The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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26 THE WOLVERINE ❱ FEBRUARY 2025 ANALYSIS Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said after the season he wanted the offense to be much more explosive in 2025, and he's trying to find the pieces. It wouldn't surprise — at all — if the Wolverines added at least one more receiver from the portal, though McCulley is certainly a good start. Several of their "Plan A" options have fallen through, so that addition might have to wait until the spring transfer portal period. There is experience in this room, but not much production, and that begs the question — was it the quarterback, the receivers them- selves, lack of confidence in the protection up front, or a combination of all of it? We'd go with the latter, though it's clear the Wolver- ines needed better quarterback play this year. Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood is a future star, and he deserves very good receivers around him. It's been a long time since we looked at the Michigan receiver room as a team strength — too long — and it's up to position coach Ron Bellamy to get the most out of the group, whoever sees the field. This is a big year for this crew, and time for guys to step up. — Chris Balas WIDE RECEIVERS BY CHRIS BALAS RETURNING STARTERS Graduate Peyton O'Leary A surprise starter in the opener against Fresno State, the former walk-on caught 10 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown this year. That included a critical, high- light-reel, 18-yard grab on third down at Ohio State for one of the game's biggest plays. Junior Semaj Morgan The slot receiver has mainly been used on bubble screens and short passes, and his numbers dwindled this past year. The 5-foot-10, 174-pounder went from 9.3 yards per reception in 2023 to 5.1 last season, catching 27 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown, and 31 of those yards came on one catch. Junior Fredrick Moore The 6-1, 181-pounder provided what could be a glimpse of the future with his best game in a Michigan uniform — 3 catches for 37 yards and the te a m 's o n l y touchdown in the 19-13 Re- liaQuest Bowl win over Alabama. He finished the year with 11 receptions for 128 yards and the one score. Junior Kendrick Bell An emerging "big receiver," the 6-2, 191-pounder made his first start against Texas and caught passes in six games — totaling 7 for 70 yards. He will be looked to for greater production in 2025. OTHER RETURNERS Senior Amorion Walker The 6-3, 182-pounder is considered an athletic "freak," but it has yet to translate on the field. He returned from a short stint at Mississippi to catch 3 passes for 34 yards, including a big 22-yarder at Washington, but he was banged up this year and has yet to reach his potential. Sophomore Channing Goodwin The Charlotte, N.C., product played in four games this year but has yet to catch a pass. He's been praised by coaches and teammates as one to watch after playing well in practices. Sophomore I'Marion Stewart The 5-11, 180-pounder's freshman- year highlight was picking up Scout Team Offensive Player of the Week hon- ors for his role in preparing the defense for USC. He hopes to contribute more in 2025. NEWCOMERS Graduate Donaven McCulley The Indiana product, a big target at 6-5, 200 pounds, fits the mold of what head coach Sherrone Moore said he was looking for in his receivers — size and athleticism. McCulley notched 48 re- ceptions for 644 yards and 6 touch- downs as Indiana's leading receiver in 2023 before leaving the team in 2024. He has one year of eligibility remaining. Freshman Andrew Marsh The 6-foot, 175-pound Texas product registered 65 catches for a school-record 1,172 yards and 11 touchdowns as a se- nior. He was a four-star prospect and No. 90 overall in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average of the four major recruiting services. Freshman Jacob Washington Another "big" re- ceiver at 6-3, 183 pounds, the Mar- rero (La.) Archbishop Shaw product was the highest rated by On3 of U-M's incoming group: the No. 83 overall player, the No. 15 wide re- ceiver in the nation, and the No. 3 player in Louisiana. Freshman Jamar Browder Yet another " big " receiver at 6-5, 208, the Lake Worth (Fla.) standout hauled in 50 re- ceptions for 1,137 yards with 12 touchdowns in 2024. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL