Determining who will be Michigan's second option in the passing game

Who will be the No. 2 option for Michigan football in the passing game this season?
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The consensus is that Donaven McCulley is Michigan's unquestionable No. 1 threat in the passing game. Beyond him is a crapshoot. Tyler Morris would have been the logical choice, but he left for greener pastures. Now, Chip Lindsey is tasked with finding someone who won't demand double teams, like McCulley should.

There is a plethora of options. Transfer Anthony Simpson has the most yards of any receiver on the roster in a season. Fredrick Moore was being teased as the next breakout star. Peyton O'Leary deserves to be taken seriously because of his catch in the Ohio State victory and Channing Goodwin was the primary target for Bryce Underwood in the spring game. If Kendrick Bell develops more like his brother, then he'll work his way up the ladder in due time. Semaj Morgan had the second most grabs on the team a year ago.

Michigan football has good options at tight end, too

At tight end Marlin Klein is no Colston Loveland, but he's faster. Hogan Hansen is in line to be the second tight end, but there's not much behind them at the position that commands attention. Running back fits into the equation, too. Justice Haynes notched 17 receptions last season and belongs in the dialogue for a purpose.

The way that Michigan football historically showcases its tight ends could mean that Jalen Hoffman is ready to build off of his spring game explosion and become more than just a flash in the pan. Michigan's offense is known to throw the fullback a bone for all the dirty work that they do blocking, so Max Bredeson will get involved to an extent. Don't count out the freshman either. Andrew Marsh and Jamar Browder are destined to see the field a lot this fall because of the lack of playmakers.

AI projects that Moore and Klein will tie for second with 40 grabs a piece. Although they don't really go out on a limb with exact stats, it expects them to be relatively in the same ballpark and doesn't factor in all the intangibles.