Pre Spring 2020 Roster Unit Rankings Countdown and Analysis
#9 Offensive Line - T Jalen Mayfield (Jr), T Andrew Stueber (Sr), T Ryan Hayes (Jr), G Chuck Filiaga (Sr), C Andrew Vastardis (5th), G Joel Hongiford (5th), G/T Karsen Barnhart (So), T Trente Jones (So), G/C Nolan Rumler (So), T Trevor Keegan (So), C/G Zach Carpenter (So), G Zack Zinter (Fr), G/T Jack Stewart (So)
Analysis: The thought of losing four starters on the O-line is a bit scary on the surface. There was a lot of talent in the guys that left, particularly along the interior. But when one looks at the overall picture, one can see enough talent with 13 competitors here for spring, to put a productive unit together for 2020. Getting three tackles with 18 starts between them coming back is a good start. Mayfield will handle one of the spots. If he plays right tackle then Stueber could move inside to play guard while Hayes plays left tackle, where he started two games early in 2019. I believe this is the most ideal and likely scenario. If Mayfield plays left tackle then Stueber will most-likely take on right side duties. Jones is a young talent that could surprise a lot of people at tackle very soon though, so don't count him out of the picture. He might be one of the most talented tackle prospects Michigan has recruited under Harbaugh. Senior Chuck Filiaga has patiently waited for an opportunity and now is the time for him to make a move. Look for him to secure one of the guard spots inside. Honigford might be up for taking a job on the inside too. Vastardis, a former walk-on, will probably get first crack at taking over for Ruiz at center. However, I believe there will be at least two second-year players looking to beat him out for the job. Rumler, Barnhart, and Carpenter all have huge potential somewhere inside. True freshman Zack Zinter has promise too as an early enrollee. Again, I just see too many good bodies to think the coaches can't put anything productive together here, despite the lack of experience along the interior of the line. The one thing I am sure of though, and you can definitely quote me on this, is that the line will be a BIG one, as the five guys I have projected as the eventual starters measure in at an average of 6'6" and 323lbs across the board. That is huge!
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #5
Projected National Unit Ranking: #36
#8 Tight End - Nick Eubanks (5th), Erick All (So), Luke Schoonmaker (Jr)
Analysis: This position group is next to last in the rankings not as an indictment on the talent here, but more of a testament to the talent on the rest of the team. Eubanks returning for a fifth season is no doubt huge for the team. He should be a leader on and off the field. He already led all tight ends in receptions in 2019, so his familiarity with the offense and overall veteran wisdom will be an asset. All looks like he has the ability to contribute in a number of ways too. But that's it for depth. Schoonmaker hasn't had much opportunity to show what he can do yet, but the former quarterback has made the most of his very limited opportunities with two catches and a touchdown on his resume. Overall, I believe we will see the position faded out a little more in the fall to make room for a more speedy receiver group.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #5
Projected National Unit Ranking: #33
#7 Quarterback - Dylan McCaffrey (Sr), Joe Milton (Jr), Cade McNamara (So)
Analysis: Most people think this is a two-man race. That is the wrong perspective though, because this is by all means a three-man race for the starting position this fall. And I don't foresee it ending this spring. Yes, McCaffrey and Milton are elite-level athletes that each have special characteristics that you either have or you don't as a prospect. Stuff that can't be coached. Both are excellent on the run and look like they could play other positions on the team. Both were 4-Star recruits. One thing to note, however, is that neither one of them has ever really blown up the stat sheet through the air. McNamara, on the other hand, is another 4-Star that did put up the type of numbers in high school one would want to see coming into Michigan. In fact, he put up more yards through the air in high school than both of the guys in front of him did put together. Just watch McNamara's highlight reel compared to Milton and McCaffrey's. His body of work is so much bigger and simply more impressive and it's not even really close. He was also an Elite 11 finalist and it would not shock me to see him win the job. At any rate, this is the first time the team is in spring strictly with quarterbacks that Harbaugh recruited and signed to Michigan right out of high school. It is finally stocked full of nobody but his guys. All of which were highly coveted prospects. This should indeed be interesting. Hell, this type of competition could be very good for the entire team.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #4
