Michigan Football: Intriguing options emerge in the transfer portal

Michigan football could use some help from the transfer portal and here are two targets that make a lot of sense. 

Yesterday, Texas A&M CB Elijah Blades took to Twitter to announce his intentions to transfer.

Blades last played in 2019 after opting out of the 2020 season and announcing his intentions to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. He rejoined the Aggies in December but did not participate in games. In 2019, Blades made six starts in seven appearances and he tallied 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three passes defended.

Michigan football could use some reinforcements at corner as its top three corners right now appear to be Gemon Green, DJ Turner, and Vincent Gray.

Michigan football would be not adding Blades with the expectation that he will be an All-B1G performer. However, he would provide depth and starting experience in the SEC.

Additionally, at 6’2 185 lbs, he has the length that the new defensive staff appears to be looking for a corner. As a grad transfer, Blades would have one year remaining of eligibility.

New WR option with local ties

While Michigan football is not in need of a wide receiver as badly as it could use another corner, Corneilus Johnson is the only big target the Wolverines have on the outside.

Former Jackson State wideout Daylen Baldwin could be another option. At 6’3 210 lbs with 4.4 speed, Baldwin has the frame for a prototypical X receiver.

He began his career at Morgan State before transferring to Jackson State for the 2020 season. At Jackson State, he was named SWAC Newcomer of the Year after amassing catches 27 for 540 yards (20 YPC) and 7 TDs.

Baldwin finds himself in the transfer portal again and this time has a pair of heated rivals in pursuit of his services. Yesterday, Baldwin picked an offer from Ohio State after having an impressive workout in front of their coaches. Michigan followed it up with an offer a day later.

Baldwin is a Michigan native, growing up in Farmington, and spent time at both Farmington and Warren Mott high schools.

The opportunity to return home and star in his home state is appealing to Baldwin. However, his path to playing time is more important. The Wolverines have a more favorable depth chart than the Buckeyes and that is not lost on Baldwin. That may give Michigan the edge to land him.