Michigan football has a host of talented players set to return in 2023, however, the Portal offers U-M the limited opportunity of adding experienced players to the roster at a few positions of need. We profile three players who fit nicely.
Virginia CB Fentrell Cypress II
According to 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong, the Second Team All-ACC cornerback has hit the portal, and Michigan football should be interested in securing his services in 2023.
Michigan football has an emerging star right now in freshman CB Will Johnson, who had two big interceptions in the Big Ten Championship Game but could use some proven experience across from him. With D.J. Turner and Gemon Green both likely departing this offseason, bringing in Cypress would be akin to Michigan’s move last year of adding fellow Virginia star Olu Oluwatimi.
Cypress led the ACC in pass break-ups, tallying 1.44 per game, and was even named as a First-Team All-ACC option by Pro Football Focus.
Measuring in at 6’0, 185 lbs., Cypress has the requisite size needed to hold up in the Big Ten. He would be an excellent addition to Michigan’s 2023 team, which will likely be the odds-on favorite to win the Big Ten for a third straight season next fall.
Vanderbilt RB Re’Mahn “Ray” Davis
With the breakout play of Michigan RB Donovan Edwards here late in the season, some may question whether or not the Wolverines really need another running back.
However, the Wolverines have used a 1-2 punch quite nicely for the last couple of seasons, featuring Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum in 2021 and then Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards here in 2022.
Next season, Edwards is clearly set to be the “1” in that duo, but the options for a clear “2” are lacking a bit, as neither C.J. Stokes nor Kalel Mullings are overly proven options, with the latter not even being a full-time running back for the Wolverines.
Thus the potential to add a prominent back to the rotation. Many have speculated that Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen could make sense, however, Davis may be a bit more realistic option, given that he is a graduate transfer, and also played with former Michigan pass rusher David Ojabo at Blair Academy in New Jersey.
Davis is a shorter, but stouter back, coming in at 5’9, 205 lbs., but that did not stop him from tallying a very impressive season at Vanderbilt, rushing for over 1,000 yards and five touchdowns.
A chance to run behind the Wolverines’ offensive line would certainly pose some upside as Davis considers his next options. The Wolverines would be wise to make themselves one of those options and push for Davis to join their 2023 roster.
UC-Davis TE McCallan Castles
A very under-the-radar name here as I am guessing most are not familiar with the FCS ranks. Castles was the starting tight end for the UC-Davis Aggies this fall.
Castles hauled in 300+ yards receiving for the Aggies in each of the past two seasons and previously got his start at California, before transferring down.
With senior tight end Erick All announcing his transfer, and underclassman Louis Hansen doing so as well, the Wolverines could use some depth and experience at the position, and Castles is an excellent fit. He graded out as a very strong blocker according to PFF grades, registering an 82.3 run blocking grade in 2022. For the run-first Michigan offense, that is a big mark in his favor.
At tight end, Colston Loveland figures to be the top guy going forward, but with a handful of players departing and graduating, Michigan football could use a veteran to replenish their depth, and Castles could play a good deal if his run blocking does indeed live up to the hype.