24 THE WOLVERINE
❱
DECEMBER 2025
BY CHRIS BALAS
W
hen it comes to con-
tending in a conference
like the Big Ten, talent
is obviously king, just as
it is in most conferences. Among teams
with similar numbers of All-Americans
and all-conference performers, though,
it's often the guys behind them who make
the difference between winning and los-
ing.
Yes, depth matters, and the more
you've got, the better off you are. Michi-
gan found that out Oct. 18 when starting
tight ends Marlin Klein and Hogan Han-
sen were ruled out for a pivotal Big Ten
contest with Washington. In their stead,
Zack Marshall stepped up with 5 recep-
tions for 72 yards and a touchdown, and
fellow junior Deakon Tonielli stepped into
the No. 2 role to contribute.
Marshall didn't catch a pass in his first two seasons, but through 10 games this fall, he has emerged as a threat, with 13 receptions for 165 yards and
a touchdown.
PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL
BREAKING OUT BREAKING OUT
Tight End Zack Marshall Is Starting To Contribute
