Michigan Football: Which freshmen will make the biggest impact?

Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan football team brought in another impressive recruiting class in 2020. The class ranked 14th nationally and 2nd in the Big Ten. Here are two freshman ready to make an instant impact in 2020.

Now that we know Michigan football will be returning on October 24th, it’s a good time to take a look at a couple of freshmen that should see the field early and often.

AJ Henning and Andre Seldon Jr fit that bill.

It is important to note that Henning and Seldon play wide receiver and corner back for a couple of reasons. First, because Nico Collins and Ambry Thomas play those positions and they both have currently opted out of the 2020 season in pursuit of the NFL.

Second, because wide receiver and cornerback are premium positions on the field and the more playmakers you have, the better.

AJ Henning

AJ Henning was the highest rated player in Michigan football’s 2020 recruiting class ranking 102nd according to 247 sports. Henning was named the Gatorade Football Player of the Year in Illinois his senior year, scoring 28 touchdowns, while playing wide receiver and running back.

Allen Trieu of 24/7 sports offered up this analysis of Henning:

"“Compact build. Not a prospect who stands out on the hoof, but has a well-developed upper and lower body. Has elite speed. Great burst and acceleration and can score from anywhere on the field.”"

Josh Gattis loves explosive, quick twitch players in his speed-in-space offense. He has shown the ability to get the ball into his playmakers hands, especially in the passing game.

While Henning played WR and RB in high school he profiles as a WR in college. That doesnt mean that Gattis wont line him up in the backfield though, like he did with Giles Jackson last season.

Any opportunity to get a player with Henning’s speed on a linebacker or safety is a win for the Michigan offense.

The Wolverines are light on wide receivers this year and that is going to provide great opportunity for AJ. If he picks up the playbook quickly, he will see the field early and often.

Andre Seldon Jr.

Just like the with the wide receiver position, the Wolverines are also very young at the cornerback position with Ambry Thomas choosing to pursue the NFL. The most experienced cornerback is junior Vincent Gray who played in nine games last season. Enter Andre Seldon Jr.

When Seldon committed to the Wolverines, Don Brown and the defense got another dude. At only 5’8 Seldon plays a lot bigger because he is a freaky athlete with a great jumping ability. In a practice for he UA All-American game he showcased his athleticism.

With only one of the cornerback positions locked down, there will be a lot of competition for the other starting job. Competition can bring out the best in players, especially the young guys trying to make an impression on the coaching staff.

Seldon has had a lot of extra practice time in preparation for his freshman season because of Covid-19. That also means that he has had more time to learn Don Brown’s defensive scheme.

With all things considered, Seldon Jr should enter the cornerback rotation this season bringing his physicality, and competitive drive with him.