Projected National Unit Ranking: #24
#6 Linebackers - MLB Cam McGrone (Jr), WLB Josh Ross (Sr), VLB Michael Barrett (Jr), WLB Devin Gil (5th), MLB Charles Thomas (So), WLB Anthony Soloman (So), MLB Nikhai Hill-Green (Fr), VLB William Mohan (Fr)
Analysis: Despite the losses in the last two years here, I really like where the position is going. If Ross comes back strong and healthy, then he and McGrone could form one of the best inside linebacker tandems in the nation. They are naturally that talented. The real battle will be to see who the top guys are behind them. The depth is thin, but potential is there. Barrett looks like the heir apparent to Khaleke Hudson at the Viper. He had some big moments as a special teams player last season. Soloman and Thomas will both try to establish themselves as rotational players in their second seasons. It is possible a safety moves over to compete too. The two true freshman early enrollees are very interesting prospects that could rise early in their respective careers.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #4
Projected National Unit Ranking: #17
#5 Kickers/Punters - K Quinn Nordin (5th), P Will Hart (5th), K Jake Moody (Jr), P Brad Robbins (Sr)
Analysis: Nordin is a legit NFL prospect with a canon for a leg. A big season could propel him to a fifth round selection. Moody has lots of experience too, and he might be the more reliable from inside the 20. Hart is about as good of a punter as there is coming back for 2020 and he too could be looking to make an NFL roster next year. Robbins is a solid experienced backup.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #1
Projected National Unit Ranking: #3
#4 Running Back - Zach Charbonnet (So), Hassan Haskins (Jr), Chris Evans (Sr), Ben Mason (fullback), Blake Corum (Fr), Christian Turner (Jr), Ben VanSumeren (Jr)
Analysis: This is one of the deepest positions on the team. The talent legitimately runs seven deep but only the top three will probably play much. We know the top two will be Charbonnet and Haskins. On several occasions this past season they each looked unstoppable. They both had their moments against 'Bama in the Citrus Bowl and even looked good at times. Their development is critical for the direction of this offense. Getting Evans back from an academic suspension could be a huge boost on the field and in the locker room. I see him being a team leader if he can regain his form from his first couple years. Turner and VanSumeren both have some ability too, respectively, so the depth at the position should be great. Corum is the X-factor, as he could be good enough to compete for playing time right away. If he is anywhere near the type of back he was in high school as a true freshman then Michigan could have one of the deepest stable of backs in the entire country.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #2
Projected National Unit Ranking: #10
#3 Defensive Line - DE Aiden Hutchinson (Jr), DE Kwity Paye (Sr), DT Carlo Kemp (5th), DT Christopher Hinton (So), DT Donovan Jeter (Sr), DE Luiji Vilain (Sr), DT Mazi Smith (So), DT Jess Speight (5th), DE David Ojabo (So), DE Taylor Upshaw (Jr), DE Julius Welschof (Jr), DE Gabe Newburg (So), DT Stephen Paea (Sr), DT Mike Morris (So), DE Aaron Lewis (Fr)
Analysis: The starters look like they are set. Hutchinson and Paye could both be All-Conference players and will provide a lot of the heart and soul of this defense from their end positions. Both guys are versatile enough to play inside and out. Fifth-year player Carlo Kemp will start somewhere inside in hopes of raising his draft stock. He works better as a one-bap penetrator than a two-gap stuffer. Second-year player Christopher Hinton is a favorite to win a job too after gaining a load of experience at the end of the season. He held his own well enough against 'Bama too. That is about as good of a top four as Michigan could ask for right now on the line, considering all the starting experience and leadership that is returning. There is also about a dozen unproven youngsters that will be competing for work behind the top four. A few of them will need to emerge this spring to help with depth this fall. Speight, Jeter, Vilain, Smith, Ojabo, and Upshaw all look like possibilities to have break-through spring sessions, and a lot is riding on them all to do so. The team simply cannot afford to go into the season as thin as they proved to be last year.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #3
