Leaders and Best, 2019 - Raising the Bar

As most fans are aware, the 2019 Michigan Wolverines football team will be an experienced one despite the early NFL defections,  It might also be one of the most talented teams the program has had in the last 30 years. There are several highly-touted players returning on both sides of the ball and dozens of younger players who were highly-rated prospects looking to get some playing time of their own. I can't remember this much talent at some key positions in my lifetime. And though we know who will most-likely be starting at quarterback, offensive line, and wide receiver, the competition at most of the other positions should be fierce.

Let's get to it...


Roster Breakdown:

13 fulltime starters returning (8 offense/5 defense)
12 others returning with starting experience (4 offense/8 defense)

All top four kicking specialists are also returning (2 kickers/2 punters) with loads of experience and postseason accolades to boot. Possibly one of the best two-deep group of kickers/punters in the nation.

Kickoff coverage was exceptional in 2018 as well, ranking 20th in the nation. Many of those players will be returning for 2019.

5-Star Prospects: 3

4-Star Prospects: 42

3-Star Prospects: 37+

27 out of the 44 players projected to be on the two-deep depth chart were strongly considered 4-Star prospects or better when they came out of high school. Three of them, being Shea Patterson, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Dax HIll, were "very highly-touted" 5-Star players by every scout and/or recruiting service in America. They were often considered the best of their respective classes.

In terms of leadership, 16 players in key positions will be seniors (or 5th-year players) and 15 will be true juniors, making a grand total of 32 upperclassmen filling up the top of the depth chart.

Of the half dozen-plus sophomores in the mix, only a few of them are expected to actually compete for a starting position. Ronnie Bell has already established himself as a reliable presence in the passing game, but he most-likely won't crack the starting lineup any time soon. It's just too talented of a group. DE Aiden Hutchinson, OT Jalen Mayfield, CB Vincent Gray and CB/S Myles Sims are a few other second year players that are considered possibilities to make significant leaps in playing time this year, but none of them are projected to be starters.

Five true freshmen are projected to break into the two/three-deep rotation this year, with two of them possibly starting at positions of need (running back and safety). Those two players, being Zach Charbonnet and Dax Hill, probably could have gone nearly anywhere and received some playing time early. They are exactly the type of recruits that 'Bama is more accustomed to signing.

This will be the first time at Michigan where the team will be made up solely of Harbaugh recruited players. In 2018, Chase Winovich, Bryan Mone, and Juwann Bushell-Beatty were all brought in during Hoke's final class in 2014. It can be argued that Jon Runyan Jr. was originally a Hoke recruit because he committed to the program long before Harbaugh was hired, but he ultimately signed with the new coach in the class of 2015. That class consisted of 14 signees in all, most of which are gone. The bulk of the roster will be made up of the last four recruiting classes. Those classes ranked 8th, 5th, 22nd, and 8th, respectively.

For the most part, this will be a veteran team made in Harbaugh's image. Let's finally see what they can do. 

Top 20 Returning Players:

