The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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34 THE WOLVERINE ❱ APRIL 2023 gotta know the ins and outs of what you got going on." The Draft Network's Damian Parson sees a player that has a chance to be one of the better run-defending linemen in the 2023 class. "Smith has a two-down appeal right now as an NFL prospect," he wrote. "His value as a run defender is high. If defenses continue to run the two-high safety sets next season, he will be valued well. He does not offer high-end pass- ing-down value. There is some ability to impact quarterbacks with interior pres- sure but he will need to play quicker and more refined technically." TIGHT END LUKE SCHOONMAKER Projected: Mid-round pick Michigan went into the 2022 season knowing it had one of the best tight end duos in the country in Erick All and Luke Schoonmaker, who were referred to as 1A and 1B options at the position in the leadup to the season. All suffered a back injury early in the year, which made Schoonmaker the un- disputed top option. He used the oppor- tunity to put together his best season in a U-M jersey during his fifth year, racking up 35 catches for 418 yards and 3 touchdowns. Schoonmaker is seen as a sleeper in the 2023 NFL Draft class due to his frame and athleticism. A shoulder in- jury limited some of his participation at the Combine, but his 4.63 time in the 40-yard dash headlined a standout showing where he tested well amongst his peers. "Versatile combination tight end ca- pable of performing a variety of tasks in one-, two- or three-tight end sets," NFL.com said. "Schoonmaker steps foot on the field ready for action as a run blocker and does a nice job of com- peting in the entry and sustain phases of the block. He will need to add more muscle and play strength but already has a feel for creating run-lane angles with his footwork. He has the athletic talent to run a slightly expanded route tree, but he needs to do a better job of competing aggressively for catch space and meeting throws with extended hands. He could see action early but might need a year or so before he works himself into a full-time TE2 role." CENTER OLU OLUWATIMI Projected: Mid-round pick Olu Oluwatimi was a godsend for the program last year in anchoring the of- fensive line en route to winning both the Rimington and Outland Trophy awards. The Virginia transfer came in and not only replaced Andrew Vastardis NFL COMBINE/PRO DAY RESULTS Height/Weight: 6-5, 251 pounds Arms: 32⅞ inches Hands: 9 inches 40-Yard Dash: 4.63 Bench Press: DNP Vertical Jump: 33½ inches Broad Jump: 10 feet, 7 inches 3-Cone Drill: 6.81 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.26 NFL COMBINE/PRO DAY RESULTS Height/Weight: 6-3, 323 pounds Arms: 33¾ inches Hands: 9¾ inches 40-Yard Dash: DNP Bench Press: 34 reps Vertical Jump: DNP Broad Jump: 8 feet, 11 inches 3-Cone Drill: DNP 20-Yard Shuttle: DNP Tight end Luke Schoonmaker recorded 35 catches for 418 yards and 3 touchdowns last season. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY