Michigan Football: Trente Jones could play right away at right tackle

Michigan football signee Trent Jones had his ranking among the 2019 recruiting class go way up this week and here’s why he could play right away at UM.

When it comes to Michigan football‘s 2019 recruiting class, one of the most impressive things about it is the haul along the offensive line.

There are a number of talented prospects in the group and when 247 sports released its final rankings for the 2019 recruiting class, one offensive line prospect, Trente Jones, moved all the way up the No. 108.

It’s just the latest in an impressive run up the rankings. Back in October, Jones was ranked outside the top 300 and after ranking 129th earlier this month, Jones moved up another 21 spots to nearly crack the top 100.

Jones put together a solid performance in an All-Star game earlier this month and that’s part of what contributed to his rise up the rankings. The other contributing factor is that the dude is just really good.

With his length, he can hold his own in pass blocking and even though that’s an area he struggled with at times, he has all the tools but be excellent at it. Beyond that, Jones is known as a very physical run blocker. It’s part of the reason why some viewed him as an offensive guard, not a tackle.

Yet, in an interview, Jones did earlier this month with the Michigan Insider, he said that he would be starting out his Michigan football career at right tackle, which makes you wonder, can he push for a starting job next season?

At this point, you can’t rule it out. Andrew Stueber appears to be the front runner at that spot but his hold on the position is tenuous at best. He started after Juwann Bushell-Beatty suffered an injury and held up fine, however, his play didn’t stand out at all.

Obviously, Jones will have more competition than just Stueber to worry about. Jalen Mayfield and Ryan Hayes, two four-star recruits from last season, should also be in the mix for Michigan football. Had anything happened to Stueber, it seems like Mayfield was next in line.

In fact, Mayfield could be a swing tackle of sorts for Michigan, which will also need a backup for starting left tackle Jon Runyan Jr. Hayes is a guy that got some positive rumblings during Peach Bowl practices and he could work into the mix on the right side too at 6-foot-7.

While Jones is the top-ranked offensive line is this recruiting class for Michigan football, the Wolverines have three other four-stars coming in along the offensive front, including fellow offensive tackle Trevor Keegan, who also stands 6-foot-6.

The other two incoming freshmen for the Wolverines are Nolan Rumler (No. 10 OG, 6-4, 290) and Karsen Barnhart (No. 16 OG, 6-4, 282). Both of those guys will have a tough time with both starting guards, Ben Bredeson and Michael Onwenu returning.

When it comes to Jones and right tackle, that proven, locked-in starter doesn’t exist. Stueber has laid claim to the job but he will have cement that status this spring and if he wants to keep it next season, Jones is one of the guys he will need to hold off.