The University of Michigan returns to the Big House at a remarkable moment in its history. They just won their first national championship of the century, but they've also gone through significant changes in head coach and entire roster.
Now, with Sherone Moore replacing Jim Harbaugh, there's a lot of work to do as the team prepares for a historic 2024 season filled with conference realignment and expanded playoffs. Here's how and what to watch when Michigan State's spring football games begin.
Michigan Football Spring Game 2024 Schedule
when: Saturday, April 20th
time: 12pm Eastern
tv set: fox network
Rebuilding the offensive line
With the departure of the unit that won the Joe Moore Award two years in a row, and the University of Michigan currently without all five starting pitchers, they are facing a rebuilding of their front line. Myles Hinton returns after playing five games a year ago, primarily at left tackle, but the team is otherwise severely lacking in experience.
New offensive line coach Grant Newsome has a lot of work to do in preparation for his debut at the position, and Saturday's spring game will give him a chance to try just about any combination.
Andrew Gentry primarily started on special teams, but saw snaps at both the tackle spot and guard. Greg Crippen, a senior and three-time letterman, played in a total of 15 games at center. Jeff Persi has special teams experience at tackle and guard.
Related: Michigan Football Schedule 2024
wide receiver
Another area of need after Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson left for the NFL Draft, the Wolverines will need to take a hard look at all possible options.
Semaj Morgan has shown promise in his return, but may not have the size to emerge as a threat downfield. Tyler Morris has over 200 career yards and is a Michigan veteran at the position, despite his inexperience.
defense
Like the roster, the University of Michigan's coaching staff has also undergone significant changes, especially on defense, with new coordinator Wink Martindale taking over and the entire team having coached elsewhere last season. He is supported by three assistants. UM boasted one of the best defenses in college football a year ago, but while that unit has lost a lot of production, cornerback Will Johnson and linemen Kenneth Grant and Will Graham return. is the key.
Look at the competition in the corner opposite Johnson. DJ Waller is in his second season and played his 11 games in the secondary and special teams a year ago. Jaden McBurrows, who played in 11 games in the secondary last season and had an interception, and Jaire Hill, a high school two-way player with speed and good hands, will be in contention this spring.
quarterback
With JJ McCarthy out, Moore will have to make a big decision at the most important position. Alex Orsi and Jadyn Davis stand out as options, but while the former is known as a promising two-way player, he hasn't thrown many significant passes yet. The latter is still a freshman but has great potential. Veteran Jack Tuttle is on the list, but is he ready to take over the QB1 role?
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