Projected National Unit Ranking: #10
#2 Defensive Backs - CB Ambry Thomas (Sr), S Brad Hawkins (Sr), CB Vincent Gray (Jr), S Dax Hill (So), CB D.J. Turner II (So), CB Jalen Perry (So), CB Gemon Green (Jr), CB Sammy Faustin Jr. (Jr), S Quentin Johnson (So), CB Andre Seldon (Fr), S Makari Paige (Fr)
Analysis: Thomas looks like a lock to compete for All-Conference honors if he can have a similar season to the one he just had in 2019. Hopefully he locks down one side of the field for the defense. Gray looks like the obvious choice to move in on the other side after getting lots of experience as a redshirt freshman. That experience combined with his height (6'2") and athleticism could lead to big things. There are five other talented youngsters looking to climb the depth chart at corner this spring too. Hawkins and Hill, I am willing to bet, will be the top safety duo in the conference. I love the combination of skills that go along with those two. Hawkins is big but deceptively fast. He kinda plays like a small linebacker but can move out to nickelback if needed. Hill is one of the fastest players ever recruited to Michigan but he proved himself to be a tough tackler as a true freshman. Overall, the secondary is actually one of the strengths of the team.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #2
Projected National Unit Ranking: #9
#1 Wide Receiver - Nico Collins (SR), Ronnie Bell (Jr), Giles Jackson (So), Mike Saintristil (So), Cornelius Johnson (So), Quintel Kent (So), Jake McCurry (Sr)
Analysis: Receiver looks like the best overall position group going into spring despite losing one guy early the NFL and another the transfer portal. Why? Well, for starters, the team gets it's top two receivers back for 2020. Bell actually led the entire team in both receptions (48) and yards (758), while Collins led in both yards per catch (19.7) and touchdowns (7). Having a full year in the offense under their belts could spark a big increase in production for both of them. Jackson, Saintristil, and Johnson all had the type of freshman seasons that make fans hopeful for their future. The fact that the Wolverines return more yards per catch than they lost to the NFL and transfer portal this offseason says a lot about the guys that chose to stay. It is a sure sign that the team is indeed getting faster on offense, so things should get pretty interesting in year two of this offense that is suppose to be built around "speed in space".
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #2
Projected National Unit Ranking: #6
Analysis: The thought of losing four starters on the O-line is a bit scary on the surface. There was a lot of talent in the guys that left, particularly along the interior. But when one looks at the overall picture, one can see enough talent with 13 competitors here for spring, to put a productive unit together for 2020. Getting three tackles with 18 starts between them coming back is a good start. Mayfield will handle one of the spots. If he plays right tackle then Stueber could move inside to play guard while Hayes plays left tackle, where he started two games early in 2019. I believe this is the most ideal and likely scenario. If Mayfield plays left tackle then Stueber will most-likely take on right side duties. Jones is a young talent that could surprise a lot of people at tackle very soon though, so don't count him out of the picture. He might be one of the most talented tackle prospects Michigan has recruited under Harbaugh. Senior Chuck Filiaga has patiently waited for an opportunity and now is the time for him to make a move. Look for him to secure one of the guard spots inside. Honigford might be up for taking a job on the inside too. Vastardis, a former walk-on, will probably get first crack at taking over for Ruiz at center. However, I believe there will be at least two second-year players looking to beat him out for the job. Rumler, Barnhart, and Carpenter all have huge potential somewhere inside. True freshman Zack Zinter has promise too as an early enrollee. Again, I just see too many good bodies to think the coaches can't put anything productive together here, despite the lack of experience along the interior of the line. The one thing I am sure of though, and you can definitely quote me on this, is that the line will be a BIG one, as the five guys I have projected as the eventual starters measure in at an average of 6'6" and 323lbs across the board. That is huge!
