Michigan Football: what to look for during the Spring Game
On April 2nd, Michigan football hosts their annual Maize vs. Blue spring football game. This game will showcase the Wolverines’ new roster, could feature some of the team’s younger faces, and serves as the fan’s first glimpse at the team as we approach week one of the 2022 season. Here are a few things to watch during Michigan’s 2022 spring game.
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Offense
With most of the Wolverines’ offensive starters returning in 2022, there will be a lot of hype surrounding this aspect of Michigan’s team. Still, there are many things to watch during the spring game.
Quarterbacks
The Wolverines’ quarterbacks are still one concern that has not been formally addressed by the team just yet. In this offseason, Michigan football had an essential decision: will J.J. McCarthy or Cade McNamara be the starter in week one?
Following McCarthy’s throwing arm injury that has forced him to miss time this spring, McNamara seems to be safely in the driver’s seat of the quarterback controversy.
Nonetheless, if McCarthy is ready to go by the spring game, Michigan could easily roll out either QB against Colorado State in week one this fall.
Running backs
With a new and young RB room, the Wolverines will be looking to find some proper offensive sets heading into the new season. With numerous backs able to handle prominent roles this season, be on the lookout for what backs shine the most.
In the running are junior Blake Corum and sophomore Donovan Edwards, both speedy pass-catching backs that tend to fall forward when being tackled. Also on that list are numerous lesser-known players such as CJ Stokes, who could find a role as a “power back” to fill the shoes of Michigan legend Hassan Haskins.
Wide receivers
After tearing his ACL in week one of the 2021 season, Ronnie Bell will return to Michigan in 2022 and will likely lock up the WR1 spot. That being said, the Wolverines still have many options at the position.
Andrel Anthony — who had a sensational freshman season in 2021 — could be gearing up for a breakout season at Michigan. With talent all around him on offense, Anthony may easily find a leadership role alongside the starting job that he will likely lock up by the end of fall camp.
Also in the running are two of the Wolverines’ role-playing wideouts from 2021: Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson. Both of which will undoubtedly see significant reps in the coming season.
Tight ends
When it comes to tight ends, there is one name Michigan football fans must keep an eye on Erick All. All made it clear that he would soon be an NFL-caliber tight end and, following the 2021 season, announced he would return to Michigan for the 2022 season.
This season, an outstanding blocker and pass-catcher, All will play a prominent role in the Wolverines’ offense, opening holes with the offensive line and catching passes from whoever locks up the QB1 job.
Luke Schoonmaker is another less-known name, though the 5th-year senior has been an outstanding run blocker throughout his career and may be given a more significant role in Michigan football’s offense this season.
Offensive line
While Michigan will be returning most of its starters on the offensive line, there are two specific names to watch during the spring game: Olusegun ‘Victor’ Oluwatimi and Trente Jones.
Oluwatimi — the transfer center from Virginia — was a finalist for the Remington award (given to the nation’s best center) in 2021 and will play his final year of eligibility with the Wolverines. After losing its center to the draft, Michigan football found the best possible replacement and one of the country’s best-run blockers.
The other new face on the Wolverines’ offensive line will (likely) be Trente Jones. Though the senior tackle has not locked up the starting spot just yet, it sounds like he is the front-runner for grabbing a starting job by fall camp. If Jones performs well at Michigan’s spring game, there is a great chance he starts at right tackle against Colorado State in week one.