Way Too Early 2020 Depth Chart: June 2019

Way Too Early 2020 Depth Chart: June 2019


June 27, 2019
Jalen Mayfield (image via Detroit Free Press)

This is more of an exercise in looking at the 2020 roster than it is an actual depth chart, but here you can see what kind of talent is slated to be on the roster a year from now. Michigan has obviously been recruiting better under Jim Harbaugh than they were under Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke, but I look at this roster as being very deep with talent, more so than any other roster in recent memory.

QB: Dylan McCaffrey (RS Jr.), Joe Milton (RS So.), Cade McNamara (So.), J.D. Johnson (Fr.)
RB: Zach Charbonnet (So.), Christian Turner (RS So.), Ben VanSumeren (RS So.), Hassan Haskins (RS So.)
FB: Ben Mason (Sr.), Peter Bush (RS Sr.)
WR1: Nico Collins (Sr.), Tarik Black (RS Jr.), Cornelius Johnson (So.), Quintel Kent (So.)
WR2: Donovan Peoples-Jones (Sr.), Ronnie Bell (Jr.), A.J. Henning (Fr.)
WR3: Mike Sainristil (So.), Giles Jackson (So.), George Johnson III (So.), Eamonn Dennis (Fr.)
TE: Nick Eubanks (RS Sr.), Mustapha Muhammad (RS So.), Luke Schoonmaker (RS So.), Erick All (So.), Matt Hibner (Fr.), Nick Patterson (Fr.)
LT: Jalen Mayfield (RS So.), Ryan Hayes (RS So.), Greg Robinson (RS Sr.), Trente Jones (So.), Jeffrey Persi (Fr.)
LG: Chuck Filiaga (RS Jr.), Andrew Vastardis (RS Sr.), Zak Zinter (Fr.)
C: Stephen Spanellis (RS Sr.), Nolan Rumler (So.), Jess Speight (RS Jr.), Reece Atteberry (Fr.)
RG: Joel Honigford (RS Jr.), Zach Carpenter (So.), Micah Mazzccua (Fr.)
RT: Andrew Stueber (RS Jr.), Trevor Keegan (So.), Jack Stewart (So.), Karsen Barnhart (So.)

SDE: Aidan Hutchinson (Jr.), Julius Welschof (RS So.), Michael Morris (So.), David Ojabo (So.), Aaron Lewis Jr. (Fr.)
DT: Michael Dwumfour (RS Sr.), Chris Hinton (So.), Ben Mason (Sr.), Carl Myers (RS Sr.)
NT: Donovan Jeter (RS Jr.), Mazi Smith (So.), Phillip Paea (RS Jr.)
WDE: Kwity Paye (Sr.), Luiji Vilain (RS Jr.), Gabe Newburg (So.), Braiden McGregor (Fr.)
Viper/SAM: Michael Barrett (RS So.), Joey Velazquez (So.), Quinten Johnson (So.), William Mohan (Fr.)
MIKE: Josh Ross (Sr.), Jordan Anthony (RS Jr.), Charles Thomas (So.), Osman Savage (Fr.)
WILL: Cameron McGrone (Jr.), Cornell Wheeler (Fr.), Nikhai Hill-Green (Fr.)
CB: Vincent Gray (RS So.), Jalen Perry (So.), Andre Seldon (Fr.)
CB: Ambry Thomas (Sr.), Jaylen Kelly-Powell (Sr.), Gemon Green (RS So.), D.J. Turner II (So.)
FS: J’Marick Woods (Sr.), Brad Hawkins (Sr.), German Green (RS So.)
SS: Daxton Hill (So.), Sammy Faustin (RS So.), Jordan Morant (Fr.)

K: Jake Moody (Jr.), Quinn Nordin (RS Sr.)
P: Will Hart (RS Sr.)

38 comments

  1. Comments: 1863
    Joined: 1/19/2016
    je93
    Jun 27, 2019 at 7:07 AM

    That OL looks scary. Need guys to step up and get legit PT this year!

