Michigan Football: What to make of Adam Shibley’s transfer

Michigan football has experienced a number of transfers this offseason and the Wolverines had another player enter the transfer portal on Tuesday as linebacker Adam Shibley won’t be back with U-M next season.

Last season, Shibley played in five games for Michigan football and was used as a replacement for Cameron McGrone.

However, despite some solid performances, the former walk-on was unlikely to earn a starting job this season, although he did finish with 20 tackles and two tackles for loss.

This definitely seems like a case where Shibley decided to move on for a better chance to play somewhere else, which could have to do with a couple of factors.

For one, Shibley was a former walk-on and with a number of talented recruits in the mix, as well as some possible additions in the transfer portal, it’s easy to see how he could have gotten lost on the depth chart.

Another factor is that Shibley was probably a better fit in the other scheme used under Don Brown. He’s more of that old-school, inside linebacker. He’s not great in coverage, but he’s physical and he can hold his own in the run game.

I’d expect him to be someone who could challenge for a spot on special teams and if he stuck around with Michigan football, I could see him earning some playing there. Yet, it would be a reduced role from what he had last season.

A portal move at linebacker is likely

It’s not a big secret that Michigan football has been targeting some defensive players in the transfer portal and a big position of need is linebacker.

There’s been plenty of smoke about Lance Dixon, who is transferring from Penn State, could wind up at Michigan, but that’s far from a sure thing.

Josh Ross will be back for the Wolverines and that’s a positive, although it might be better if Michael Barrett was moved inside and the staff added another linebacker, who can play inside.

There are a number of options on the current roster too. William Mohan, Cornell Wheeler, Kalel Mullings — just to name a few.

It will be interesting to see where everyone ends up. Yet, after Shibley’s departure, we know one guy who won’t be on the two-deep any longer.