The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1503142
[ W I D E R E C E I V E R S ] 60 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2023 FOOTBALL PREVIEW A By-Committee ApproACh to SuCCeSS Minus A Superstar, A Talented Group Of Receivers Combine To Be A Strength BY CHRIS BALAS M ichigan football has produced its share of elite receivers over the years, outstanding play- makers who were also willing blockers. It came to a head in the early 2000s with the Braylon Edwards, Jason Avant, Steve Breaston corps, a trio that accomplished great things at Michigan before all making their marks as pros. Not since Jeremy Gallon in 2013, though, have the Wolverines had a 1,000-yard receiver, and for all his collegiate exploits, even Gallon never made it in the NFL. The Wolverines' passing attack has been by committee the last several years, spreading the wealth among its receivers. Running the ball has been Michi- gan's offensive identity in consecu- tive championship seasons, but the pass catchers have had their oppor- tunities — tight ends, too. This year, junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy has the ability to take his game to a higher level. How much higher McCarthy's pass- ing game rises will also depend on what his receivers bring to the table. Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore is optimistic after what he saw in the spring. "They have the potential to be as good as any group in the country," Moore praised. "It's just on them to continue the work habits that they have been displaying. " C J [ g ra d s t u d e n t Cornelius Johnson] had an outstanding spring and fixed some things that h e wa n te d to fix. We put him in a couple of different po- sitions to see how he would manage. He's just a smart, s av v y fo o t - b a l l p l a y e r. [Senior] Roman [Wilson] is fast and explosive." Those two are expected to lead the group in 2023. Right behind them, though — at least in spring — was one of April's most pleasant surprises. Ju- nior Peyton O'Leary, a former walk- on, started to get mentioned last year as one to watch, and now he's upped his game. "He's a guy who really stood out. He did that all spring," Moore said. "I'm so excited to see him get his chances and keep rolling with this group. "The young receivers are super dy- namic. I'm excited for the future of this group." There are areas that need to be fixed, Moore admitted. He wants the As a junior in 2022, Roman Wilson hauled in 25 recep- tions for 376 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also reached the end zone twice on runs. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL