Michigan Football: Youth movement will be key to U-M’s staying power

With all the chaos that went down on Tuesday, it leaves Michigan football with some gaping holes to fill in a shortened season.

At least two more offensive weapons for Michigan football have decided to move on from the current squad yesterday.

Nico Collins is reportedly bypassing his chance to wear the number one jersey in 2020, while Dylan McCaffrey is looking into transferring with two years of eligibility remaining.

It’s a hard pill to swallow knowing that two playmakers needed on offense are seeking greener pastures elsewhere.

Collins is a quarterback’s best friend. He was by far the best deep threat available on offense. Filling his shoes may not come by one, but by several wideouts.

McCaffrey was in the running to be the starting signal caller until lately because of the obvious emergence of Joe Milton. His special running ability will be missed, however Milton may have people forgetting about that sooner rather than later.

Who could emerge for Michigan football?

A second year guy like Cornelius Johnson could be the next Collins on paper. He’s got the size and speed like receivers who have done it before him.

The concern for him is that the offense is going in a different direction which favors others like Mike Sainristil, Giles Jackson, A.J. Henning and so on.

Whomever gets the nod at cornerback to replace Ambry Thomas will be tested early and often. That’s usually the gameplan from opposing offensive coordinators until proven wrong.

There’s a wealth of talent who are more than willing to earn the spot, but their inexperience is quite worrisome.

Karsen Barnhart is the name that keeps popping up when it comes to stepping into Jalen Mayfield’s vacated presence.

He’s seen rare game action, but has been preparing for the season for months now. That has to account for something even though he knowingly won’t be pressed to perform until late October.

Barnhart will be joined by some newcomers on the line as well. Andrew Stueber was in line to start a year ago if not for that severe injury.

At center Andrew Vastardis was a primary reserve who now gets his opportunity of a lifetime. On the left side Chuck Filiaga is the incumbent in waiting, but pushing for playing time will be true freshman Zak Zinter who should definitely see snaps this fall.

Overall the offense will be young besides a few key returnees. The defense most likely will have three new starters not counting Josh Ross.

In reality that means that the defense ought to be ahead of the offense when game one commences. So with five weeks to still figure things out practice is going to be the place to be for the newbies to perfect their craft in time for the mighty Big Ten.