1. CB Lavert Hill - It's a big deal that Hill is coming back. He could've gone in the second or third round of the NFL draft this year, easily. It appears that he loves the team and wants to finish some business though. Good on him. If he can raise his game to first round level it will go a long way towards the defense finding success once again, but I don't expect him to play in any bowl games if the team doesn't make the playoffs. 
2. QB Shea Patterson - Let's face it, the offense will go as far as Patterson can deliver. He is one of the top-rated QB's in the nation returning for the 2019 season and one of the best that Harbaugh has ever coached. If he too can improve on his game in any fashion and deliver in big games, particularly against Ohio State, then he could be a Heisman candidate and a high draft pick next spring. He did struggle when pressured by the Gators in the Peach Bowl, as most QB's would, but he was still one of the best players for the Wolverines and was spot on for pretty much every other game during the season. I believe he would benefit from the coaches opening up the playbook a little more, as most casual fans would probably agree. He's got the tools to do so many things. It would be a shame to see it go to waste due to some obsession with imposing a rushing attack that just isn't there. Is new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis the guy to do just that? We shall see.
3. WR/PR Donovan Peoples-Jones - One of the most explosive players in the Big Ten who is still perfecting his game, DPJ has all the tools to be a dangerous threat to any defense or special teams coverage units.. Another big off-season could lead to a monster 2019 and possibly consideration as an All-American. He too is a future high draft pick in waiting, possibly as soon as next spring.
4. WR Nico Collins - Simply put, this kid is the best big-bodied receiver that the team hasn't had since probably Braylon Edwards. He is not just big either. He is fast too. And while I feel he might get overlooked in the eyes of the nation, I suspect they will know who he is soon enough, as I expect a monster season from him.
5. LB Khaleke Hudson - Could have gone in the draft, probably in the middle rounds, but chose to come back and aim for the first round in 2020. He has all the size, speed, and tenacity the team could ask for in a "Viper", though he seemed to disappear at times last year. Numbers in the stat sheet went down, but he still graded out well enough in every game. Everybody will be looking for the guy they saw in 2017 that was an absolute nightmare at times. If the team could see that buy again then everything will be just fine over here. If they get the play they got in 2018, then things should at least be okay, but most of us will be wanting more. We will definitely be looking for more in big games.
6. OL Jon Runyan Jr. - A solid athlete that held down the left tackle position well this past year, though he appeared to struggle against Florida after receiving All-Big Ten honors. What makes Runyan Jr., a legacy player, the most valuable player on the line is his versatility. He could probably play all five positions. He is also a sound leader and was one of the few remaining from Harbaugh's first recruiting class. 
7. OG Ben Bredeson - We all saw a spike in production from both the running and passing game, and the offensive line's improvement had a lot to do with it. Bredeson has emerged as a leader and should be All-American material during his senior year. The line struggled mightily against Florida, so improvement needs to happen this offseason. 
8. C Cesar Ruiz - Ruiz's presence has helped tremendously in the efforts to get the position group trending upwards again. And with 19 starts now under his belt he is now considered a seasoned veteran, He too could be a top NFL prospect with some improvement over the next year or two. 
9. DT Michael Dwumfour - Proved to have big-play ability and will be depended on to manage a bigger role going forward. He needs to step up as a real leader on and off the field now that Bryan Mone, Lawrence Marshall, and Chase Winovich have all run out of eligibility. Some might think he is rated too high here, but he earned the starting job in 2019 and should continue to improve now that he has experience. 
10. CB/KR Ambry Thomas - Is widely considered one of the best athletes on the team. If he can nail down the fine details of the cornerback position he could be a top-flight defender and not just a good kick returner. It would be nice if he could focus less on special teams and more on defense, though I can understand the tendency to want to play him in as many places as possible.
11. S/LB Josh Metellus - A "Rover" safety with a ton of experience. Could fill in as the "Viper" linebacker if needed too. Can be the best defender on the team at times, but still makes some costly mistakes on occasion. Did not look good in the three losses the team had this past year, which might lead some to believe that he is a bit overrated. His experience and leadership should be priceless this year though. 
12. DT Carlo Kemp - Was a critical component to the D-line rotation all season long. With some room clearing up on the depth chart there will be a lot of opportunity for him to increase his reps. Made some plays in the Peach Bowl but the line struggled to stop the run. How much can he improve this offseason? At 6'3"/280lbs, it is fair to say that he could stand to gain a little more mass to hold up against the run. 
13. WR Tarik Black - Might actually be the best receiver in the bunch but he hasn't had a chance to prove himself yet due to foot injuries. Then a string of unfortunate events included his only TD of the season being called back on a penalty and then having a TD reversed via instant replay in the Peach Bowl. A big time explosion in production from is expected, though nobody's sure how much is possible considering all the talent at the position. Maybe we should expect to see more three and four WR sets? Black could possibly top this list next year. 
14. RB Chris Evans - It's fair to say that Evans could be ranked higher on this list. When healthy, he was just as deadly as anybody on the field in 2018. He basically did nothing in the Peach Bowl though. With a strong off-season in the weight-room he should be ready to handle more touches, but I don't suspect he will be the do-it-all answer at the position. He could have a big senior year much like Karan Higdon did, but there's a good chance he will be playing second fiddle to a freshman too. The caveat here is that Evans is having 'academic issues' and is 'not with the team at this time', so there is a chance he doesn't even play this year.
15. OG Michael Onwenu - A humongous right guard with gigantic potential. Has battled weight issues but seemed to improve his overall game in 2018. With another few steps in the right direction he could be All-Conference material and a decent NFL prospect. 
16. DE Kwity Paye - Kwity played well in Rashan Gary's absence and impressed many along the way, though the D-line did give up a lot of yards in the Peach Bowl. At any rate, he as a high motor and could play on either end of the line. 2019 could be a huge year for him, statistically speaking, but the Wolverines need to find a guy that can make big plays in big games. Can Kwity do that?
17. FB Ben Mason - A fan favorite that gets the tough short yards whenever the team needs it. He was fourth on the team in points per game (3.7) in the regular season and can be a devastating blocker when he gets a clean hit on defenders. Did not play well in the Peach Bowl either though, like most of the team. Looked a little soft, possibly tired. No doubt he will get a lot more chances again in 2019, but he needs to deliver more in big games as well. 
18. LB Josh Ross - Ross silently started most of the season next to Devin Bush Jr. and laid some big hits on a few ball-carriers. He should be a leader on defense for the next couple years. Harbaugh loves his style of play and believes he can be the real deal. Led the team with 11 tackles (2TFL) and a sack in the Peach Bowl, but it wasn't nearly enough to stop Florida's run game. Finding another quality starter to place next to him is the big concern. 
19. TE Sean McKeon - Doesn't seem to have star potential but he no less will play a big role for the offense. Don't expect a big year from him statistically, as there may not be enough balls to go around. Expect him to be a solid all-around player that excels at blocking and surprises a few defenders with his sneaky athleticism and hands. 
20. TE Nick Eubanks - Nick is big play threat that led the team in yards per catch (19.6). Could be a real handful for defenses in 2019, especially when you consider the amount of talent coming back around him. Most rosters won't have the overall talent to cover all the weapons in this offense, and Eubanks will be in the right place to take advantage of the match ups. 

