Name: Jared Wangler
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 229 lbs.
High school: Warren (MI) De La Salle
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #38
Last year: I ranked Wangler #77 and said he would be a backup linebacker and special teamer. He played in five games and made 3 tackles.
TTB Rating: 59
Wangler did not make much of an impact last season, but he did make three tackles against Rutgers in Michigan’s 78-0 win. That was a game where Michigan just threw everybody on the field at random positions like a pee-wee game. Michael Onwenu took some Wildcat quarterback snaps, and Jon Falk caught a screen pass for a TD from James Earl Jones.
So Wangler’s moving up in the world a little bit, but will it translate to serious playing time? That’s doubtful. He was playing weakside linebacker in the spring game, and the leader of the pack there is fifth-year senior Mike McCray II. Younger guys have and probably will continue to pass up Wangler, including an incoming freshman or two. The 2017 season may be his swan song at Michigan, since it looks like a fifth year is unlikely. Still, Wangler is a guy who can help out here or there on special teams or playing some late-game snaps.
Prediction: Backup linebacker, special teamer
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Agree that meaningful playing time is doubtful. Highly doubtful. He had a shot to make a move in the rotation this spring and it didn’t happen. He was passed over by freshman last year and it’s likely it’ll happen again this spring. At this point, he’s established at about the level you’d expect of a veteran walk-on.
Therefore, I think the freshman who might have a significant backup role are more important to the team (Jeter, Singleton, Mason, etc.) than Wangler, even if you think there’s a 50/50 chance they red-shirt. Singleton stands out especially because because, if he is as healthy as is being reported, he might be an injury away from being a starter. The buzz that all 3 frosh LBs may contribute speaks to Wangler’s place in the pecking order.
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I believe Jared is a scholarship kid, brother Jack walked on.
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Yes for a scholarship player to be at a walk-on level on the depth chart is a disappointment.
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He was never going to be a guy.
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