While the 2023 recruiting cycle isn’t over yet, Michigan football saw most of their incoming freshmen sign on Wednesday.
While not an elite class, it’s one that Michigan can be happy with, and includes a few guys that can contribute from day one.
It won’t be easy for guys to crack the two-deep next year. Between a lot of guys coming back and a host of experienced transfers joining them, most youngsters will have to wait to see the field.
However, a few have a chance to make an immediate impact. These are the three that are most likely to get that chance.
1. Jyaire Hill
Jyaire Hill didn’t fool many Michigan faithful with his commitment, despite leaving Michigan outside of his top five. He is coming into a situation that, while still fluid, could garner him early playing time.
The possibility of D.J. Turner and/or Gemon Green returning still exists. As does Michigan grabbing another cornerback from the transfer portal. But as it stands, Michigan could be extremely thin at corner next year.
Will Johnson will be back, and will likely have one spot locked down for two more years. Mike Sainristil will be back as well, holding down the nickel slot for one final season.
This leaves one corner potentially open. Senior Jalen Perry and freshman Myles Pollard will be among those fighting for that spot, but Hill could very well win his way into reps in the fall.
2. Cole Cabana
I believe it is in Blake Corum’s best professional interest to go to the NFL after this season. This leaves a backfield of Donovan Edwards, C.J. Stokes, and Kalel Mullings.
Edwards is, well, Edwards, but I foresee the staff not wanting to give him the 30 carries per game they gave Corum. Stokes isn’t bad, but might not be worthy of 15-20 carries per game yet. Mullings can be a great short-yardage back similar to Ben Mason. However, that comes with being very situational and isn’t a multiple down back.
This means carries will be available. And who better to give them to than Cole Cabana? The Dexter product will be enrolling early and practicing with the team not only in the spring but in their preparation for the Fiesta Bowl against TCU.
On paper, he’s the fastest runner Michigan has seen since Denard Robinson and will add even more juice to the Michigan football backfield.
While this leaves Michigan without a guy who can be a consistent power back, his explosiveness and speed can make up for it. Assuming Corum has played his last snap in the maize and blue, I expect Cabana to see plenty of time on the field in the fall.
3. Adam Samaha
Jake Moody is the best kicker Michigan has ever had. Statistically speaking, he’s one of the best kickers in NCAA history. Narrowly missing out on becoming just the second player to win back-to-back Groza Awards, Moody was as dependable as they come.
Jake Moody will not be Michigan’s kicker next year. The only special teams players Michigan will have returning are punter Brad Robbins and Tommy Doman, who backed up both Moody and Robbins. Doman, a freshman, has not seen much action on the field, with just two PATs in his career.
In comes Adam Samaha. The Ann Arbor native picked up some hype recently, after drilling a 49-yard field goal in the U.S. Army All-American game.
While the kick featured no pressure and allowed Samaha to really step into it, it likely would’ve been good from 55+, a great sign for Michigan fans.
Doman certainly has a chance to win the job, but Samaha will be pushing him for it. If he is given the kicking duties from the start, we will be seeing him called upon quite a bit next year. Samaha has loads of potential, and if he can reach it quickly will be a huge plus for the Wolverines.