Top Five Guys On the Rise:

• S Brad Hawkins - Hawkins could be in line to start this season, but has a lot of work to do this spring first. Is best known for giving up a big TD against Notre Dame in week one, but he played relatively well as a top backup most of the season. He was 12th on the team with 24 tackles (3 TFL's) and also had one pass breakup. He seems to have a gritty style of play with some coverage ability, and he can mix it up with just about anyone. Any improvement in his play will be great for the defense. 
• DE Aiden Hutchinson - Earned a spot on the two-deep as a true freshman. Should be a big-time player for Michigan very soon, possibly starting in place of Rashan Gary at the 'anchor' position. If he adds enough weight he could move inside too, making even more valuable to the team.
• DT Donovan Jeter - Could be primed to emerge as a player on the front line. Had his name mentioned more than a few times during bowl practices, so he should be one to watch out for this spring. Barring any injuries, he will get a lot of reps going forward. He was a solid 4-Star prospect out of high school three years ago.
• CB Vincent Gray - Athletically gifted player that had emerged in practice as a freshman, though he hasn't really seen the field during games. There is now a spot open at one of the starting positions, as well as the nickel. He should be in line to fill one of those two spots if he keeps on his current trajectory. His 6'2" frame could add a new element to the defense. 
• K Jake Moody - The team appears to be blessed with a plethora of special teams talent, but Moody looks like the consistent kicker this team needed after he finished the regular season 8-8 on field goal attempts. He was also solid on kickoffs all year long, knocking nearly half of his 85 attempts into the end zone. And to think he wasn't even a scholarship player. I am sure that will change very soon if it hasn't already. 

