Michigan Football: How TE Ben VanSumeren fits with the Wolverines
Michigan football recently got former Iowa commit Ben VanSumeren to flip to the Wolverines. But how does he fit the program long term?
It’s always a good thing when you can flip a commit from one of your conference rivals and that’s something Michigan football was successful doing just a few days ago with tight end Ben VanSumeren.
VanSumeren, a three-star prospect according to 247sports, isn’t a superstar in recruiting by any means. However, he is a solid player, that ranks No. 14 overall in the state of Michigan. Those are the kinds of guys in state, that you want to keep.
At 6-3, 228 pounds and with a 40 time of 4.56, VanSumeren was a solid get for the Wolverines. 247 lists him as an athlete in the Wolverines 2018 class, which doesn’t mean much, yet with his background at linebacker, a position switch down the road can’t be ruled out.
At this point, it’s too early to speculate, but it’s safe to say if VanSumeren wants to earn his way onto the field, his easiest path will be special teams. Michigan football isn’t loaded at tight end, but it has a group of players that won’t be easy to beat out for playing time.
The Wolverines will have Tyrone Wheatley Jr., Zach Gentry and Sean McKeon all back next season. Plus, UM will be gaining the services of highly-touted tight end Mustapha Muhammad.
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Muhammad is probably the only freshman with a shot at cracking the final two-deep. At least on offense. He’s 6-4, 235 pounds, he had an offer from just about every top program in the country. Yet, the nation’s seventh-ranked tight end in the 2018 class, chose Michigan.
So in terms of the 2018 class, VanSumeren isn’t even the top tight end in the group. But with the way Jim Harbaugh likes to incorporate fullbacks, tight ends and H-backs into his offense, playing time shouldn’t be an issue. He might just not get it right away.
VanSumeren was planning to play linebacker at Iowa, so it’s possible a chance to catch passes, was a factor in his decision. Yet, his ability to play on both sides of the ball and on special teams, adds value to the Michigan football program.
Right now, the Wolverines need more depth at tight end. They didn’t sign any at the position in 2017 and VanSumeren is a perfect guy to help replenish the position. He’s not an elite athlete like Muhammad, but he’s a solid football player, the kind that every team needs.
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It might be a year or so before VanSumeren sees the field. But then again, in the meritocracy that is Michigan football, he could start next season. He has his opportunity, now it’s time to see what he can do with it.