Michigan Football: 3 players to watch in the Outback Bowl

Time for Donovan Peoples-Jones to emerge

Michigan football has a lot of talented young players on this team, after two highly-rated recruiting classes and another on the way, there is no question about that. One player, who many were excited to see this past season, was freshman Donovan Peoples-Jones.

Peoples-Jones came to Michigan as the top-rated wide receiver in the 2017 class and with his talent, you can see why. Yet, despite his immense ability, Peoples-Jones struggled, producing just 16 receptions for 219 yards. He also had zero receiving touchdowns, although he got robbed of one against Wisconsin.

With the quarterback situation, you can see in part why Peoples-Jones struggled. But against Rutgers, Maryland and Minnesota, three games in which Peters played all or most of the game, he caught just two passes for 18 yards. Even more worrisome was the fact he went six games without making a single catch.

As a punt returner, he was electrifying, averaging 8.5 yards per return and scoring a touchdown against Air Force. He also earned Freshman All-American honors. But at the same time, Michigan football needs an All-American wide receiver, not just a punt return guy.

But with a few weeks of bowl preparation, the hope is that Peters and Peoples-Jones develop a rapport. Win or lose, it would be nice to see them both play well. In particular, it would be nice to see Peoples-Jones play up to his immense talents.