Michigan had 3 guys to rotate at NT and other younger players to develop on top of it. Your depiction of the situation at the time was accurate. I am not sure why you are revising it now.
The scholarship was rumored to be intended for grad transfer options. Michigan took 2 (that I remember): Rudock and Lyons.
Samulson, Norfleet and Tulley-Tillman left after Pipkins. The argument that this was a Pipkins for Leisman swap is disingenuous. If anything Leisman took Tuley-Tilman’s scholarship after he was unexpectedly dismissed in September. Obviously these things aren’t usually one for one but Pipkins’ scholarship probably went to somebody like Kerridge or Allen. Rewarding walk-ons has significant value to the program.
Bottomline there was still roster uncertainty at the time Pipkins was let go — that scholarship was more valuable to the team than Pipkins’ anticipated contribution.
