The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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W I D E R E C E I V E R S THE WOLVERINE 2025 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 57 on the duo to show the newcomers and young receivers the ropes. "A lot of times when I say Semaj, I al- ways think of Fred Moore, too, because they both came in together," Bellamy said. "We were asking a lot of them as sophomores, and we really didn't have older guys in our room. It put the stress on those guys. "But thus far, we've seen the best ver- sion of Semaj and Fred. They're just older, more experienced, and know what their roles are. They know what the expecta- tions are, and you can see them coaching the younger guys." Jansen envisions Moore being the deep threat of the offense given his outstand- ing speed. He showed some ability in the ReliaQuest Bowl win over Alabama with 3 catches for 37 yards, including a back- shoulder, 13-yard touchdown grab and a 15-yarder for a first down. "Fred is going to be the No. 2 receiver on this team, and it wouldn't surprise me even if he ended up with more yardage than McCulley," Jansen said. "If they can throw the ball deep — and they showed they could this spring — he's going to be that deep threat." Morgan, meanwhile, is "more of a change-up," he added, with the oppor- tunity for more. He appeared in 11 games with four starts at wide receiver and rushed 6 times for 32 yards, also returned 9 punts for 100 yards and earned hon- orable mention All-Big Ten honors as a return man for the second year in a row. "I expect him to continue to be that trick-play guy, and the guy you see catching wide receiver screens, running reverses … what we've seen from him throughout his career," Jansen said. Bellamy has higher hopes given Mor- gan's experience. " H e 's a n ex p l o s ive a t h l e te ," h e added. "He's older, understanding the game, and it's slowing down for him. He's just doing a lot of great things. "Semaj had a really good spring, and he'll just keep chasing that greatness. I'm excited to see where summer goes for him, and then obviously we'll go to STARTERS ★★★ ★★★ Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley barely played before hitting the portal in October, and now he's the heavy favorite to lead Michigan receivers in receptions and yard- age this fall. He had a very good spring, and he's skilled, but it's clear this room is still a question mark. Junior Fredrick Moore could be a deep threat with his speed, but he's only caught 13 passes in his career with a long of 20 yards, and junior Semaj Morgan is more a screen and short route receiver. There's a lot to prove here. DEPTH ★★★ ★★★ There appears to be talent on the roster, but there's not a lot of experienced produc- tion to back that claim. Last year's leading wide receiver, Tyler Morris, transferred to Indiana in the offseason. Underclassmen seem to be the top options as the backups, with sophomore Channing Goodwin having shown flashes in the spring game and frosh Jamar Browder earning praise this spring. Who will step up? OVERALL ★★★ ★★★ Michigan didn't have a 1,000-yard receiver in the Jim Harbaugh era or last year, and chances are the Wolverines won't have one this year, either. Passes will likely be div- vied up between the receivers, tight ends, and backs in a by-committee approach, but the Wolverines need this crew to exceed expectations this year to complement the run game. PRESEASON ANALYSIS QUICK FACTS Position Coach: Ron Bellamy (5th season at U-M as wide receivers coach) Returning Starters: Kendrick Bell (6 career starts), Peyton O'Leary (6), Semaj Morgan (4), Fredrick Moore (3) Departing Starter: Tyler Morris (14) Projected New Starter: Donaven McCulley (15 at Indiana) Top Reserves: Bell, O'Leary, Anthony Simp- son (14; 12 at UMass, 2 at Arizona), Jamar Browder, Andrew Marsh, Channing Good- win, C.J. Charleston (25; 2 at U-M, 23 at Youngstown State) Newcomers: Browder, Marsh, Jacob Wash- ington Moved In: McCulley, Simpson Moved Out: Morris, Amorion Walker Rookie Impact: Browder, Marsh Most Improved Player: Moore Best Pro Prospect: McCulley Junior Fredrick Moore started in the slot in the ReliaQuest Bowl and caught his first career touchdown among 3 catches for 37 yards against Alabama. PHOTO BY STEVE JACOBSON/RELIAQUEST BOWL