This is great because OL, WR, DL, and DB are all positions where Michigan will have opportunities for freshman to make an impact.
The way I look at is is you need to have 7-8 DBs with the top 6 being most critical. In order of likelihood of being in that rotation I see:
1. Kinnel
2. Clark (assuming he’s back)
3. Hudson
4. Mettelus (assuming he isn’t a fulltime LB)
5. Hill
6. Watson
That leaves 1 or 2 more spots for returning players (Long, Washington) and freshman. As Thomas sounds like the most promising freshman for the moment, he’ll get a legit shot. He may not start right away but he’ll probably push for a role. EE should help a lot.
Looking at WR you really only need meaningful snaps from 4. In order of liklihood:
1. Perry (if he is back)
2. Crawford
3. McDoom
4. Harris
There’s only 2 other returning players (Johnson and Ways) and it’s likely there is more rotation than the last two years. So DPJ and Black will get a legit shot (and Hawkins too, though he seems further down the pecking order for now). At this point I’m doubtful Collins ends up in the class.
OL has been discussed a lot lately but my current top 6 is:
1. Cole
2. Bredeson
3. Onwenu
4. Newsome (if healthy)
5. Bushel-Beatty
6. Kugler
Again, for the freshman there is a very real opportunity. None of the other returning players have seen snaps (Ulizio, Runyan, Spanellis). Ruiz and (crossing my fingers) Filigia are getting all the attention and sound as ready to play as they can be (though so did Kalis and Kugler).
DL has some opportunity too, though it’ll be a little more competitive there. You need a rotation of 7-8.
1. Gary
2. Hurst
3. Mone
4. Winovich
5. R.Johnson
6. L.Marshall
7. Dwumfour
Obviously after the starters it’s wide open but there are a ton of options (Kemp, S.Johnson, Jones) and a whole lotta freshman. It’s clear that interior NT/DT is the biggest need to spell Mone. Jeter coming in early will give him a leg up on other options like Hudson & DIB.
Given the above I do wonder why Slaton isn’t giving more consideration to joining Hebert at Michigan. He has a clear opportunity at either position. I don’t expect either at this point, but both are very much needed.
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About the only EE who seems to have little chance of breaking into the rotation is Mason.
Don’t expect too many red-shirts beyond the OL.