Other Key Returnees:

1. P Will Hart - Took over the job and responded with a tremendous season in which he was a Ray Guy Award finalist for the nation's top punter. He will look to retain his job with the team's 2017 starter, Brad Robbins, coming back from an injury that caused him to miss all of 2018.
2. LB Devin Gil - Brings a lot of experience to the position after playing in nearly every game the last three years. Doesn't particularly standout though, and he hasn't really made any splash plays to speak of. Hopefully he can be a leader during what is a bit of a transition year at linebacker. 
3. QB Dylan McCaffrey - There is a lot to be excited about with this kid, but we may just have to wait another year before we get to see what he can really do. Having him as the top backup will help the coaches sleep at night. Some fans have even expressed the thought that he should start ahead of Patterson, but that is absolutely ridiculous at this point. 
4. LB/DE Josh Uche - Proved to be another deadly weapon in the Wolverine's arsenal of pass-rushers. Might be too much of a 'tweener' to be a true starter though, and he would be rated higher on this list if he weren't so one dimensional. So far, he has proven to just be a speed rusher that has taken advantage of offenses focusing in on higher profile players. He needs to take his game to another level if he wants to contribute more. He is the only proven speed rusher at end though, so he is indeed valuable to the team.
5. WR Ronnie Bell - Surprised everybody with his play as a true freshman and burned up any possibility of a redshirt. Could be a major  factor in the near future. Michigan was his only offer to play football a year ago. He looks like he has a good feel for the game and, as the fourth or fifth option in the passing game, he was usually better than the opponent's fourth or fifth best coverage defender. It will be interesting to see how he develops in the next couple years. His presence really makes the unit extra dangerous. 
6. WR Oliver Martin - A deceptively elusive player with the hands to make tough grabs along the sideline. With a big spring he could be primed for a breakout season as the team's top slot receiver. However, he may have to wait another year for some room to open up on the depth chart. There simply is just too much talent at the moment. I know, first world problems right?
7. S J'Marick Woods - Has an opportunity to be a starter with a big spring and summer. Some veteran players have expressed their pleasure in his development. I definitely like the length he brings to the table, though I have not seen enough of him on the field to say whether he is trending up or not. 
8. OT Andrew Stueber - Looks like a possible heir to the right tackle position after playing there the last three games of 2018. I really liked him coming out of high school a few years ago, but I like some of the current incoming freshmen even more. Can he hold off the competition to maintain the job? 
9. QB Joe Mixon - There is no doubt that Mixon as the biggest arm on the team. He can also run like a deer, though he doesn't appear to have the look of one staring into the headlights. Don't be surprised to see him get more reps over the next two years, possibly in specialty packages designed for his special abilities. If he keeps improving he could move ahead of McCaffrey on the depth chart. 
10. QB Brand Peters - Is a solid third or fourth option on the roster. He has starting experience at Michigan, so he definitely helps make this position group one of the deepest in the country. Too bad for him some of the younger guys are simply ascending faster than him. I would not be surprised to see him transfer after the season. 
11. RB Tru Wilson - Led all running backs with over six yards per carry, though most of his yards came in garbage time against inferior competition. He does work hard and will be fine as the third guy in the rotation again, though he could quickly get buried if some younger players rise up. 
12. P Brad Robbins - A good punting prospect that played well enough as a true freshman to receive All-Big Ten Honorable Mention two years ago. Did not play in 2018 due to injury but should be back and hopefully ready to nail down the job once again. Of course, Will Hart is now in the way. 
13. OL Stephen Spanellis - Is the top backup at guard and center. He could start at any three of the interior positions if needed, though he too will face some stiff competition from some incoming players. 
14. LB/S Jordan Glasgow - A special teams player that can help fill in at safety or linebacker. Isn't a gifted player but works very hard at his craft and is athletic enough hold his own most of the time. 
15. WR Jake McCurry - Got a lot more playing time on special teams and offense than anybody outside of the program expected. I don't expect a big leap in production from him in 2019, but we will probably hear his name get called on kick coverage units. 
16. K Quinn Nordin - A kid with a big leg but little control. Isn't consistent enough yet to be a star, but has the physical ability to nail it from beyond 50. 

