The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1473191
THE WOLVERINE 2022 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 41 Defense Graduate DE Taylor Upshaw There's no obvious candidate here like there was with Aidan Hutchinson last season. Upshaw, though, earned praise from head coach Jim Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and others for his work ethic and commitment in the spring. He's the "old guy" in the locker room now, and he's become a leader. The dark horse — Graduate LB Michael Barrett: The veteran has moved around the defense without complaint and become an impor- tant piece in different packages. He can play in the middle, stay on the field on passing downs and cover … and he's gotten stronger every year he's been here. Offense Graduate WR Ronnie Bell The veteran is still the emotional leader of the team and showed as much last year. He was a key and instrumental voice on the sidelines and in the locker room after getting hurt in the opener against Western Michigan. He should be the heart and soul of the offense again this year, only back on the field. The dark horse — Senior QB Cade McNamara: In 2019, few would have picked McNamara to be the starting quarterback of a Big Ten champion given the talent on the roster. But here he is, and he's intent on winning the job again in 2022. He's one of this team's top leaders and has earned the respect of his teammates for his play. MICHIGAN'S 2022 CAPTAINS: BEST BETS Michigan has some obvious choices for team captains and several others who are worthy. Here are our picks for U-M's leaders this season: 2022 SEASON PREVIEW PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN