Projecting Michigan Football’s post-spring depth chart
Following the completion of spring ball, we project what Michigan football’s depth chart looks like heading into the fall.
You can still feel the buzz about Michigan football’s spring game on Saturday. The Wolverines flashed a lot of young talent and there was plenty to be excited about.
The defense played spectacular and the pass rush looked to be much better off than expected following the departures of Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo.
That doesn’t mean Michigan football won’t miss those guys. It will. The Wolverines are also going to miss Daxton Hill in the secondary, another projected first-round pick.
But as we saw on Saturday, Michigan football is loaded with depth and talent. There isn’t a single weakness on the projected depth chart.
Sure, there could be more depth at some positions but in terms of the starters/key contributors, there don’t appear to be any glaring holes on the two-deep.
Whether it’s the development of upperclassmen such as Mazi Smith, Mike Morris, or Kris Jenkins, or the potential impact of freshmen such as Will Johnson, Darrius Clemons, and Derrick Moore, Michigan football has the tools needed for another double-digit win season and maybe more.
And looking ahead to the fall, here is our post-spring depth chart projection.
Quarterback
Starter: Cade McNamara; Backups: J.J. McCarthy, Davis Warren
Cade McNamara didn’t play well on Saturday. He’ll be the first to tell you that. But that doesn’t take away from everything he did throughout the spring. McNamara has definitely taken a step forward and getting more reps with J.J. McCarthy out likely didn’t hurt.
That being said, McCarthy should be cleared to start throwing again soon, according to a report from Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider, and this QB battle is far from over.
McCarthy made an impact in the Georgia game last year for a reason. Hell, even though he fumbled against Michigan State, in a weird handoff with Blake Corum, he still threw a touchdown in that game, threw a touchdown against Wisconsin, plus had the dart to Roman Wilson against Ohio State in a key situation.
McCarthy has already proven he can make plays on the biggest stage and while McNamara is going to start, J.J. will play and he’ll play more than he did last season. His running ability is a weapon and with his ability to throw too — defenses will have their hands full.
Davis Warren, who showed flashes on Saturday in the spring game, probably has a good shot of winning the No. 3 job but unless there’s an injury to someone, it’s not likely he plays significant snaps next season.