NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
Michigan Wolverine fans like me are STILL celebrating the National Championship. But, the season will be here before we know it and with it, new questions pop up. A very talented group of players has moved on to the NFL, and we get a mixed bag of returning players and new faces. The biggest change is Jim Harbaugh and his kakis are now in L.A. leading the Chargers. This is now Sherrone Moore’s team and he has put together a staff mixed with veteran coaches and up-and-comers. Moore coached 4 games last season and appears to be ready for this job. How will this team react to being the hunted? Who aren’t we talking about now, but will be talking about soon enough? All these questions will be answered ON the field but why not take a peak and see what we have so far?
Offense
Who’s the quarterback? Who from the group of Jayden Denegal, Alex Orji, Davis Warren? Each brings a unique skill set but it has been proven QB by committee is NOT the way to go. What do you do when you don’t have a stud at QB? Turn around and hand it off duh. Donovan Edwards will serve as the bell cow and if he can stay healthy Kalel Mullings. One name to keep in mind is freshmen Jordan Marshall you can thank me later for that tidbit. Another way to get Edwards the ball will be the passing game he has soft hands and enough wiggle. With its rich history of standout wide recivers who will be next to star at the position? Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson moved on to the NFL, and we saw Darrius Clemons transfer out. Names to keep an eye on this upcoming season start with sophomore
Semaji Morgan he has the speed to make big plays when the ball is in his hand and is also a dangerous returner. Just need to see of he put on some pounds this summer and polished his game a bit. Tyler Morris is a guy who just knows how to get open and could be a key player on 3rd downs. Who is the 3rd receiver in this group? I have no clue but there are a lot of names who will be fighting for that spot people like Peyton O”Leary to Fredrick Moore. The only returning starter on offense is Colston Loveland and he is also the center piece of this offense, he should be on all the pre-season teams and a lock to be a 1st round NFL pick. He has all the tools size, speed, hands and will get plenty of chances to showcase them this year. Backup Marlin Klein could be “next”, he is a monster standing at 6-foot-6 and over 250 pounds.
The offensive line has two things going for it they are very big dudes and they are not light by any means. You hope that translate into them being able to protect the QB, and throw guys around to create running lanes for the backs. With the depth they bring to the table coach Moore and his staff should be able to find 5 bullies who can stand up to Big10 play.
Like almost every other team in the country the first few games and camp will answer a LOT about this group.
Defense
There is no need to argue with me Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham are the two BEST defensive lineman in the country PERIOD. Now, that we got that out of the way how does this group look overall? As backups last year I felt both Braiden McGregor, and Derrick Moore had an impact and made plays. They combined for 10.5 sacks that number should go up as starters. Who becomes the next guy to be an elite edge rusher is to be determined soon enough.
Looking at the linebackers Ernest Haussmann, Jaishawn Barham and Jimmy Rolder will get the bulk of the playing time. These guys have NFL potential the question is how does this group do in pass coverage? In a league that doesn’t mind tossing it around the yard a bit they will need to show up when called upon. When we talk corner it starts and ends with Will Johnson who will be a top 5 draft pick. The rest of this group will fight for the number 2 spot as well as the nickel corner. Safety is a strong spot and yes I say that even with us losing Keon Sabb to Mama and Rod Moore being injured. From the portal ex Tennessee Vol Wesley Walker slides in along with a former Michigan State Spartan Jaden Mangham. Makari Page will be a starter with one of the transfers or hold overs lining up along side him. This postion is talented and deep.
Overall if it comes together this could be the number one defense in college football again. You heard it here first.
So as we continue to see some last second roster changes and guys working on their craft you can see this has been a busy time for the Maize and Blue. I am excited for the upcoming season and us getting everyones best shot. It will be a fun journey and it starts sooner than you think. As always it is #GoBlue