  2. Comments: 182
    Joined: 9/15/2015
    ragingbull
    Jun 27, 2019 at 7:44 AM

    obviously they need to stack great classes on top of great classes and build nice depth across the board but they really need to make sure they add some impact players at DT and CB this year.

    its tough to manage a roster and most every team experiences fluctuations and has down spots given the cyclical nature so its no surprise that just when michigan seems to have finally built quality depth at QB, OL, etc, potential trouble flares at DT, CB, RB (theyve got some talented young DT and RB prospects but really lack overall #s).
    the staff can help limit some issues in those areas with a handful of great prospects this cycle and im sure theyre all over it – they just gotta be careful.

    every team wants a top notch DL rotation and don brown absolutely needs elite CB identification / development if he wants to continue to run the same system…given the past few classes, projected depth chart, current verbals, etc, the home stretch of this class carries added significance

  3. Comments: 1364
    Joined: 8/11/2015
    WindyCityBlue
    Jun 27, 2019 at 8:41 AM

    Not sure how you get “very deep with talent” from this depth chart. Most of the starters listed have done little or nothing on the field so far. The two main exceptions are Peoples-Jones and Collins, both of whom will almost certainly bail for the NFL after this season. Thomas likely will too, and possibly Black.

    Just out of curiosity, which of the second-stringers on your depth chart would you project as starters for other decent P5 teams, and on what basis?

    • Comments: 3844
      Joined: 7/13/2015
      Jun 27, 2019 at 8:56 AM

      How is talent usually defined when it comes to projecting future college football success? You know the answer.

      I think several of them would be starters on other decent Power 5 teams, but I know *your* definition of “decent” is the likes of Ohio State and Georgia, since they haven’t won national championships in the past five years. So I’m not going to bother going down that road.

      • Comments: 1364
        Joined: 8/11/2015
        WindyCityBlue
        Jun 27, 2019 at 5:34 PM

        If you really wanted to know my definition of “decent”, is it better to actually ask me, or is your preferred method of discussion to make shit up and put words in my mouth? I guess we all know the answer to that, too.

        • Comments: 3844
          Joined: 7/13/2015
          Jun 27, 2019 at 5:52 PM

          The implication is that no matter what anyone else says, you are a glass-half-empty personality. This is why I’m not interested in answering those types of questions. You look for arguments and reasons to be upset; this is a perfect example.

          ANYONE: “I have good news! I’m having a baby!”

          WINDYCITYBLUE: “Average global sea level is expected to rise 7–23 inches before the end of this century.”

          • Comments: 1364
            Joined: 8/11/2015
            WindyCityBlue
            Jun 27, 2019 at 6:19 PM

            And your implication is that anyone who isn’t Pollyanna positive about Michigan football should just be dismissed with a wave of the hand, and that cold, hard facts should never be allowed to get in the way of that.

            Here’s what I said: “Most of the starters listed have done little or nothing on the field so far. The two main exceptions are Peoples-Jones and Collins, both of whom will almost certainly bail for the NFL after this season.”

            If you’d care to actually dispute that, instead of dodging it, feel free. People who aren’t hidebound to feel-goodiness can make up their own minds about who’s got the facts on their side.

            • Comments: 3844
              Joined: 7/13/2015
              Jun 27, 2019 at 8:26 PM

              Nope. I have better things to do than get in long, drawn-out arguments with you, because no resolution will be reached.

    • Comments: 6285
      Joined: 8/11/2015
      Lanknows
      Jun 27, 2019 at 10:16 AM

      Extremely unlikely we have 3 early entry WRs. Pretty rare there are even 2 on high octane offenses. Has 3 ever happened? Is it likely to at Michigan?

      I agree with the overall point though. It’s too early to feel very confident when the majority of the offense will be turning over and there are gaping holes in the secondary. CB is especially worrisome – I think Thomas is right behind Ruiz and DPJ.

