Michigan Football: Thoughts on two Wolverines hitting transfer portal

Michigan football lost A.J. Henning and R.J. Moten to the transfer portal on Monday and here are some thoughts on the roster going forward. 

At some point, there was going to be some attrition for Michigan football when it comes to the transfer portal and it happened on Monday as two former starters are leaving the Wolverines.

The first that was announced was A.J. Henning. The former top-ranked recruit in the state of Illinois, never really emerged as a threat on offense. He was a stellar kick and punt returner for Michigan football and will certainly be missed.

However, you can understand him wanting to have a bigger role at wide receiver. With Tyler Morris, Semaj Morgan, and Peyton O’Leary all emerging this spring, Michigan football should be just fine. My biggest worry about the return duties.

Henning had four career touchdowns for the Wolverines. He returned a punt and kick for a touchdown during his career, as well as two rushing touchdowns in 2021 including one against Ohio State in the 42-27 win during the 2021 season.

R.J. Moten also enters transfer portal

In addition to losing its top return guy, Michigan football also lost a former starter in R.J. Moten. He played in 25 games the past two seasons for the Wolverines and had two interceptions, 66 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, four passes defended, and 1.5 sacks.

However, Moten got passed on the depth chart last season. Makari Paige and Rod Moore emerged as the starting tandem at safety, which is unlikely to change.

Beyond those guys starting, Michigan football has lots of depth at safety. Keon Sabb is biding his time and so is Zeke Berry, as well as Damani Dent.

Those guys need to have bigger roles and that’s more likely now that Moten won’t be part of the two-deep in 2023.

Moten and Henning have both helped Michigan win back-to-back Big Ten titles. Yet, the Wolverines should be fine without them, although it’s a bummer to see them leave.

It’s also part of the new reality of college football.