The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1525654
40 THE WOLVERINE ❱ SEPTEMBER 2024 BY ANTHONY BROOME T he 2022 recruiting class had its share of contributors during its true freshman season, but those contributions were taken to a higher level last season. Now, it could be the driving force for the defending national champions. Here is a breakdown of what each player has accomplished to this point: Recruiting Name Pos. Stars* ZEKE BERRY S ★★★★ Berry has made 13 career appearances in a Michigan uniform and is expected to compete for the starting nickel role in the leadup to the 2024 season, replacing Mike Sainristil. DARRIUS CLEMONS WR ★★★★ Clemons appeared in 22 games in Ann Arbor with 20 coming at wide receiver. Had 4 catches for 40 yards in his career before transferring closer to home at Oregon State this past offseason. JAYDEN DENEGAL QB ★★★ Denegal made six appearances in 2023 for the Wolverines, competing 4 of 5 passes for 50 yards with 1 touchdown, along with 4 rushes for 10 yards. He is expected to be a backup behind Alex Orji, Davis Warren and Jack Tuttle in 2024. DAMANI DENT S ★★★ Dent did not see game action in 2022 and transferred to UNC Charlotte ahead of the 2023 campaign. Only played in one game for the 49ers a year ago, the season finale. ANDREW GENTRY OT ★★★★ Gentry appeared in three games as a freshman in 2022 before playing in all 15 games as a special teamer and seven on the offensive line in 2023. He is pro- jected to compete for a starting role at right tackle in 2024. MASON GRAHAM DL ★★★★ Arguably the crown jewel of the class to this point, Graham earned a start- ing role as a freshman before taking his game to another level in 2023. He ap- peared in 13 games and earned second- team All-America honors and a first- team All-Big Ten nod from the coaches in addition to winning Defensive MVP honors in the Rose Bowl. 2022 CLASS REVIEW SHINING BRIGHT The Already Great 2022 Recruiting Class Is Gunning For More In '24 Defensive tackle Kenneth Grant earned second-team All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore, playing a key role in Michigan's national championship season. PHOTO BY DOMINICK SOKOTOFF