4 thoughts as Michigan football spring practices get underway

Spring ball is here for Michigan football. The Wolverines were back out on the practice field on Monday and you can feel the optimism in the air.

The official Michigan football account on X released some photos of spring practice. Head coach Sherrone Moore was looking relaxed. You also have a picture of the new No. 55 Rayshaun Benny.

Mason Graham wore that number last season. I think that's a sign that Rayshaun Benny is going to do this best to play up to that level and I have no doubt that he will.

Here's only early prediction: Benny will be a first-round pick after being an All-American in 2025.

Back to spring practice. With Bryce Underwood, it feels like the Wolverines are on the cusp of something special, just like J.J. McCarthy. Will this be another season like 2021? Will Underwood take over the starting job from day one?

There are plenty of questions that need answers. Some will come this spring. Some won't, but here are four thoughts on the first day of spring practices for Michigan football.

The QB competition won't be decided this spring

It will be fun to see Bryce Underwood during the spring game. I'm anxious to see Jadyn Davis and Mikey Keene too, but I doubt that any depth chart decisions will be finalized.

There can be a leader in the clubhouse. It wouldn't surprise me at all if that was Underwood after spring practice. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey said Underwood was "all business" earlier this week. It's also still his first foray into college football.

Keene is also a newcomer to the team and seeing their chemistry with the receivers and tight ends will be interesting. Don't expect Sherrone Moore to name a starter though.

The offensive line is a key storyline

Michigan football needs better play at quarterback in 2025, which is why it got Underwood and Keene. It also needs better play from the offensive line.

Evan Link had some rough moments at right tackle last season and I'm not sure he's up to the task of playing left tackle this season, as he did in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Andrew Babalola could be a candidate for the job, but he's a true freshman. It's possible that someone is added in the spring transfer portal. That would be ideal. Link could be bumped inside to guard, and the entire offensive line could be better.

But it would be nice to see some current players emerge this spring or at least take a step forward because finding a tackle in the portal isn't all that likely.

What about the wide receivers?

I'm more optimistic about Michigan adding a wide receiver in the portal. They are more aplenty. Plus, the Wolverines have a pretty open situation in terms of the depth chart, as well as Bryce Underwood, as well as an offensive coordinator known for throwing the ball as much as running it.

Donaven McCulley, Fred Moore, Semaj Morgan, and Anthony Simpson are probably the top four options right now along with tight ends Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen. Some younger wideouts could emerge, or maybe even a freshman such as Andrew Marsh.

But the buzz around the wide reciever room, or lack of it, will be something to watch this spring.

The defense will be lights out

This spring should be totally different for the Michigan football defense. Wink Martindale was new to college football, at least new for the first time in a while. It took him time to adjust. He admitted that, but he feels much more "comfortable" as he said earlier this week in his press conference.

The players feel more comfortable with him too. Wink seems super relaxed and excited about this season. He joked about giving Jesse Minter and Mike MacDonald a hard time since he was able to hold Ohio State to just 10 points. They each allowed at least 20 in their wins.

Wink lost some NFL talent on defense, but there is plenty still there in Rayshaun Benny, Rod Moore, Jaishawn Barham, Derrick Moore, Ernest Hausmann, and T.J. Guy. There are others who could emerge as NFL players too. Zeke Berry is among them.

You wonder how many of those guys will take a leap, but I'd expect to hear a ton of positive buzz about the Michigan football defense this spring.