      Michigan’s prospects seem to be pretty typical to me: Top 10-15 range until we know more. I don’t think they’re in a position to claim a top 5 spot based on the talent coming in. The recruiting hasn’t been anything unusual the last 3 years: #8, #22, #5. This year’s class appears to really be lacking in high-end talent and looks likely to fall outside of the top 10.

      On the bright side we can hope the transitions in coaching are mostly behind us as the Harbaugh-Warriner-Gattis braintrust should stick around for a few years and there are no lingering effects of head coaching changes. There is also good looking depth at QB and OL and DL and that’s not a bad starting point.

      • Comments: 1364
        Joined: 8/11/2015
        WindyCityBlue
        Jun 27, 2019 at 5:43 PM

        Black is probably a long shot to leave, but Collins and DPJ are pretty much a given. Why would they stay for their senior years, when it’s doubtful they’re going to improve much more after 2019? Because they’re dying to go to another Citrus Bowl?

        But yes, there is nothing remarkable about the 2020 class. I know the fanboys over at MGoBlog get a woody when they see us get a lot of pseudo commitments in a short time, but in 3 or 4 years, when it really matters, that won’t have any effect on how good they are on the field. Harbaugh is basically bringing in the same type of class he has every other year with, as you pointed out, a conspicuous lack so far of really elite recruits. There’s nothing to indicate that this team will be playing at another level when the 2019 and 2020 classes are the core of the team.

        • Comments: 3844
          Joined: 7/13/2015
          Jun 27, 2019 at 5:54 PM

          Michigan has the #7 recruiting class in the country.

          • Comments: 1364
            Joined: 8/11/2015
            WindyCityBlue
            Jun 27, 2019 at 6:13 PM

            And?

            The question remains, how is this class any different than what Harbaugh has brought in every other year? What is there about the 2020 class that makes you think this team is going to take a step up from the usual 9-3ish, 2nd and 3rd tier bowl season that is Harbaugh’s norm?

            • Comments: 3844
              Joined: 7/13/2015
              Jun 27, 2019 at 8:26 PM

              It’s the #7 recruiting class in the country.

              • Comments: 1364
                Joined: 8/11/2015
                WindyCityBlue
                Jun 27, 2019 at 9:31 PM

                Which Harbaugh has done better than before. And he’s still putting 9-3ish teams on the field.

                • Comments: 82
                  Joined: 1/10/2017
                  Julio
                  Jun 28, 2019 at 6:58 AM

                  Maizen (infamous MGoBlog “contributor”) lives!

                  Well, Maizen or his/her undiscovered twin …..

        • Comments: 6285
          Joined: 8/11/2015
          Lanknows
          Jun 27, 2019 at 9:19 PM

          I disagree about what is ‘given’. I think ignoring the fact that Black was ahead of Collins and DPJ when he was healthy is a mistake. All 3 have impressed at different times and Michigan’s offense looks poised for a big year, but guessing which one is going off to the NFL and which isn’t seems highly speculative. Especially when we have a new OC and impressive freshman.

          Agree on recruiting rankings. Michigan’s recruiting classes are basically coach-independent. Rodriguez first couple years: 10 and 11. Hoke’s first couple: 6 and 4. Harbaugh: 8 and 5. All in the same range. Things looked amazing 2 years out in all those cases, as long as you assumed the recruits were going to pan out. Aubrey Solomon and James Hudson are going to dominate next year as our starting DTs you betcha.

    • Comments: 400
      Joined: 12/24/2016
      INTJohn
      Jun 27, 2019 at 11:03 AM

      Thunder uses the phrase “very deep with talent” relative to “other [Michigan] rosters of recent memory”. I don”t think there’s any reference in a ‘universal’ sense re Alabama or Clemson and there is a descriptor denying this list/chart as an actual “depth chart” per se’ but to be taken as a metaphore when the meaning is realy to be “roster”……….

      English Lit Comprehension 101 – I’ll give you there prolly could’ve been a better title but Hell its Thunder’s site and he can start the stuff off any way he wants.

      Now unto my personal gripes re 2020 “depth chart”/ roster:
      QB – yeah inexperienced and unnecessarily so, I think. To remind; I was one of the ones that was open about not wanting Patterson on the Team. Once he was officially on it; I embraced the reality of it tho; completely & wholeheartedly got behind it……..

      Hindsite is 20/20 Dept: I don’t believe last seasons results & record would’ve been any different if Patterson had never come to Michigan and having McCaffery leading the Team & getting valuble experience along with Milton.

      The ’19 season then would be lead by McCaffery & Milton again only with much expereince and even much more so going into ’20. Instead the 2020 season will , like 2018, start off with a QB having little expereince against a top ten team On The Road only instead of 180 miles away it will be 2500!

      So the question is will 2020 shape up to be similar to 2018? As the schedule and the QB position is skeptically similar………..INTJohn

      • Comments: 6285
        Joined: 8/11/2015
        Lanknows
        Jun 27, 2019 at 11:31 AM

        I’d guess QB-wise that 2020 will be a super-charged 2016 (new starter stepping in but he has wet feet). 2019 will be a super-charged 2015 (senior transfer, good WR, solid OL, new OC).

        Of course we already know Patterson > Rudock. He has more talent, more production, and in his second year post-transfer. We also all expect that McCaffrey > Speight — also more talent and will have more experience when he steps into the starting role (assuming he holds off Milton).

        Different situations, hopefully better, but those are the contextual similarities that pop into my brain for 2020. There could be a ton of turnover on offense (as there was in 2017) but I’d like to think some backups will get work in 2019 to smooth that out.

        • Comments: 1364
          Joined: 8/11/2015
          WindyCityBlue
          Jun 27, 2019 at 5:49 PM

          On what statistical basis do you claim that Patterson in 2018 was more productive (or talented) than Ruddock in 2015?

          • Comments: 3844
            Joined: 7/13/2015
            Jun 27, 2019 at 5:53 PM

            Rudock.

            • Comments: 1364
              Joined: 8/11/2015
              WindyCityBlue
              Jun 27, 2019 at 6:01 PM

              Try adding an edit feature.

              • Comments: 3844
                Joined: 7/13/2015
                Jun 27, 2019 at 8:27 PM

                I’ll gladly take your donation via Paypal to install an edit feature, but really, I don’t need an edit feature.

                • Comments: 1364
                  Joined: 8/11/2015
                  WindyCityBlue
                  Jun 28, 2019 at 10:41 PM

                  Then don’t be a spelling troll.

          • Comments: 6285
            Joined: 8/11/2015
            Lanknows
            Jun 27, 2019 at 8:57 PM

            QB rating, YPA, comp %, TD/INT, rushing yards…

            Patterson in his 3rd year is better than Rudock was in his 5th.

            • Comments: 1364
              Joined: 8/11/2015
              WindyCityBlue
              Jun 27, 2019 at 9:27 PM

              You’re talking about efficiency, not productivity.

              Patterson had 2600 yards last year. Rudock was over 3000. Who was more productive?

              And Patterson had much longer to learn Michigan’s offense. Rudock had about 3 weeks, and wasn’t fully up to speed until halfway through the season.

              • Comments: 6285
                Joined: 8/11/2015
                Lanknows
                Jun 27, 2019 at 11:43 PM

                Rudock had 4 years at a school that ran a similar offense. I’m pretty sure he had access to the playbook over the summer also. Laughable to assert he was some babe thrown to the wolves with only his wits and Jake Butt to survive.

            • Comments: 6285
              Joined: 8/11/2015
              Lanknows
              Jun 27, 2019 at 9:57 PM

              You asked about production and talent. If you just meant comparing counting stats in Rudock’s 5th year vs Patterson’s 3rd you could have said that.

              Patterson had more TDs, few INTs, more rushing yards and fewer incompletions.

              If you want to say Rudock was more productive because he attempted more passes. Well, you can.

