Michigan Football: Do Wolverines have No. 1 wide receiver?

Andrel Anthony

Anthony was a true freshman last season and he did not catch a pass until the Michigan State, but he sure broke out in a big way.

Against his hometown Spartans, he had six catches for 155 yards and two touchdowns. It was the best performance from a Michigan receiver last season. Anthony suffered a concussion the following week against Indiana and caught six passes in Michigan’s final six games.

However, Anthony has already shown he can be an elite receiver against one of Michigan’s biggest rivals. At 6-foot-2, he has the height of a prototypical No. 1 WR and he figures to get stronger this offseason as well and up from 185 pounds.

It is his speed, however, that can make him such a game-breaker. Anthony can take a short pass the distance as he did against Michigan State for a 93-yard touchdown on a crossing route. He can also beat defenses over the top on posts and go routes and will be a great complement to Michigan’s running game.

Anthony seems to have a strong rapport with fellow classmate J.J. McCarthy. That will be even more important if McCarthy wins the starting job. I see Anthony taking a big leap this season and becoming one of the best receivers in the Big Ten, and possibly’s Michigan’s No. 1 as well.

Cornelius Johnson

Johnson was Michigan’s leading receiver last season with 40 receptions for 627 yards and three touchdowns. He can beat defenses deep and came up with huge catches against Wisconsin and Ohio State. Johnson has the size you want in a No.1 receiver at 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds.

However, I would like to see him use his frame to his advantage and be stronger in attacking the ball at the catch point. There were a few instances where Johnson was outmuscled by smaller corners which led to incompletions.

Michigan’s offense bogged down in the red zone at times and settled for too many field goals. If Johnson improves in that area, he will emerge as a strong option in the red zone and improve his touchdown production.

That will also boost his draft stock in what will be an important season for him.