Michigan Football: Offensive line has plenty of upside heading into 2020

Michigan football is losing four of five starters on the offensive line, but there is still plenty of reason for optimism heading into next season.

One of the big question marks facing Michigan football heading into the 2020 season is the offensive line, where the Wolverines will be forced to replace four starters from last season.

Certainly, with three seniors, the Wolverines knew that would be the case, however, they also need to replace center Cesar Ruiz, who left early for the NFL and is now being projected by some as a first-round pick.

For Michigan football, that leaves a big hole to fill at center and really throughout the interior of the line as Ben Bredeson and Michael Onwenu are also gone.

But if you follow recruiting closely, you will know that Michigan did a really solid job on the offensive line in 2019 and now, the hope is that will pay dividends. And if you listen to what offensive line coach Ed Warriner said in a recent interview with Jon Jansen, it sounds like that hope is coming to fruition.

Obviously, finding a new center is one of the top priorities, if not No.1 and Zach Carpenter, one of those 2019 guys, is trending in the right direction. He was the Scout Team Player of the Year for the O-line and here’s what Warinner said about him:

"“There’s the Scout Team player of the year in Zach Carpenter. He missed two or three weeks with an ankle but once he got healthy and got rolling, he really showed that he could be an outstanding center. He’ll be in there at center with (fifth-year center) Andrew Vastardis.”"

Then, Warriner pivoted to talk about Karsen Barnhart, a redshirt freshman that could have a chance to start at guard next season.

"“We have a very good freshman class and we redshirted all of them,” Warriner said. “We were able to play all of them within the four-game limit and redshirt them. They’re all going to play at some point in their careers here. Karsen Barnhart seemed to step to the forefront; Karsen is a flexible guy who could play tackle or guard. He’ll have a chance to fit in there as a top-five guy.”"

Not only should Carpenter and Barnhart be in the mix to start, but another tackle, Trevor Keegan is another that has impressed and could see some reps with Ryan Hayes and Jalen Mayfield on the edge in pass protection. Warriner said good things about him too.

Replacing talent is part of having a successful program and along the offensive line at least, it seems like Michigan football has it handled with spring football right around the corner.