5 Michigan Football players that need to exceed expectations

Michigan football will open its 2022 campaign on the heels of a Big Ten championship last season, which was the Wolverines’ first unshared since 2003.

The Wolverines are desperate to prove their playoff trip and the Big Ten championship wasn’t a fluke. There are several players that are going to be vital to a repeat championship, let’s get into them.

5. TE Erick All

Erick All emerged as a borderline top-10 tight end in the country last season. He tallied 38 catches for 437 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to block and create gaps is what increases his value as a TE with star potential.

All will return as the featured tight end in a star-studded Michigan football offense, returning almost every weapon from last season.

4. DE Mike Morris

Upon the departure of Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo, there’s little idea of who will fill in their shoes.

Personnel-wise, we have Morris and Taylor Upshaw, with the possibility of Jaylen Harrell getting some looks.

It seems Morris has shown the most productivity to get the role. He got reps last season via backup duties and acquitted himself well. The defensive line has always been Michigan’s strong point on defense and the Wolverines will rely on the experience of Morris to stabilize this defense after multiple NFL departures.

3. WR Ronnie Bell

Last season Michigan football relied almost entirely upon the run game. Many can attempt to blame that on questionable QB play, while it could have been due to the injury of playmaker Ronnie Bell.

Bell was undeniably Michigan’s top and most experienced wideout before he had a season-ending injury in week 1. He was arguably a top receiver in the conference before he went down.

If Bell can return to 100% (per reports he will) he will add to an already dynamic offense, with other playmakers like Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, and many more. Bell will look to solidify the Michigan offense as nearly unstoppable.

2. Blake Corum

After the NFL departure of Hassan Haskins, Blake Corum will look to take on the lead role in an impressive Michigan run game.

As a true sophomore last season, Corum had nearly 1,000 yards, rushing for 954 on 144 attempts, racking up 6.6 yards per carry. To go along with that, he grabbed 24 receptions for 141 yards. He accounted for 12 touchdowns last year, 11 on the ground, and one through the air.

Although Michigan is getting back both of their top quarterbacks and returning star wideout Ronnie Bell, the game plan will not make a huge shift, and U-M will continue to run the ball all over teams.

1. Cade McNamara (OR) JJ McCarthy

There is absolutely no doubt that this Michigan football team will only go as far as the quarterback will take it, especially with the defense taking a step back.

Wolverine fans have been calling for McCarthy to take the starting job, and really have no doubt that he will, although McNamara is a renowned leader on the team, on and off the field.

McCarthy however is a 5-star recruit from high school, who was undeniably more electric and exciting to watch on the field. Harbaugh will likely not announce a decision about who will be starting week one this year against Colorado State.