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #5
Projected National Unit Ranking: #36
#8 Tight End - Nick Eubanks (5th), Erick All (So), Luke Schoonmaker (Jr)
Analysis: This position group is next to last in the rankings not as an indictment on the talent here, but more of a testament to the talent on the rest of the team. Eubanks returning for a fifth season is no doubt huge for the team. He should be a leader on and off the field. He already led all tight ends in receptions in 2019, so his familiarity with the offense and overall veteran wisdom will be an asset. All looks like he has the ability to contribute in a number of ways too. But that's it for depth. Schoonmaker hasn't had much opportunity to show what he can do yet, but the former quarterback has made the most of his very limited opportunities with two catches and a touchdown on his resume. Overall, I believe we will see the position faded out a little more in the fall to make room for a more speedy receiver group.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #5
Projected National Unit Ranking: #33
#7 Quarterback - Dylan McCaffrey (Sr), Joe Milton (Jr), Cade McNamara (So)
Analysis: Most people think this is a two-man race. That is the wrong perspective though, because this is by all means a three-man race for the starting position this fall. And I don't foresee it ending this spring. Yes, McCaffrey and Milton are elite-level athletes that each have special characteristics that you either have or you don't as a prospect. Stuff that can't be coached. Both are excellent on the run and look like they could play other positions on the team. Both were 4-Star recruits. One thing to note, however, is that neither one of them has ever really blown up the stat sheet through the air. McNamara, on the other hand, is another 4-Star that did put up the type of numbers in high school one would want to see coming into Michigan. In fact, he put up more yards through the air in high school than both of the guys in front of him did put together. Just watch McNamara's highlight reel compared to Milton and McCaffrey's. His body of work is so much bigger and simply more impressive and it's not even really close. He was also an Elite 11 finalist and it would not shock me to see him win the job. At any rate, this is the first time the team is in spring strictly with quarterbacks that Harbaugh recruited and signed to Michigan right out of high school. It is finally stocked full of nobody but his guys. All of which were highly coveted prospects. This should indeed be interesting. Hell, this type of competition could be very good for the entire team.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #4
Projected National Unit Ranking: #24
#6 Linebackers - MLB Cam McGrone (Jr), WLB Josh Ross (Sr), VLB Michael Barrett (Jr), WLB Devin Gil (5th), MLB Charles Thomas (So), WLB Anthony Soloman (So), MLB Nikhai Hill-Green (Fr), VLB William Mohan (Fr)
Analysis: Despite the losses in the last two years here, I really like where the position is going. If Ross comes back strong and healthy, then he and McGrone could form one of the best inside linebacker tandems in the nation. They are naturally that talented. The real battle will be to see who the top guys are behind them. The depth is thin, but potential is there. Barrett looks like the heir apparent to Khaleke Hudson at the Viper. He had some big moments as a special teams player last season. Soloman and Thomas will both try to establish themselves as rotational players in their second seasons. It is possible a safety moves over to compete too. The two true freshman early enrollees are very interesting prospects that could rise early in their respective careers.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #4
Projected National Unit Ranking: #17
#5 Kickers/Punters - K Quinn Nordin (5th), P Will Hart (5th), K Jake Moody (Jr), P Brad Robbins (Sr)
Analysis: Nordin is a legit NFL prospect with a canon for a leg. A big season could propel him to a fifth round selection. Moody has lots of experience too, and he might be the more reliable from inside the 20. Hart is about as good of a punter as there is coming back for 2020 and he too could be looking to make an NFL roster next year. Robbins is a solid experienced backup.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #1
Projected National Unit Ranking: #3
#4 Running Back - Zach Charbonnet (So), Hassan Haskins (Jr), Chris Evans (Sr), Ben Mason (fullback), Blake Corum (Fr), Christian Turner (Jr), Ben VanSumeren (Jr)
