Reports of a surprise starter for Michigan football offensive line

Jim Harbaugh always used to say that football should be a true meritocracy — where the best players play. Michigan football was a reflection of that and it hasn't changed because Harbaugh is in LA.

Sherrone Moore is the head coach now, but outside of music being allowed in practice, not much has changed. The expectation hasn't changed and neither has the level of competition.

Michigan football fosters competition and there were some interesting position battles leading into fall camp. One of them was at offensive tackle. Most fans expected the starter at right tackle to be either Jeff Persi or Andrew Gentry.

The two upperclassmen battled it out, but it became clear early in fall camp that another player, Evan Link, a four-star offensive tackle from the 2023 recruiting class was also working his way into the mix.

Michigan football could have surprise O-line starter

Link didn't play in any games last season. The 6-foot-6, 328-pounder was ranked No. 267 overall coming out of high school and he generated some positive buzz last season during camp. Yet, Michigan football was so deep on the offensive line, that it made sense to preserve his redshirt.

Now, according to Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider, Link is "expected" to win the starting right tackle and be the first guy out there on Saturday against Fresno State.

If that happens, Link will have earned it. Gentry was a top-100 recruit when signed with BYU coming out of high school and Persi has started games before for Michigan football and acquitted himself well.

I'd have confidence in any of the three starting for Michigan football. Gentry can provide some solid depth on both sides if he's not the starter but either way, it's an interesting development and it seems like the Wolverines found a real player in Evan Link.