Why return of Erick All is huge for Michigan Football

Erick All announced that he will be returning to the Michigan football team in 2022 and here’s why that’s a big deal for the Wolverines.

Tight end Erick All made one of the biggest plays of the entire 2021 season for Michigan football. He scored the game-winning touchdown against Penn State and soon after the Wolverines loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl, All announced he would return for 2022.

This is a huge win for Michigan football since there were some rumblings that All may enter the 2022 NFL draft. He certainly played like an NFL tight end and looked the part.

All was the Wolverines’ second-leading receiver with 38 receptions. He turned that into 437 yards and two touchdowns including the go-ahead score in Happy Valley. According to The Detroit News, All wrote on Instagram: “I love this team so much. Can’t wait to get back on the field with you guys.”

With All in the mix, Michigan football could return all of its leading receivers from 2021. Cornelius Johnson led U-M with 40 receptions and should return unless he enters the draft, along with Roman Wilson, Mike Sainristil, Andrel Anthony, and A.J. Henning.

Michigan football will also be loaded at tight end. Luke Schoonmaker flashed at the end of the season, while freshman Louis Hansen is a star in waiting, as is incoming signee Colston Loveland.

At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, All is a former wide receiver who is playing tight end and he’s starting to excel. His blocking has taken a major step forward and his receiving skills did this season too. And he’s always been talented but now he found consistency.

Another veteran announces return

Michigan football also got the news that outside linebacker/EDGE Taylor Upshaw will be back for another season. With Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo both expected to enter the NFL draft, Upshaw could have a chance to earn more playing time on the edge.

This season, he had 3.5 tackles for loss to go along with 2.5 sacks. As of right now, he will likely compete with Mike Morris, Jaylen Harrell, and Braiden McGregor for the starting job on the edge, although an addition from the transfer portal is possible too.

But Upshaw is a veteran player and he played well given his opportunities this season. It will just remain to be seen if he can have a bigger impact in an expanded role.