              • Comments: 1364
                Joined: 8/11/2015
                WindyCityBlue
                Jun 28, 2019 at 7:58 AM

                No, I’m saying Rudock was more productive because he passed for more yards. I know, what a concept. But as usual, you had to lie about what I said, when you knew better.

                • Comments: 6285
                  Joined: 8/11/2015
                  Lanknows
                  Jun 28, 2019 at 12:41 PM

                  “On what statistical basis do you claim that Patterson in 2018 was more productive (or talented) than Ruddock in 2015?”

                  I gave you stats that indicate productivity, alongside stats that indicate effectiveness (which reflect talent). Covered both.

                  But you want to talk about just yards (a function of attempts)… OK – but that’s not what you said. The only liar here is you.

                  If you’d said that I’d have gone down that route — how may yards did Rudock throw for after 3 years? Rudock didn’t even play his first 2 years, while Patterson had already thrown for 3,000 yards and 20 some TDs while starting in the SEC.

                  Apples to apples: > Rudock.

                • Comments: 1364
                  Joined: 8/11/2015
                  WindyCityBlue
                  Jun 28, 2019 at 10:40 PM

                  No, you didn’t. You gave stats based on efficiency, and with trivial differences at best.

                  And what Rudock and Patterson did before they got to Michigan is irrelevant. You weren’t talking about Rudock in any year but 2015, and we both know it. Rudock in 2015 was more productive than Patterson in 2018. That’s not even debatable.

                • Comments: 6285
                  Joined: 8/11/2015
                  Lanknows
                  Jun 29, 2019 at 9:24 AM

                  TD, INT, Rushing Yards are counting stats. Passing yards and attempts are others.

                  I was talking about Patterson as a player, vs Rudock as a player. You asked to compared 2018 and 2015 — so I did.

                  Patterson, as I’ve demonstrated with stats, was more productive in 2018 than Rudock in 2015. Efficiency is part of productivity.

                  Rudock did attempt more passes though! That’s a fact.

                • Comments: 6285
                  Joined: 8/11/2015
                  Lanknows
                  Jun 29, 2019 at 9:28 AM

                  What we both know is that you don’t actually think Rudock is a better QB than Patterson. You just want to paint the current team in the worst light possible.

  4. Comments: 5
    Joined: 3/20/2017
    messern2
    Jun 27, 2019 at 8:45 AM

    Expecting Ruiz to leave early?

  5. Comments: 21
    Joined: 4/21/2017
    crom80
    Jun 27, 2019 at 12:08 PM

    i would have expected some of this season’s 3 starting WRs to leave after this year. not so?

    • Comments: 3844
      Joined: 7/13/2015
      Jun 27, 2019 at 12:32 PM

      I do expect that…but your guess is as good as mine as to which one(s). Will Black transfer because he continues to get very few targets? Will Collins or Peoples-Jones leave for the NFL? There aren’t enough passes to go around for them all to put up monster numbers and jump to the NFL.

      • Comments: 1364
        Joined: 8/11/2015
        WindyCityBlue
        Jun 27, 2019 at 6:00 PM

        There certainly won’t be enough catches to go around if Harbaugh runs his offense like he did last year, and only throws the ball when he has to, and refuses to use the passing game as a real weapon in EVERY game, but there’s no reason it has to be that way. We had 347 passing attempts as a team last year. Ohio State had 396 COMPLETIONS, and they still had two RBs over 900 yards. Harbaugh will choose to run the ball as much as he can this year, because that’s “Michigan football”, and no matter how much unexploited talent he has in the passing game.

        But in any case, it’s not like you need monster numbers to bail early for the NFL any longer. Gentry certainly didn’t have them.

        • Comments: 6285
          Joined: 8/11/2015
          Lanknows
          Jun 27, 2019 at 9:22 PM

          That last point is spot on. DPJ is a helluva athlete and doesn’t need to put up a 90 catch year. Collins and Black aren’t on that level though – they need to perform. Scouts are going to put more stock in how they do against elite CBs than how many passes are thrown their way.

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