Michigan football: Grading Wolverines’ depth chart ahead of season-opener

Throughout spring and fall camp, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has done nothing but exude confidence and admiration when it has come to discussing the potential of the Wolverines.

To date, he’s had the most competitive QB battle throughout spring and fall training sessions. He’s watched the development of what is probably the best backfield he’s had since taking command in 2015. His wide receiver room is “loaded,” per just about everyone in the know.

The Wolverines, coming off a 12-2 season in 2021, appear to be more well-rounded and potentially dangerous than initially thought by media, critics and pundits. They’re not a favorite to repeat as Big Ten champions, but they are considered worthy of challenging for another conference title.

On Sept. 3, Michigan hosts Colorado State for a noontime season-opener in Ann Arbor. Yes, Michigan appears to have a nice roster and depth. But just how nice? Well, let’s take the time to assign some grades to positional depth as the Wolverines inch closer to Opening Day.

Quarterbacks: A

UPDATE: These depth projections were based on info before Harbaugh’s blockbuster announcement [read here]. Though JJ McCarthy will get his shot to start in Week 2, what follows remains true heading into Week 1.

Do the Wolverines have an exceptional 1-2 combo with returning starter Cade McNamara and budding sophomore JJ McCarthy? Yes, they do — and with third-stringer and spring game star Warren Davis in the mix, coach Jim Harbaugh has the most depth and talent at the QB position he’s had since becoming the Wolverines’ coach.

McNamara will be the guy to take the first snap against Colorado State, there is no question about that. McCarthy will likely see significant reps as well, and for a couple of reasons: Well, really just one reason … the game is against Colorado State. In terms of distribution of snaps, it wouldn’t be surprising to see something along the lines of 70/30 or 60/40 during the opener at the Big House.

Name another school that has a conference-champion, CFP-appearing, 12-win-having, Ohio State-beating returning quarterback. McNamara has everything a team would want in a quarterback and leader; he’s done it with stats, big games, attitude and consistency. Name another school that has a former 5-star waiting in the wings? A player who could be starting at just about any other school, but instead is waiting for his turn.

When it comes to the top 2 QBs, there aren’t many teams with the amount of depth and talent that Michigan has with McNamara and McCarthy. Then, throw in Davis, who dazzled during spring, and it’s plain to see that the Wolverines have a deep trio.

Running backs: A+

When it’s all said and done, Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards will be known as two of the top RBs to ever play for the Wolverines. Corum has already proven that he’s among the most exciting big-run playmakers in the game, while Edwards has already demonstrated that he’s one of the most versatile. For Corum, pick any game last season. For Edwards, really focus on the 75-yard TD pass to Roman Wilson during the first quarter of the Big Ten Championship Game vs. Iowa — that one showed that Edwards could literally do it all.

The Big Ten has its share of talented running backs, as usual, but the Wolverines have something really special with Corum and Edwards — and saying that isn’t entirely based on potential, it’s based on the projection of already demonstrated on-field exploits.

Look for CJ Stokes to be the third in rotation.

Wide receivers: B+

Michigan has a pool of at least 6 receivers who will put up some numbers this fall. Of course, Ronnie Bell — who’s returning from a season-ending knee injury suffered in Week 1 of 2021 — will be the focal point of the operation, but don’t forget about Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson — they round out UM’s top 3 at the position.

Andrel Anthony, a sophomore who’s been loosely compared to UM legend Braylon Edwards, will be another option and potential star. AJ Henning is one of the fastest Wolverines and primed to have a big year.

Tight ends: A+

Following a breakout 2021, Erick All quickly became recognized as one of the top tight ends in college football. During spring, Harbaugh said that All’s “biggest competition” for the No. 1 spot in America would be teammate Luke Schoonmaker.

“They’re both phenomenal,” Harbaugh told former Michigan All-American and current radio analyst Jon Jansen on this week’s In the Trenches podcast, per Chris Balas of On3. “I’ve said this and I really believe it — they could be two of the best in the entire country.”

All, a senior, and Schoonmaker, a graduate senior, have both been around long enough to know what’s up when it comes to playing TE at Michigan. During the past 10 years, the Wolverines have pumped out all kinds of standouts at the position. Jake Butt, Sean McKeon, Zach Gentry — and now with All and Schoonmaker, there is potential to add two more to the growing list.

As far as 1-2 combos at TE — just like at RB and QB — Michigan appears to have it made when compared to other programs.

Offensive line: B-

Michigan had the best offensive line in 2021 and looks to have another solid group ready to man the trenches this fall. Transfer Olu Oluwatimi will be in the middle, Ryan Hayes at left tackle and Trente Jones at right tackle. With Zak Zinter at left guard and Trevor Keegan on the right side, the Wolverines have 5 players who have great experience.

But after those guys, there isn’t much to speak of on Michigan’s O-line — at least in terms of proven production.

Defensive line: B+

According to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, Michigan’s defense has 4 of the top 100 “freaks” in college football, with DT Mazi Smith being No. 1 on the list. Per Chris Balas of On3, Feldman cites several metrics as reasons for Smith’s elite ranking. The list also includes fourth-stringers on the Wolverines’ DL, with Julius Welschof (DE) and Kenneth Grant (DT) at No. 7 and No. 46, respectively.

All of that “freak” stuff is based on training drills, not on-field performance. Smith, though, is considered to be one of the top DLs in college football, so his designation as a “freak” also comes from what he’s done on Saturdays.

Michigan has a number of capable players on the D-line and, specifically, on the edge, where it loses the most with the departures of stars Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo. Mike Morris and Jaylen Harrell/Taylor Upshaw are expected to be the go-to guys on the perimeter, while Kris Jenkins — who’s had a couple of solid years of development — will be the No. 1 option at D-tackle, right beside Smith at the nose.

The D-line doesn’t have a lot of interior depth but it does have about 4 players who could see significant reps as pass-rush specialists, with TJ Guy and Braiden McGregor challenging in the two- and three-deep rotations.

Former 5-star Eyabi Anoma has transferred to Michigan, adding more depth. He was a primary focus of Michigan’s 2017 class but ultimately didn’t initially choose UM.

Linebackers: C+

Freshman All-American Junior Colson, a star in the making, and Nikhai Hill-Green are the top two linebackers — and there isn’t too much behind them at this point. Watch for Michael Barrett and Jaydon Hood to emerge in the two-deep rotation.

Defensive backs: B-

The loss of Daxton Hill and Brad Hawkins will be felt, but Michigan has RJ Moten and Makari Page at strong safety, along with Rod Moore and Caden Kolesar at the free safety position. At corner, DJ Turner and Gemon Green look to the be top contenders for No. 1 reps. Other than the starters/known names, there aren’t a ton of options in the secondary entering the season.

Adam Biggers

Adam Biggers brings his expertise on the Michigan beat to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.