Michigan Football: Projecting Wolverines 2019 depth chart

Breaking down the offensive positions

Quarterback

Starter: Shea Patterson

Backups: Dylan McCaffrey, Joe Milton

After a successful inaugural season for the maize and blue, Patterson returns to the field as the king of the quarterback room. Although Harbaugh did say he wants to see both Shea and Dylan McCaffrey get playing time, Dylan’s contributions will be minimal compared to Patterson’s when the season is complete.

Running back

Starter: Tru Wilson

Backups: Zach Charbonnet, Christian Turner

Although Tru Wilson was named the starter, I don’t see a situation where a healthy Zach Charbonnet doesn’t finish out the season as the clear favorite.

Jim Harbaugh called him a very “well-rounded back” that’s playing very good football.

Right Tackle

Starter: Andrew Stueber

Backup: Jalen Mayfield

This is a close matchup that could change at any minute. Redshirt freshman Jalen Mayfield has made some great strides both mentally and physically but in the end, it looks like the upperclassman will get the nod.

Right guard

Starter: Michael Onwenu

Backup: Joel Honigford

Not much news has come out of Michigan concerning any offensive lineman position outside of the RT. Lock this one up for Michael Onwenu.

Center

Starter: Cesar Ruiz

Backup: Stephen Spanellis

Another position that’s locked up is at center. Cesar Ruiz is returning for his junior season with a more than capable backup in Stephen Spanellis.

Left guard

Starter: Ben Bredeson

Backup: Chuck Filiaga

Ben Bredeson has secured the left guard spot and deservedly so as he heads into his fifth year with the team. Junior Chuck Filiaga is hot on his tail and will look to fill Ben’s shoes in 2020.

Left Tackle

Starter: Jon Runyan

Backup: Ryan Hayes

Fifth-year senior and legacy Jon Runyan was not about to give up his starting no matter how hard Ryan Hayes tried to steal it from him. Jon and Ben will serve as the anchor to this line and should have a majority of the runs directed at their gaps.

Tight end

Starter: Sean McKeon

Backup: Nick Eubanks, Erik All

Freshman Erik All has been the surprise of the 2019 class as he obviously came in underrated. While Erik has been impressive, the talk of the town has surrounded Sean McKeon who has locked up the position with Nick Eubanks as a strong second.

Wide receivers

Starters: Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black, Nico Collins

Backups: Ronnie Bell, Mike Sainristil, Giles Jackson

Donovan Peoples-Jones was the top-ranked receiver for the 2017 and we’re not even convinced he’s the best receiver on the team. Tarik Black would have an argument if he could stay healthy and Nico Collins certainly has a case to make considering he brought in more yards than DPJ last season.

Slot

Starter: Mike Sainristil

Backups: Ronnie Bell, Giles Jackson

With Ronnie Bell giving breathers to the traditional receiver corp, freshman Mike Saintristil will sneak in at the slot as a giant surprise for fans. His speed is exactly what coach Gattis was looking for when he envisioned his speed-in-space slogan to identify his offense.