Michigan Football: How will Wolverines replace Giles Jackson?

Michigan Football recently saw Junior WR Giles Jackson enter the transfer portal. Who will step up in his absence?

Michigan football Junior WR Giles Jackson has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal.  Rumors surrounding Jackson were increasing in substance all week, so this move doesn’t come as a big surprise.

Jackson was one who many expected to have a breakout season in 2020 but was limited to just 167 yards on 15 receptions and no touchdowns.

Some of these struggles may have been caused by less-than-stellar quarterback play, but regardless, not the season Jackson and others in the program were hoping for.

With Jackson gone, it’s time to now look elsewhere for answers at the wide receiver position. Thankfully, Michigan football has plenty of options.

Everyone knows about Ronnie Bell, who was the team’s leading receiver for the second straight season in 2020, but there are a number of younger players who will be expected to step up this fall.

Juniors Cornelius Johnson and Mike Sainristil will be expected to make huge strides in 2021, but don’t count out the younger guys, either.  Sophomores Roman Wilson and A.J. Henning both showed flashes of talent last season and could be players to keep an eye on.

Although Bell, Johnson, and Sainristil are all names that fans are familiar with, there may be some newcomers who make the biggest impact.

Michigan football signed one of the best wide receiver groups in the Big Ten in 2021, as it gathered Xavier Worthy, Cristian Dixon, and Andrel Anthony.  These are three dynamic receivers who are capable of making an immediate impact this fall.

Although he is a great kick returner, Jackson could have been sliding down the wide receiver depth chart during spring practice, which prompted his transfer.

This begs the question: Who stepped up in spring practice and leap-frogged Jackson in the WR depth chart?  A few names that come to mind are A.J. Henning and Roman Wilson.

Henning was a guy who didn’t get much action last season, producing only 59 yards on six receptions, but he fits offensive coordinator Josh Gattis’ ‘Speed in Space’ offense perfectly, as he is a small, quick receiver.  Few players fit Gattis’ offense better than Henning.

Wilson, much like Henning, fits the offense perfectly and showed flashes of talent last season. Wilson recorded nine receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown in 2020.

Henning and Wilson, among others, will be expected to increase their production this fall, as Michigan looks to compete for its first Big Ten title since 2004.