Michigan Football: Early buzz coming out of fall camp
Offensive buzz
Quarterback JJ McCarthy looks much improved. For the Michigan offense to reach its potential, it’s key that JJ McCarthy takes a leap forward. Well, all indications are that he is taking that leap. McCarthy seems incredibly mature and has taken strides in leadership. Even with all the senior leadership on the team, it would be surprising if McCarthy wasn’t named a captain.
Harbaugh has called McCarthy “generational” and he really could be. There has been tons of buzz that McCarthy has been making great plays, and Harbaugh and McCarthy both reiterated the comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. McCarthy could be that kind of player for Michigan football in 2023.
Adding onto that, the skill positions are as talented as they’ve been under Harbaugh. The running back group is the best in the nation. Donovan Edwards should be utilized more as a receiving weapon. The tight-end group is composed of two of the best in the nation. Both Colston Loveland and AJ Barner were named to the Mackey Award watchlist, given to the best tight end in the country.
Everybody knows how talented Colston Loveland is, but Barner is going to be a star. He’s a phenomenal pass catcher and an elite blocker. Expect to see both on the field a lot.
Heading into receivers, Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson both look improved. Johnson has become more of a leader, and both have been making strides on the field. Darrius Clemons remains inconsistent, but he shows flashes, he just needs experience.
Sophomore receiver Tyler Morris is turning heads, and McCarthy said that he thinks Morris will have a huge season. Morris looks exactly like Ronnie Bell, though he may be more talented than Bell. Morris, a former top-100 recruit, looks to be the frontrunner for the slot receiver position. Expect him to make a name for himself this season.
The offensive line is deeper than its ever been. Seriously, Michigan’s backups would be one of the best units in America. As of now, the most probable starting lineup looks like LaDarius Henderson, Trevor Keegan, Drake Nugent, Zak Zinter, and Karsen Barnhart, though Trente Jones is pushing Barnhart.
As crazy as it sounds, this may be Michigan’s most talented offensive line. Zinter is an early-round draft pick. Henderson looks like he could be an early-round draft pick. All five starters are likely to get drafted. It doesn’t get much better than this.
No matter who starts on the line, we can have faith that they will do an incredible job. And they’re only getting better by facing the defensive line.
Now, to the Michigan football defense.