Projected Fall Game Day Depth Chart and Breakout Players Watch List, 2019

These are the top players that will most likely get any playing time this year. Whether it be as a starter, special teams cover man, role player, or mop-up duty specialist, these are all the names and numbers to watch out for this fall (names and numbers subject to change).

The thing that jumps off the page with this roster is that it doesn't seem top heavy at all. In fact, despite a lot of youth, this roster is one of the deepest I have ever seen at Michigan. It might not have a lot of returning stars, but there are definitely enough to lead the younger talent. And I feel at a number of positions they could get hit with a rash of injuries and barely notice. Quarterback and receiver are the two big ones that I can think of off the top of my head. Go ahead, name a deeper quarterback room than the one in Ann Arbor right now. And while you're at it, name another group of receivers with as many as three possible high NFL draft picks who might be at risk of losing their jobs to a true freshman. And this is not because they are playing poorly, but rather it is a testament to the type of performance the early enrollee put on in the spring.

Also, remember that this is just what I think and not some sort of inside info I was able to sneak out of Shembechler Hall. Anway,...

Projected 2019 Depth Chart

Players in BLUE are returning players that are expected to be major contributors this fall (offense, special teams, and/or defense).
Players in RED are returning leaders that should be in the All-conference discussion.
Italicized players are players returning with starting experience at Michigan.


Defense:

Anchor - #19 Kwity Paye,  #97 Aiden Hutchinson, #96 Julius Welschof, #91 Taylor Upshaw
Tackle - #2 Carlo Kemp, #42 Ben Mason, #15 Christopher Hinton
Nose - #95 Donovan Jeter, #50 Michael Dwumfour, #58 Mazi Smith, #58 Phillip Paea
Rush End - #6 Josh Uche, #4 Mike Danna, #18 Luiji Vilain, #71 Davd Ojabo

Viper/Sam - #7 Khaleke Hudson,  #29 Jordan Glasgow, #23 Michael Barrett
Mike - #12 Josh Ross, #44 Cam McGrone, #13 Charles Thomas
Will - #8 Devin Gil, #34 Jordan Anthony, #10 Anthony Soloman

Rover- #14 Josh Metellus, #26 J'Marick Woods, #23 Quinten Johnson
Free Safety - #20 Brad Hawkins (nickelback), #30 Dax Hill, #13 German Green
CB - #24 Lavert Hill, #31 Vincent Gray, #9 Gemon Green, #5 D.J. Turner II
CB- #1 Ambry Thomas (KR), #16 Jaylen Kelly-Powell (nickelback), #17 Sammy Faustin, #3 Jalen Perry


Offense:

Quarterback - #2 Shea Patterson, #10 Dylan McCaffrey, #3 Joe Mixon, Cade McNamara

Running Back - #13 Tru Wilson, #24 Zach Charbonnet, #3 Christian Turner, #25 Hassan Haskins, #40 Ben VanSumeren

Wideout - #9 Donovan Peoples-Jones, #7 Tarik Black, #81 Nate Shoenle
Wideout - #4 Nico Collins, #6 Cornelius Johnson, #43 Jake McCurry, 
Wideout - #8 Ronnie Bell, #19 Mike Saintristil, #15 Giles Jackson

Tight End - #84 Sean McKeon, #82 Nick Eubanks, #85 Mustapha Muhammad, #86 Luke Schoonmaker, #83 Erik All

Left Tackle - #75 Jon Runyan Jr., #76 Ryan Hayes, #53 Trente Jones
Left Guard - #74 Ben Bredeson, #66 Chuck Filiaga, #52 Karsen Barnhart
Center - #51 Cesar Ruiz, #72 Stephen Spanellis, #55 Nolan Rumler
Right Guard - #50 Michael Onewenu, #68 Andrew Vastardis, #58 Zach Carpenter
Right Tackle - #73 Jalen Mayfield, #59 Joel Honigford, #77 Trevor Keegan, #71 Andrew Stueber, (Injured)


Top Breakout Candidates:

1. WR Tarik Black - It's been a long time coming for this kid. And though there is already star power in the starting lineup, Black could actually be the best of the bunch. With him Michigan could have three high draft picks at receiver.
2. DT Donovan Jeter - Began to emerge in the spring at a position in need of depth. Do not be shocked to see him in the starting lineup sooner rather than later.
3. TE Nick Eubanks - Led the team in yards per catch last season and added some much needed strength in the offseason. And though he probably won't be a statistical leader on offense, his numbers overall should improve dramatically.
4. LB Josh Ross - If you aren't aware of his presence already, then you most-definitely will soon enough. Ross will quickly help ease the loss of Devin Bush Jr. And though he doesn't have the speed of the former All-American, he is fast enough with more length and size to boot.
5. DB Brad Hawkins - Got his feet wet last season and improved as the season progressed. He had a solid spring and was the team's top nickelback. He could be a starter this year while holding off a plethora of other talented players from taking his spot on the depth chart.
6. WR Ronnie Bell - The former basketball player is another guy that will get ample playing time despite all the talent at the position. The early word in training camp is that he is one of the top playmakers in the new offense. He could be the starting slot receiver in week one and a future starting wideout once all the top guys move on to the NFL.He should also get a lot of opportunities to return kicks.

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