Michigan Football: Who is going to step up at wide receiver?
Michigan football has a ton of potential at wide receiver, but which young player will step up and fulfill it in 2017?
When it comes to wide receivers, Michigan football is loaded with talented ones. But what the Wolverines lack is experience. With all the young talent at the position, some players are certain to emerge as key players, the question is, which ones will take that step this season?
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With the loss of Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson and Jake Butt, Michigan football will need to replace its three most productive pass catchers. After those three players, only Grant Perry, Khalid Hill and De’Veon Smith posted reception numbers in the double digits.
Essentially, it means Hill (16 receptions) is back as the team’s leading receiver. Once you let that sink in, it’s a little alarming. But, when you examine the group of players ready to fill the gap, it’s not so worrisome.
For starters, Eddie McDoom and Kekoa Crawford are both back and saw significant playing time in 2016. McDoom caught just five passes for 51 yards, but also carried the ball 21 times for 219 yards.
Crawford caught just four passes for 47 yards, but did haul in a touchdown reception and also rushed seven times for 61 yards. In other words, both players got their feet wet and enjoyed some success with the ball in their hands.
Perry is practicing with the team and should return once his legal issues are resolved. That will give Michigan football three veterans to count on. However, the Wolverines will still need something from its freshmen.
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Of course, Donovan Peoples-Jones, the top incoming wide receiver in the nation according to 247sports, is a good candidate. He’s 6-2, 195 and could help replace Chesson and Darboh outside.
Tarik Black is another impressive freshman, that ranked 17th in his class among wide receivers. The 6-4 target actually outplayed Peoples-Jones in spring ball and is a prime candidate to play right away.
Oliver Martin and Nico Collins are also four-star recruits. Moe Ways, a junior, is another that could be in the mix.
The reality is that there isn’t a lack of talent at receiver, just a lack of experience. Black and Peoples-Jones both have the ability to be stars. McDoom, Crawford and Perry also have the potential to make an impact.
McDoom is a player we expect to breakout this season and Crawford is another that should take a big jump. But if Michigan football is going to get as much production from its pass catchers as it did a year ago, some freshman will need to step in and fill the void almost immediately.
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Black and Peoples-Jones certainly look like they are capable doing just that. Hopefully, they are, because while potential is nice, on-field production is what matters.