A Michigan football player didn't hear his name called on Thursday during the first round of the NFL draft.
That was the first time that's happened since the 2018 NFL draft. Yet, it was still a good night for the Michigan Wolverines thanks to offensive line coach Jim Harding and two of his former Utah pupils.
Michigan football O-line coach has two pupils go in the first round
After having a first-round pick in seven straight drafts, it was a slow night for Michigan football. However, the selections of Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano were a positive, at least it will be a postive for the Wolverines on the recruiting trail.
Lomu, who was drafted by the Patriots at No. 28 overall, and Fano, who was selected 9th, were each recruited and developed by Harding, the Michigan O-line coach.
Offensive line recruiting is often about development. Having a coach who has helped produce multiple first-round picks, as Harding has done, will be a huge weapon on the trail, one that Harding has already weaponized for the Wolverines.
That's why Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham wasn't concerned about the play of the offensive line during the spring game. He knows what Harding can do. He's seen it first hand.
After the head coach and the coordinators, the offensive and defensive line coaches are probably the most important on staff, in terms of on-field coaches.
In Harding, Michigan, has a major asset. Thursday night was a reminder of that. The Wolverines' seven-year streak with a first-round pick ended, but with the current staff in place, a new streak should get started soon.
At the very least, expect some Michigan offensive lineman to be selected early and often in the NFL draft in the coming years.
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