Well, considering Jim Harbaugh’s tendencies, the 2022 Michigan spring game was about as close to a real game as possible. His previous spring exhibitions were closer to glorified practices, rather than an actual game-like demo.

There were no punt or kick returns — just fair catches — and there was no tackling starting QB Cade McNamara, who — while wearing a white jersey — played series for the Maize and Blue squads during Saturday’s exhibition at The Big House in Ann Arbor.

Michigan’s star special teams duo of kicker Jake Moody and punter Brad Robbins didn’t participate Saturday but will be in full force come fall camp. Despite being fully healthy, WR Ronnie Bell didn’t get on the field Saturday. Dressed in street clothes, he was technically on the field with teammates prior to kickoff — but he didn’t see live action.

JJ McCarthy, who wowed during moments as a freshman, didn’t play Saturday, either; he’s nursing a right shoulder injury and could be throwing later this spring — or he may wait until fall. His injury didn’t require surgery, but Michigan is taking it slow with the sophomore quarterback.

While it wasn’t a full-on game, Saturday’s scrimmage was college football in April — so take it for what it’s worth, just a quick preview of what’s to come this fall for Michigan, a 2021 College Football Playoff participant.

Darius Clemons, a former 4-star recruit, debuted with an approximately 30-yard touchdown, giving the Blue team a 14-6 advantage with 3:31 to play in the third quarter — so he might be someone to keep an eye on during the next couple of years. Michigan’s WR room is loaded with talent, but Clemons, a freshman, upped his stock with the wide-open fingertip catch for 7 points.

Blue led 14-9 entering the fourth quarter and ended up winning steaks with a 20-12 win over Maize, which will have to settle for hot dogs for their postgame meal.

Cade’s short stay

He only played 2 series for both sides (4 total), making it difficult to gauge any sort of progress by Michigan’s incumbent starting quarterback.

McNamara started 0-for-4 before completing a short pass to RB Blake Corum, who was likely the last option on that particular play. If nothing else, it was a safe throw to keep the drive alive. Following the completion to Corum, McNamara threw to WR AJ Henning in the flat — a play that resulted in no gain.

Davis Warren for Maize

For a redshirt sophomore backup, Warren looked good during Saturday’s scrimmage. Unfortunately, a bout with leukemia stalled his plans of being a big-time college football QB. Once sick, per BTN, offers disappeared — so he decided to walk-on at Michigan. During his first drive, he completed a 45-yard pass to RB Donovan Edwards, who went streaking up the left side of the field to make the grab.

While it’s unlikely that Warren will be among Michigan’s top 2 — that’s McNamara and JJ McCarthy — he could end up being a third-stringer this fall.

During the late third quarter, Warren completed a long ball to freshman WR Amorion Walker — another young and talented wideout looking to make a mark at Michigan.

Jenkins coming on strong

In 2021, Jenkins was a backup inside defensive lineman. On Saturday, he sacked Bowman in the third quarter, showing some speed and burst that will certainly benefit the Wolverines this fall. Again, it was tough to really get a good look at everyone during the scrimmage, but Jenkins’ sack was certainly a positive for a defense looking to fill the void of 25 sacks accumulated by DE Aidan Hutchinson (14) and DE/LB David Ojabo (11) this past fall.

Edwards will be versatile

Not only did Edwards come down with a 45-yard catch during the Maize team’s second drive, he ran the ball well — while on limited carries — and continued to demonstrate his versatility.

There is no question that he’ll be a dangerous option this fall, whether he’s taking the ball on a hand-off, lining up in the slot or on the outside. He was all over the place Saturday.

As a 6-foot, 202-pound freshman, Edwards finished with 20 catches for 265 yards and a touchdown — the most of any first-year player at UM in 2021; and his 20 catches were the sixth-most of any UM player.

Cornelius Johnson’s IQ

Known as one of the headiest guys on the team, Cornelius Johnson showed his heads-up approach as if it were a live game, recovering a fumble by Maize RB Kalel Mullings (who is actually an LB) inside the 5-yard line. Cade Kolesar, a DB, knocked the ball loose and Johnson scooped it up for what he thought would be a touchdown.

Either way, Johnson proved once again, that his head is always in the game.

Tricks

After catching a ball in the flat from Blue team QB Alan Bowman, Erick All, a tight end, pulled off a double-pass to fellow TE Colston Loveland, setting up the Blue squad for the first touchdown of the afternoon — 2-yard TD by RB Tavierre Dunlap, who’ll figure into Michigan’s 3-RB rotation with Corum and Edwards.

Kaepernick exhibition

A former Super Bowl QB for Harbaugh, Colin Kaepernick joined the Wolverines on Saturday as an honorary captain. In hopes of rekindling some pro interest, the former NFL standout conducted a throwing exhibition at halftime in front of NFL scouts.

With Harbaugh’s assistance with play-calling, Kaepernick appeared to be smooth and controlled during the exercise. NFL starter quality? Well, that was difficult to gauge during a simple pitch-and-catch routine. Kapernick’s best throw of the afternoon was a 20-yard comeback route, a call barked out by Harbaugh. Kaepernick followed with a back-shoulder fade attempt but was unsuccessful.

Overall, Kaepernick got some reps in Saturday, but it’s not like a ton of NFL teams will come calling after seeing the demonstration. However, it was cold and he wasn’t wearing gear, so that needs to be taken into consideration.

“Overall, I felt great — excited to be out here,” Kaepernick said during an interview with Devin Gardner, a former UM QB and current Big Ten Network analyst. Gardner asked about Kaepernick’s goal from conducting the exhibition.

“A shot,” Kaepernick said, referencing an NFL comeback.

Special guest

Michigan always has celebrities/famous athletes at events. Saturday was no different, as acclaimed director Spike Lee was in attendance. Maybe he just wanted to do the right thing by attending the spring game for the defending B1G champs, or maybe he was there to support his friend Kaepernick.

Lee is slated to direct a docuseries based on Kaepernick’s NFL and social activism for ESPN.