3 thoughts on the commitment of Donaven McCulley to Michigan football

Wide receiver is among the biggest needs for Michigan football in the transfer portal and the Wolverines started to address it on Friday with the commitment of Indiana wide receiver Donaven McCulley.

The 6-foot-5, 200-pound receiver, was formerly a quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers. In 2023, he caught 48 passes for 633 yards. This past season, McCulley only played in a few games and caught two passes for 21 yards and a touchdown.

McCulley entered the portal in October. He visited Michigan football in November and he was projected to the Wolverines a few weeks ago by the likes of Steve Wiltfong of On3.com.

However, Oklahoma and Virginia Tech have also been making a strong push. Oklahoma felt like a real threat to land McCulley, but the Wolverines secured his commitment on Friday and here are three thoughts.

A proven playmaker

In the 2023 season, McCulley had 11 receptions for 137 yards against Illinois. He had another game with four receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown. In fact, there were five games that season in Big Ten play that he had 67 yards or more.

And this wasn't Curt Cignetti's Indiana either. Michigan football needed at least one starting-caliber wide receiver and McCulley is that. I'd like to see them get another but this dude has proven he can make plays and produce in the Big Ten, which is what this team needed.

Some actual size

For all the talk about the quarterback play, Michigan football receivers had a tough time getting separation. There wasn't a lot of size -- only Amorion Walker had any at 6-foot-3 -- and there wasn't much explosiveiness.

McCulley averaged 13 yards per reception during the 2023 season. He's capable of winning against man-to-man coverage and he's good after the catch. He's not necessarily going to take the top off a defense, but he can get open, plus he's a weapon in the red zone.

Hopefully it's just the start

McCulley is a proven producer in the Big Ten, but the Wolverines still need to add some talent to the wide receiver room. Andrew Marsh is a freshman who could make an immediate impact. But it seems pretty clear based on some of the offers being extended that Michigan football wants to add another receiver from the transfer portal.

McCulley is a great piece but he didn't play most of the season and had some injuries. Michigan can't put all of its eggs into his basket. It's a good place to start though.