called elsewhere. What an impact.
December 15th, 2022 at 4:53 PM ^
WR isn’t loaded. Hopefully a couple of guys break out, but no one coming back has done much, except for two catches by Anthony last year.
December 15th, 2022 at 9:07 PM ^
Bell should be back with his brother joining the team also Wilson. Maybe CJ as well. You also have a 4 star (Redshirt Freshmen?) Tyler Morris top 25 WR in his class, 4 star (Redshirt Freshmen?)Darrius Clemons who was the top 25 WR in his class and 4 star junior Christian Dixon. Granted these guys need to step up but the talent is there. Even with Andrel leaving we are fine. Its a fair statement to say we are loaded in that area
December 16th, 2022 at 12:42 AM ^
To me there's a difference between talent and potential. 'Talent' is when guys produce on Saturdays. Potential is guys who haven't seen the field much on Saturdays but were higher ranked and/or garner a lot of practice.
December 15th, 2022 at 5:01 PM ^
To my mind, running back is a place to be concerned next year. Cabana may be a quality backup, and thats encouraging. But from the perspective of keeping an elite, complex ground attack working, I think the last 3 games show that having a talented and experienced back is essential to success against good defenses. The difference between Edwards and Stokes was marked and enormous. I suspect Cabana makes up the talent gap, but I imagine he will not be ready to make this offense go full speed until late next year, should Edwards go down.
Or maybe I'm full of it and Stokes takes a big step forward. I don't think there is an argument with the idea that he wasn't ready for the bigtime yet this year.
CB and QB are the other places that worry me, in that order. Nothing even sorta new to say there.
Rob
December 15th, 2022 at 5:36 PM ^
Who said the magic words and didn't call me?!
Depth Chart? Depth Chart.
QB: J.J. McCarthy
2. Davis Warren / (*possible transfer*)
4. Alex Orji
5. Jayden Denegal / Brandon Mann
7. Kendrick Bell
RB: Donovan Edwards
2. CJ Stokes / Kalel Mullings
4. Cole Cabana / Isaiah Gash
6. Tavierre Dunlap
7. Leon Franklin
8. Benjamin Hall
WR: Roman Wilson
2. Amorion Walker
3. Fredrick Moore / Cristian Dixon
WR: Andrel Anthony
2. Darrius Clemons
3. Peyton O'Leary
SLOT: A.J. Henning / Tyler Morris
3. Semaj Morgan
4. Eamonn Dennis
H-BACK: Max Bredeson
TE: Colston Loveland
2. Matthew Hibner
3. Marlin Klein
4. Deakon Tonielli / Zack Marshall
LT: LaDarius Henderson
2. Jeffrey Persi
3. Trevor Keegan
4. Evan Link
LG: Trevor Keegan
2. Giovanni El-Hadi
3. Amir Herring
4. Alessandro Lorenzetti
C: Greg Crippen
2. Raheem Anderson
3. Reece Atteberry
RG: Zak Zinter
2. Karsen Barnhart
3. Reece Atteberry
4. Nathan Efobi / Dominick Guidice
RT: Trente Jones / Karsen Barnhart
3. Andrew Gentry
4. Tristan Bounds
5. Connor Jones
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
NT: Kenneth Grant
2. Cam Goode
3. Ike Iwunnah
DT: Mason Graham
2. Rayshaun Benny
3. Brooks Bahr / Trey Pierce
DT/DE: Kris Jenkins
2. Enow Etta
3. Charlie Lovell
EDGE: Derrick Moore / Braiden McGregor
3. TJ Guy
ILB: Junior Colson
2. Nikhai Hill-Green
3. Earnest Hausmann / Jimmy Rolder
5. Micah Pollard / Jaydon Hood
7. Deuce Spurlock / Semaj Bridgeman
9. Jason Hewlett
ILB: Michael Barrett
2. Nikhai Hill-Green
3. Earnest Hausmann / Jimmy Rolder
5. Micah Pollard / Jaydon Hood
7. Deuce Spurlock / Semaj Bridgeman
9. Jason Hewlett
EDGE/OLB: Jaylen Harrell / Eyabi Okie
3. Taylor Upshaw
4. Joey Velasquez
5. Kechaun Bennett / Tyler McLaurin
7. Aymeric Koumba / Breeon Ishmail
CB: Will Johnson
2. (*possible transfer*)
3. Ja'Den McBurrows / Jalen Perry / German Green
6. Myles Pollard
7. Cameron Calhoun
CB: Gemon Green
2. (*possible transfer*)
3. Ja'Den McBurrows / Jalen Perry / German Green
6. Myles Pollard
7. Cameron Calhoun
NB: Mike Sainristil
2. Zeke Berry / Kody Jones
S: Rod Moore
2. Caden Kolesar / Zeke Berry
4. Damani Dent
S: Makari Paige
2. R.J. Moten
3. Keon Sabb / Quinten Johnson
K: Tommy Doman / Adam Samaha
P: Tommy Doman
WATCHLIST (Guys who I'm watching to closely):
*NFL*
RB: Blake Corum
WR: Cornelius Johnson
NT: Mazi Smith
EDGE: Mike Morris
CB: DJ Turner
...*also*
RB: Leon Franklin
WR: Cristian Dixon
WR: Eamonn Dennis
LB: Jaydon Hood
OLB: Joey Velasquez
OLB: Tyler McLaurin
*HS*
ATH: Nyckoles Harbor
ATH: Malachi Coleman
WR: Karmello English
WR: Chance Fitzgerald
NT: Jamel Howard
ILB: Hayden Moore
CB: Jyaire Hill
S: D'Juan Waller
December 19th, 2022 at 8:09 PM ^
It’s 8:10pm on 12/19. As of right now, I believe Corum will be back in ‘23. Will update if I have reason to believe otherwise.