The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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66 THE WOLVERINE SEPTEMBER 2022 BY CHRIS BALAS M ichigan will try to defend its first Big Ten title since 2004 this year, and there's reason to believe the Wolverines will be in the hunt until the very end. A Nov. 26 game at Ohio State could very well decide the Big Ten East win- ner, and everyone from coaches to play- ers to unbiased practice observers be- lieves U-M will have a great shot. For what it's worth — we think so, too. Here are some of the most encourag- ing things we've picked up during camp at every position: Quarterbacks: Both senior Cade McNamara and sophomore J.J. McCar- thy have improved greatly, and there's still a competition brewing. At the same time, McNamara appears to be slightly ahead, to the point that the Big Ten Network's Dave Revsine said, "I'd go with Cade McNamara — no doubt in my mind." Either way, the Wolverines have two outstanding options here for the first time in a long, long time. Running backs: Michigan's one- two punch of junior Blake Corum and sophomore Donovan Edwards has been as good as advertised. In fact, former U-M All-American offensive lineman and currently radio analyst Jon Jansen said he believed Edwards would pass Corum … and then some. "I think Donovan Edwards is going to be the best running back in college foot- ball," Jansen said, confirming he meant this season. "Because of what I've seen him do in the offseason, and what we saw him do and how he grew in the of- fense last year." Offensive line: According to one source that has been around the pro- gram for decades, this group is one of the best he's seen in fall camp — and that includes the elite lines of the early and late 1990s. Virginia graduate transfer center Olu Oluwatimi has been incredible, and the returning starters and new right tackle Trente Jones have worked extremely well together. A second straight Joe Moore Award (nation's top offensive line) isn't out of the question. Tight ends: The depth here is as good as it has been since the 1990s, probably, when Jerame Tuman, Aaron Shea and Mark Campbell all played. Head coach Jim Harbaugh believes senior Erick All and graduate student Luke Schoonmaker are among the best duos in the country. "Erick All — holy cow," Revsine said. "There just aren't guys who look like him and run like him." Wide receivers: Ronnie Bell is back to full strength and making "insane" plays in practice. In fact, Bell is running and cutting better than he did before last year's season-ending knee injury in the opener. Bell and senior Cornelius Johnson have led the way and been the best re- ceivers in camp, per observers, but this room is deep. "It's got the license and the ability to be the best we've ever had. Better than last year because they're all back," Har- baugh said. Defensive line: Despite losing ends Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo to the NFL, the line has been holding its own against the elite offensive line. It's been led by the interior, starting with senior Mazi Smith. "It wasn't but a couple of days ago where it was super noticeable, and our defensive line got the better of an of- fensive line that was pretty well thought of," Harbaugh said in mid-August. "We've made some real, real improve- ment in the defensive line interior." Linebackers: Sophomore Junior Colson has elevated his game to the point that Jansen believes he'll be one of the nation's best by year's end. "He's 100 percent evolved," junior safety R.J. Moten said. "Junior under- stands the game a lot more. He's vocal a lot more. You see him covering now on running backs, tight ends, and he's just all around the ball." Freshmen Jimmy Rolder and Deuce Spurlock are already showing out, as well, a great sign for the future. Secondary: Senior corner DJ Turner is back to playing at an elite level, but graduate student Gemon Green might be the most improved defensive back. He had a great spring, and he's contin- ued with a really nice fall camp. Senior Mike Sainristil has been so good at corner that he's barely playing receiver anymore, and freshman Will Johnson is going to be a star — eventually. Junior safety Makari Paige is having his best fall camp, adding to a wealth of talent on the back end. Special teams: Graduate student Jake Moody had a scrimmage in which he kicked about 10 times and missed only one field goal, per one observer, and the miss was a long one that drifted inches wide. Graduate student punter Brad Rob- bins, now in his sixth year, is killing the ball. The Wolverines should have one of the best kicking games in the country. ❏ Chris Balas has been with The Wolver- ine since 1997. Contact him at cbalas@ thewolverine.com and follow him on Twitter @Balas_Wolverine. INSIDE MICHIGAN CHRIS BALAS Encouraging Signs Are Everywhere G r a d u a t e t r a n s f e r O l u O l u w a t i m i i s Michigan's double-O weapon at center on what could again be the nation's best O-line in 2022. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN ATHLETICS