Michigan football officially kicked off fall camp on Wednesday, meaning we're that much closer to the start of the season. It should be a very exciting season for fans, as former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham gets to coach possibly his most talented team ever.
Fall camp is going to be incredibly important for the Wolverines. While the new coaching staff has been in place since January, the team hasn't had much time to actually work with the new playbooks. The players have certainly studied the plays, but knowing the plays and running the plays are two very different things. Every rep is going to be crucial. Let's take a look at three fall camp storylines that could have a huge impact on Michigan's season.
Who will win the starting left tackle job?
Blake Frazier is the returning starter at left tackle, which is arguably the most important position on the offensive line when you have a right-handed quarterback. Frazier did a good job last season and should be even better this season. However, Andrew Babalola is returning from his torn ACL and will definitely have something to say in this one.
Babalola, a former five-star recruit, has the most potential on the offensive line, and all indications are that he was a real contender for a starting spot last season before getting hurt. Whittingham had a lot of praise for Babalola at Big Ten Media Days, and it seems that the talented sophomore will have a real shot at winning the job. This is one that's going to be super interesting to follow.
Will the defense be healthy?
Two of Michigan's most talented players on defense are returning from tough injuries. Rod Moore from his knee issues, and John Henry Daley from his achilles injury. The Michigan defense is going to be defined by their health.
The coaches have hinted that both will be on pitch counts, at least at the start of camp. John Henry Daley is a reigning first team All-American on the EDGE. He's a game wrecker and should be the best player on Michigan's defense if healthy. Given that we don't know much about Michigan's other EDGE rushers, his health is extremely important.
Likewise, Rod Moore is a potential All-American in the secondary. He was one of Michigan's most important players during their dominant three-year run from the 2021 season through the 2023 season. His return brings championship pedigree to the defense. With Moore having missed the past two seasons, more caution will likely be taken with him. Keep an eye out for any news regarding his health and availability.
Who will earn the WR3 spot?
For the first time in what feels like forever, Michigan football has a surplus of talented receivers. Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan should be the top two receivers. The third spot, however, appears to be up for grabs. The main contenders appear to be Texas transfer and former elite recruit Jaime Ffrench as well as talented freshmen Salesi Moa and Travis Johnson.
On paper, you can't go wrong with any of the three. They were all very highly rated as recruits, and they all appear to have the talent needed to make an impact. The great thing about having at least three contenders for this spot is that they're going to push each other to get better. Whoever wins the job will have been forced to elevate their play to another level.
Regardless of who wins this battle, expect the Wolverines to consistently rotate at least five wide receivers. The talent is real, and it's something that offensive coordinator Jason Beck will utilize.
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