Next Man Up - Players On the Bench That Could Contribute:

1. OT Jalen Mayfeld - A good-looking tackle prospect that made some waves early in the season and ascended up the depth chart to the two-deep as a result. He might just be one of the best five linemen on the roster with a chance to win a starting position now that he will have a full offseason to prepare. 
2. RB Christian Turner - Showed off some talent as a true freshman though he still preserved his redshirt. He should get a lot of opportunity this spring to prove himself worthy of some meaningful carries next fall. Could be a good special teams player too.
3. DB Myles Sims - A talented freshman that got to watch and learn. Could be primed to compete for reps at corner in 2019. He might play safety too. Could he be the answer at nickel? 
4. LB Jordan Anthony - Got in on a sack in 2018. Will look to contribute more this year. Was a very highly rated recruit two years ago. In fact, at least one recruiting service had him rated as a 5-Star player coming out of IMG Academy. Will he ascend to the top of the depth chart in 2019?
5. LB Cam McGrone - Could leap right into the mix at linebacker this spring after a strong bowl prep. Was one of the top rated players in last year's recruiting class, so we should expect to see something from him soon. The word is that he could help make it look like Devin Bush never left.
6. DE Luiji Vilain - Can't seem to shake the injury bug. Is a superb athlete with a high ceiling but he just can't seem to get on the field due to multiple surgeries the last two years. Was a Top 50 prospect in 2017 and some buzz from other players has been heard in recent months. 
7. CB Benjamin St-Juste - Has the size and ability to play the role that the coaches want on the perimeter, but he just needs to refine his game and become more consistent as a defender. He also needs to stay healthy. 
8. TE Mustapha Muhammad - Another talent-in-waiting at tight end. Will get an opportunity to play this year in a tight end/H-back role. He was a good blocker in high school as well as an athletic receiver, and one of the top tight ends in last year's recruiting class. 
9. WR Michael Barrett - A talented ball player that will look to hone his receiving skills for another year. He's another one to watch out for in 2020. 
10. FB/HB Ben VanSumeren - An athletic talent that has some work to do this spring. Could develop into a nice weapon some day. 
11. S Jaylen Kelly-Powell - Is in the shadows at safety after missing a lot of time due to injury the past two years, but he has time to make up some ground in the next several months. The versatility he displayed in high school could be a real asset to this defense.
12. DB Sammy Faustin - Is still a question mark at this point, but we should learn some more about him this spring. Could help with depth this year before getting an opportunity in 2020.
13. OT/TE Ryan Hayes - Is making the transition to tackle and will look to add weight this off-season. So far though, the reports have been extremely positive concerning his development. 
14. OG Stephen Paea - Has all the tools. Could help with depth. Could he be competing for a starting spot in 2020?
15. OL Chuck Filiaga - Going into his second off-season looking to vie for the right tackle job that is now open. Might be better suited on the inside though. 
16. CB Gemon Green - Was a coveted prospect out of Texas. Might need another year before being ready to compete, though he could surprise. 
17. DE Julius Welschof - An athletically gifted player with very little experience playing American football. It's a total craps shoot trying to figure out how he will turn out, but the ceiling appears to be high. 
18. DB German Green - Most-likely a year or two away from seeing the field, but the team could use some more depth at safety. 
19. LB Hassan Haskins - Has switched from running back to linebacker due to the numbers, and then was switched back to running back. Give him at least another year. At this point we just don't know what the team has in him.
20. DL Ron Johnson - For whatever reason we have not seen hide or hair of Johnson on the field after coming in as a 4-Star recruit back in 2016. He has been named Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week four times, but he has not garnered any game action thus far. Could he finally make the leap into the rotation in his senior season? Considering the lack of depth at the position it would be nice if he did. 
21. OT Joel Honigford - Hasn't made a push for playing tine thus far in his career, but there is still some time left...maybe. 
22. LS Cameron Cheeseman - A solid long-snapper. That is it. 

Top 10 Newcomers:

1. S Daxton Hill - The biggest prize of this year's incoming class of talent. Simply one of the top overall players in the country - definitely the fastest - and probably the best high school safety the Wolverines have ever recruited. He could fill a huge need for the team very quickly, though the competition should be better at safety this year. 
2. DL Chris Hinton - Should provide immediate depth along the defensive line. Could actually play offensive guard too if needed, and probably would do it very well. He was being downgraded to 4-Star status for not showing up to any camps last summer, but he proved all the doubter wrong in the All-American game. He is a 5-Star player, no doubt. 
3. RB Zach Charbonnet - One of the top running back prospects in the nation has a shot at the starting job in Ann Arbor. I believe he will quickly vault into the second spot in the rotation right behind Evans before taking over the starting position altogether. How fast that occurs is completely up to him. I know Harbaugh is hoping he can come in and pound the rock sooner rather than later, as does Gattis. 
4. DT Mazi Smith - There is an opening for a big run-gap stuffer along the D-line. Smith could be a guy that helps immediately there. He currently weighs in at nearly 320lbs on a 6'3" frame. 
5. OL Nolan Rumler - Will be counted on to provide immediate depth along the interior of the line. Is a life-long Michigan fan and a long time commit. He should be competing for a starting job in 2020.
6. OT Trente Jones - Was always a solid 4-Star line prospect but has solidified himself as a legit tackle that appears capable of playing on either end of the line. He has seen a rise in his rankings over the last couple months of the recruiting cycle, and many suspect he will be in the mix to play as soon as he is on campus. 
7. OT Trevor Keegan - There is a spot open at right tackle. Keegan could in fact be the guy that ends up starting there. He is one of the best tackle prospects the team has recruited since Mason Cole in 2014, with the size (6'6"/310lbs) and talent to mix it up with anybody. He and Jones represent a very solid haul at tackle in this cycle. 
8. LB Anthony Solomon - Is the type of prospect the Wolverines missed out on last year with David Reese. He helps fill a big need for the team and he should get a lot of playing time early in hopes that he will be ready to start in 2020.
9. CB Jalen Perry - Some immediate help is needed on the perimeter of the  defense. This 4-Star DB has the size (6'1"/188lbs) and speed combo the team is looking for out at corner. He could crack the two-deep fairly quickly. 
10. WR/PR Giles Jackson - Has the elite-level shiftiness and foot-speed that nobody else on the current roster possesses. And he's only about 5'8", which could allow him to slip under the radar of some defenses. Any way you dice it, this kid is bringing something new to the arsenal.  

Projected Defense:

Anchor - Paye (Jr), Hutchinson (So), R. Johnson (Sr), Upshaw (So), Welschof (So)
Tackle - Dwumfour (Sr), Hinton (Fr), Morris (Fr)
Tackle - Kemp (Sr), Jeter (Jr),  Smith (Fr)
Rush End - Uche (Sr), Vilain (Jr), Ojabo (Fr), Newburg (Fr)

Sam - Hudson (Sr), Glasgow (5th), Johnson III (Fr), Velasquez (Fr)
Mike - Ross (Jr), McGrone (So), Thomas (Fr)
Will - Gil (Sr), Anthony (Jr), Solomon (Fr)

Corner - Hill (Sr), Sims (So), Faustin (So), Perry (Fr)
Corner - Thomas (Jr), Gray (So), St-Juste (Jr), Green (So), Turner II (Fr)
Safety - Metellus (Sr), Woods (Jr), Johnson (Fr)
Safety - Hawkins (Jr), Hill (Fr), Kelly-Powell (Jr), Green (So), Saintristil (Fr)


Projected Offense

QB - Patterson (Sr), McCaffrey (Jr), Mixon (So), Peters (Sr), McNamara (Fr)

RB - Charbonnet (Fr), Mason (fullback) (Jr), Turner (So), Wilson (Sr), Haskins (So), Barrett (So), VanSumeren (fullback) (So)

TE - McKeon (Sr), Eubanks (Jr), Muhammad (So) Schoonmaker (So), All (Fr)

WR - Peoples-Jones (Jr), Martin (Jr), Jackson (Fr), 
WR - Collins (Jr), McCurry (Jr), Shoenle (Sr), Johnson (Fr)
WR - Black (Jr), Bell (So), Kent (Fr)

LT - Runyan Jr. (5th),  Honigford (Jr), Jones (Fr)
LG - Bredeson (Sr), Paea (Jr), Barnhardt (Fr)
C - Ruiz (Jr), Spanellis (Sr), Carpenter (Fr)
RG - Onwenu (Sr), Filiaga (Jr), Rumler (Fr)
RT - Mayfield (So), Stueber (Jr), Keegan (Fr), Stewart (Fr)


Special Teams

K - Moody (So), Nordin (Jr)
P - Hart (Jr), Robbins (Jr)

KR - Thomas (Jr), Hawkins (Jr), Sainristil (Fr)
PR - Peoples-Jones (Jr), Bell (So), Jackson (Fr)

LS - Cam Cheeseman