The privilege of playing at Michigan isn't always a sure thing, even if you are a starter. The staff has to monitor what a player does on and off the field and in the classroom to prove that they are learning how to become an outstanding citizen outside of the bright lights of football stardom. Below is a list of names who will be huge contributors to team 146, but must avoid the potholes that can wreck a promising career in an instant.
Jyaire Hill
Hill is heading into the 2025 campaign as one of the team's primary corners because of last year's growing experience. Michigan football was fortunate enough to have the depth in place at the position and will be prepared again this year if Hill's antics persist. He played sparingly the last month of the season and switched his number in the process.
Guys like Jeremiah Lowe, Shamari Earls, the Metcalf brothers and Jo'Ziah Edmond should profit the most if Hill is designated to the sidelines once again.
Evan Link
Link was vilified for his erratic play in 2024 as a first-time starter. His PFF grade was in the low 50s. He seemed to turn the corner by the end of the year, though, when he jumped around on the line to both tackle spots. This year, the leash might not be as long with two five-stars breathing down his neck.
The coaches were quoted by saying that three starters are locked in as of the spring and Link was not one of them, but that can certainly change by the time August rolls around. As it stands today, Link is slated to be the presumptive left tackle to protect the quarterback's blindside.
Semaj Morgan
With the arrival of Donaven McCulley and the emergence of Fredrick Moore, Morgan may be the odd man out in the starting picture. He's flashed glimpses in the past with his speed, but never took off into full capacity. Instead Davis Warren would look for Peyton O'Leary and Bryce Underwood targeted Channing Goodwin a lot in the spring scrimmage.
Perhaps Chip Lindsey will call some more sweeps and screens for Morgan to get him involved in the offense. The receiving core is deeper than it was a year ago, while the quarterback play should improve drastically as well.
Enow Etta
The most heralded defensive recruit out of his class has yet to post a respective sack in his two years on campus. It won't get any easier with all the new transfers coming in to take his job. A player of his caliber should be an automatic starter by the third year in his career, but Etta has been a real disappointment thus far.
Sending a harsh message to get better or else sometimes works and that is what the coaches may have to do in this case. Tough love is a tactic that can surely make or break an individual in this sport.