The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MAY 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 11 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Tyler Morris Will Be WR1 And Receptions Leader By Chris Balas Michigan junior tight end Colston Loveland is as elite as they come, one of the nation's best. As such, he's also going to command a lot of attention in the U-M offense this year, just as he did last year when he was double-teamed, at times. Even if he weren't, it would be hard for him to lead the 2024 Wolverines in receiving — but not impos- sible. Back in 1997, for example, tight end Jerame Tuman was second to receiver Tai Streets by only 39 yards. Streets was banged up that year, however, and there weren't great options behind him. That shouldn't be the case this season. We expect a strong trio of Tyler Morris, Semaj Morgan and Fredrick Moore to emerge this season, and while all of them have great potential, Morris is the guy we like to step up as the leading receiver. The former four-star recruit and top-100 player showed glimpses of his ability this past season, especially in the Rose Bowl on a catch-and-run play in which he showed great speed to reach the end zone, and he's got great hands. Morgan could be that guy, too, given his confidence and his outstanding spring (per reports). While neither of these guys is very tall, they're going to get their share of targets … as will Loveland, who we expect to have a good year, as well. The key to all of this will be to find a quarterback who can get them the ball. It still wouldn't surprise if the Wolverines looked for an option from the transfer portal for this year's starter. But expect Morris to lead the team in receiving, no matter who is behind center. Colston Loveland Will Be The Top Target By Clayton Sayfie Michigan has the No. 1 returning tight end in the country, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), in junior Colston Loveland, who ranked second on the team with 649 receiving yards and 4 touchdown grabs on 45 re- ceptions (third) last season. The Wolverines only bring back four receivers that caught a pass in 2023, and that crop combined for 39 receptions. They're also searching for a replacement for quarterback J.J. McCarthy (NFL Draft), and it's hard to upgrade at the position after los- ing someone who's projected as a first-round selection. Loveland, who leads all current Michigan players with 61 catches, 884 yards and 6 touchdowns receiving in his career, is our choice to pace the team in receiving yards this year. That's despite a Michigan tight end amazingly not topping the team in that category this century, though Sean McKeon was just 4 yards shy of wideout Grant Perry in 2017. Our reasoning is Loveland's level of experience and talent being ahead of Michigan's wide receiv- ers at this point, but also that the quarterback — whoever the starter winds up being — will rely on Loveland while he gains game experience behind center. It is rare for a tight end to lead a team in receiving, but it's worth noting that talent like Loveland doesn't come around every year. PFF analyst Max Chadwick recently wrote that Loveland would be the second-best tight end prospect in this spring's NFL Draft if he were eligible, behind only Georgia's Brock Bowers. That certainly puts him in the conversation to be a first-round pick a year from now, and U-M hasn't had a tight end drafted in the opening round since Paul Seymour in 1973. ❱ POINT ❙ COUNTERPOINT ❰ WHO WILL LEAD THE 2024 MICHIGAN TEAM IN RECEIVING? LOVELAND MORRIS Two versions available! TWO EASY WAYS TO ORDER: CALL: 800-421-7751 10:00-4:00 ET, Mon.-Fri. Or call 919-688-0218 if outside the continental U.S. Mailing a check? Please call for details. ONLINE: www.TheWolverineOnDemand.com Order 24 hours a day from our online store! S P E C I A L C O M M E M O R A T I V E E D I T I O N Written by the staff of The Wolverine, this commemorative edition celebrates Michigan's remarkable 2023 season and its 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship run. Limited Edition. While supplies last! MAKES A GREAT GIFT! Sales tax added where applicable Soft-cover magazine: $14.95 plus $5 S&H Hardback book: $29.95 plus $6 S&H