Michigan Football: Predicting Wolverines starters in 2020

Offense

Here’s a quick look at the offensive starters by each position, with a brief summary.

QB: Dylan McCaffrey

Analysis: This is a tough call and I still don’t know exactly who the starter will be on opening day. But if I had to pick today, I’d go with Dylan McCaffrey. He’s an accurate passer, a skilled athlete and he knows the system. He’s the safe choice and while it wouldn’t shock me if Joe Milton overtook him at some point, with limited practice time, McCaffrey is the first man up.

RB: Hassan Haskins and Zach Charbonnet

The backfield is going to be a strength this season for Michigan football with the return of Haskins and Charbonnet, who each had breakout seasons in 2019. Charbonnet rushed for 726 yards, scored 11 touchdowns and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. Haskins averaged 5.1 yards per rush and also scored six touchdowns. They will be the primary ball-carriers but Chris Evans and Blake Corum will get some touches too, especially in the passing game.

WR: Nico Collins, Ronnie Bell, Cornelius Johnson, Giles Jackson

I think you’ll see Michigan football playing with seven guys the most this season and that’s why it seemed silly to name just two or even three starters. My prediction is that we will see plenty of four wide receiver sets and in that scenario, Nico Collins and Cornelius Johnson on the outside, as well as Giles Jackson and Ronnie Bell on the inside is frightening. Bell will be more than just a slot though and even Nico should get moved around to find the best matchups. A bunch of guys will play, but the first four listed should be targeted the most

TE: Nick Eubanks 

Nick Eubanks caught 25 passes a year ago for the Wolverines and considered going to the NFL before returning for his final season. He finished with 295 receiving yards and had four touchdowns. His versatility and improved blocking skills should come in handy this season, while Erick All and Luke Schoonmaker will also make bigger contributions.

OL: Ryan Hayes, Chuck Filigala, Zach Carpenter, Andrew Stueber and Jalen Mayfield

With the offensive line, this seems like a pretty solid group. Jalen Mayfield and Ryan Hayes are set to start at tackle and Gattis essentially called Andrew Stueber a starter in a recent press conference. Zach Carpenter excelled on the scout team a year ago, but with plenty of young, talented players on the offensive line, fall camp will be the determining factor.