The Wolverine

September 2019

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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SEPTEMBER 2019 THE WOLVERINE 47 for 58 yards with an interception and running seven times for 31 yards and a score. He will likely be the team's third quarterback this year, behind senior Shea Patterson and redshirt sophomore Dylan McCaffrey. Mustapha Muhammad TE 4 Redshirted last season, but con- tinues to improve and could see the field at times this year. He is ex- pected to vie for a starting job next season. Luke Schoonmaker TE 3 Saw action in one game, a blowout of Rutgers, and was able to main- tain his redshirt. He continues to add good weight, now up to 242 pounds at 6-6, and should earn more playing time next season. Myles Sims CB 4 Redshirted his first season and then announced his transfer during spring ball this year. He will sit out a season at Georgia Tech due to NCAA transfer rules and will be eligible to play next fall. Christian Turner RB 3 Redshirted last year after playing in three games, carrying 20 times for 99 yards and catching one pass for 16 yards. He is expected to be a big part of the running back rotation this year. The long run that was called back in the Peach Bowl after he just barely stepped out gave a glimpse of what he can do. Taylor Upshaw DE 3 Redshirted last season and didn't see game action, but he has started to make a move in fall camp and is vying for a spot on the two-deep as a redshirt freshman. Ben VanSumeren RB 3 Played in the maximum of four games last year while still being al- lowed to preserve his redshirt, but did not carry the ball. Coaches flirted with him at linebacker, but he was impressive at running back in the spring and should see some action this fall as a jumbo option at 6-2, 244 pounds. He is listed as the biggest scholarship running back on the ros- ter by more than 20 pounds. Julius Welschof DE 3 Redshirted last season and didn't see any game action. He has gained 25 pounds and is now listed at 6-6, 278 pounds, but is still learning the game and is not expected to make the two-deep for at least another year. However, he still made Bruce Feld- man's "Freaks" list on TheAthletic. com, checking in at No. 31. ❑ Running back Christian Turner was able to redshirt last year, but he saw action in three games and rushed 20 times for 99 yards. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN Report Card — Inc. Players In Class: 19 Rivals.com Team Ranking: No. 24 Players Still At Michigan: 18 There's not a ton of star power here, at least at the skill positions, but there are several players who appear ready to add quality and depth to the lineup … and a few who already have. Running back Christian Turner and cornerback Vin- cent Gray are two expected to make big moves this fall. Top Contributor To Date DE Aidan Hutchinson: Those close to it believe he is a future pro, and he showed signs early last year that he could more than handle himself as a true freshman. He is expected to be the starting strongside end this year and one of the leaders of a revamped defensive line. Unsung Hero WR Ronnie Bell: The former Rivals.com two-star prospect almost went the basketball route — he originally signed with Missouri State on the hardwood — before the Michigan coaches discovered him in Kansas City. He made some big catches as a freshman, especially in the Nebraska game (a 56-yard touchdown), and was the team's offensive rookie of the year. Ready To Make An Impact This Fall CB Vincent Gray: He didn't really start to emerge until spring, but he came on strong and was arguably the Wolverines' No. 2 cornerback behind senior Lavert Hill. They will need him to grow up quickly given junior Ambry Thomas' setback due to illness, but he seems to be up to the task. He has great cover ability and is mature beyond his years.

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