Here are a few positions of need and potential targets that Michigan could pursue.
With the passing of Michigan’s spring game last month, we now have about three-and-a-half months before we get to see the Wolverines on the field again. There were some encouraging signs during that spring game, but questions will still loom before Michigan takes on Fresno State under the lights on Aug. 31.
Many of those questions revolve around the personnel we’ll see on the field. Michigan has plenty of production to replace from its 2023 national championship team, and while some guys showed during the spring that they could potentially fill those voids, there might still be a need to add to the roster.
At this point, those additions will have to come courtesy of the transfer portal. Many players flocked to the portal this spring, and some of them still have yet to find a new home. This could open the door for Michigan to address some positions that still might be a bit cloudy.
Michigan has already added a few guys in kicker Dominic Zvada, and wide receivers Amorion Walker — who left in the winter portal period for Ole Miss, but has since returned — and C.J. Charleston. However, there are still some holes needing to be filled. Here are a few positions that need to still be looked at.
Wide Receiver
Yes, even though Michigan has added two players at the position, it could use one more to fill the void left behind by the NFL-bound Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson, as well as transfer portal entrants Darrius Clemons and Karmello English.
Tyler Morris and Semaj Morgan are the leaders in the clubhouse right now, but they’ve only managed a combined 38 career receptions. Fred Moore looked great in Michigan’s spring game, but he has also yet to see significant playing time in college.
There’s certainly potential with the guys in the room right now, but Michigan is still going to need more if it wants to have a formidable passing attack. One player that would be a tremendous fit is former Arizona State wideout Elijhah Badger. At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Badger had 65 receptions for 713 yards and three touchdowns last season as a Sun Devil. He’d slot right in perfectly as a boundary receiver for the Wolverines, allowing the aforementioned Morgan and Morris to do a bulk of their work in the middle of the field.
Defensive Line
You can never have too much depth on the defensive line. Much of Michigan’s success in recent years has been predicated on elite play from its defense, particularly by dominating at the line of scrimmage. Michigan returns the best defensive tackle tandem in the nation with Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, but there’s still room to add.
The loss of Kris Jenkins and Cam Goode from the tackle rotation makes it more necessary to seek an addition in the portal. Rayshaun Benny, Trey Pierce and Enow Etta are both good depth pieces, but if anything were to happen to Graham or Grant, Michigan’s defense could be in some serious trouble.
Furthermore, Michigan relied on four edge rushers to apply pressure in 2023. Two of those guys (Braiden McGregor and Jaylen Harrell) are now gone, meaning Michigan could add to the group to supplement Derrick Moore and Josaiah Stewart.
The biggest name to watch at this position is former Grand Valley State defensive tackle Jay’viar Suggs, who recently named Michigan in his top-four list. He is a Michigan native, which should make this a slam dunk for the Wolverines, but LSU and Kentucky are the two other teams to watch here.
Defensive Back
With so much uncertainty behind Will Johnson, it is a no-brainer for Sherrone Moore to try and upgrade the defensive backs room. The Wolverines have made contact with a slew of defensive backs, but the two notables are former Michigan State safety Jaden Mangham, and former Tennessee safety Wesley Walker.
Mangham was one of the Spartans’ best defenders in 2023, racking up 53 total tackles, one tackle for loss, seven pass deflections, four interceptions and one fumble recovery. He was an All Big Ten honorable mention for those efforts. He will have two years of eligibility left.
Walker, who was in Ann Arbor last week for a visit and has just one year of eligibility remaining, had 53 total tackles, two pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery last season for the Volunteers. He has been a collegiate athlete since 2019, so he would bring a ton of experience to the safety room.
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