Michigan Football: 3 Sophomores Poised to Break Out

Michigan football’s 2022 recruiting class has already proved that it has some studs. Cornerback Will Johnson came on later in the season and locked down his side of the field.

Defensive tackle Mason Graham received words of praise from Jim Harbaugh in the preseason and turned showed the talk wasn’t cheap throughout the year. Tight end Colston Loveland stepped into Erick All’s shoes when he got hurt, and played a critical role in a number of games.

However, the class doesn’t stop there. Multiple players on both sides of the ball for Michigan football are poised to make similar impacts, both this year and beyond. Today, we look at the three that could make the most noise sooner rather than later.

#1: Derrick Moore

Defensive end Derrick Moore is another guy who’s received loads of praise, but largely got stuck behind Michigan’s plethora of edge rushers last year.

This year, while still amidst a crowded group, Moore will have a chance to separate himself from the group. The 6’3”, 280-pound end showed flashes on the field, recording eight tackles and sacks against Indiana and Maryland in five games a year ago.

With the likes of Taylor Upshaw, Eyabi Okie, and Mike Morris out of the picture, the opportunity is there for Moore to step up. A former top 100 recruit, he has the talent. With a year of development under his belt, Moore could be bound for an incredible season.

#2: Jimmy Rolder

With Junior Colson, Michael Barrett, and Nebraska transfer Ernest Hausmann, Michigan football is deep at linebacker.

However, Jimmy Rolder is a guy that could see a lot of time on the field with this group. The former four-star recruit has both the size and the speed you look for out of the position and played a fair bit down the stretch last year. Rolder recorded seven tackles in the Wolverine’s final five games last season, largely filling in for guys that were banged up.

With the proven guys they have, Michigan football doesn’t need Rolder to step up in the way they need others to. But he might be too good not to step into a bigger role. Rolder’s name will be one to keep an eye on in fall camp, and his action on the field early on will be intriguing to watch.

#3: Darrius Clemons

Since enrolling early in 2022, wide receiver Darrius Clemons has been heavily talked about. However, outside of a big spring game performance, he did not see the field much last year. This year looks to be the year that changes. The 6’3” receiver is one of the most talented receivers Michigan has had in a while and is poised to become a huge weapon for J.J. McCarthy.

Ronnie Bell’s absence leaves a gaping hole at the receiver spot. Plenty of guys are capable of filling it on paper, and it will likely be a team effort. However, of all of the candidates, Clemons seems to be the one bound for the role. If he plays into the hype, watch out.