Analysis: This is one of the deepest positions on the team. The talent legitimately runs seven deep but only the top three will probably play much. We know the top two will be Charbonnet and Haskins. On several occasions this past season they each looked unstoppable. They both had their moments against 'Bama in the Citrus Bowl and even looked good at times. Their development is critical for the direction of this offense. Getting Evans back from an academic suspension could be a huge boost on the field and in the locker room. I see him being a team leader if he can regain his form from his first couple years. Turner and VanSumeren both have some ability too, respectively, so the depth at the position should be great. Corum is the X-factor, as he could be good enough to compete for playing time right away. If he is anywhere near the type of back he was in high school as a true freshman then Michigan could have one of the deepest stable of backs in the entire country.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #2
Projected National Unit Ranking: #10
#3 Defensive Line - DE Aiden Hutchinson (Jr), DE Kwity Paye (Sr), DT Carlo Kemp (5th), DT Christopher Hinton (So), DT Donovan Jeter (Sr), DE Luiji Vilain (Sr), DT Mazi Smith (So), DT Jess Speight (5th), DE David Ojabo (So), DE Taylor Upshaw (Jr), DE Julius Welschof (Jr), DE Gabe Newburg (So), DT Stephen Paea (Sr), DT Mike Morris (So), DE Aaron Lewis (Fr)
Analysis: The starters look like they are set. Hutchinson and Paye could both be All-Conference players and will provide a lot of the heart and soul of this defense from their end positions. Both guys are versatile enough to play inside and out. Fifth-year player Carlo Kemp will start somewhere inside in hopes of raising his draft stock. He works better as a one-bap penetrator than a two-gap stuffer. Second-year player Christopher Hinton is a favorite to win a job too after gaining a load of experience at the end of the season. He held his own well enough against 'Bama too. That is about as good of a top four as Michigan could ask for right now on the line, considering all the starting experience and leadership that is returning. There is also about a dozen unproven youngsters that will be competing for work behind the top four. A few of them will need to emerge this spring to help with depth this fall. Speight, Jeter, Vilain, Smith, Ojabo, and Upshaw all look like possibilities to have break-through spring sessions, and a lot is riding on them all to do so. The team simply cannot afford to go into the season as thin as they proved to be last year.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #3
Projected National Unit Ranking: #10
#2 Defensive Backs - CB Ambry Thomas (Sr), S Brad Hawkins (Sr), CB Vincent Gray (Jr), S Dax Hill (So), CB D.J. Turner II (So), CB Jalen Perry (So), CB Gemon Green (Jr), CB Sammy Faustin Jr. (Jr), S Quentin Johnson (So), CB Andre Seldon (Fr), S Makari Paige (Fr)
Analysis: Thomas looks like a lock to compete for All-Conference honors if he can have a similar season to the one he just had in 2019. Hopefully he locks down one side of the field for the defense. Gray looks like the obvious choice to move in on the other side after getting lots of experience as a redshirt freshman. That experience combined with his height (6'2") and athleticism could lead to big things. There are five other talented youngsters looking to climb the depth chart at corner this spring too. Hawkins and Hill, I am willing to bet, will be the top safety duo in the conference. I love the combination of skills that go along with those two. Hawkins is big but deceptively fast. He kinda plays like a small linebacker but can move out to nickelback if needed. Hill is one of the fastest players ever recruited to Michigan but he proved himself to be a tough tackler as a true freshman. Overall, the secondary is actually one of the strengths of the team.
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #2
Projected National Unit Ranking: #9
#1 Wide Receiver - Nico Collins (SR), Ronnie Bell (Jr), Giles Jackson (So), Mike Saintristil (So), Cornelius Johnson (So), Quintel Kent (So), Jake McCurry (Sr)
Analysis: Receiver looks like the best overall position group going into spring despite losing one guy early the NFL and another the transfer portal. Why? Well, for starters, the team gets it's top two receivers back for 2020. Bell actually led the entire team in both receptions (48) and yards (758), while Collins led in both yards per catch (19.7) and touchdowns (7). Having a full year in the offense under their belts could spark a big increase in production for both of them. Jackson, Saintristil, and Johnson all had the type of freshman seasons that make fans hopeful for their future. The fact that the Wolverines return more yards per catch than they lost to the NFL and transfer portal this offseason says a lot about the guys that chose to stay. It is a sure sign that the team is indeed getting faster on offense, so things should get pretty interesting in year two of this offense that is suppose to be built around "speed in space".
Projected Conference Unit Ranking: #2
Projected National Unit Ranking: #6
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