The Michigan Wolverines will need to replace all six of their captains from the 2023 team, including linebacker Michael Barrett, defensive lineman Kris Jenkins, cornerback Mike Sainristil, running back Blake Collum, left guard Trevor Keegan and right guard Zach Ginter. That's a huge list to replace, but the 2024 Michigan team has no shortage of players worthy of the title of “captain” next season.
It's worth noting that the opportunity to be named captain at Michigan has traditionally been limited to seniors and graduate students, meaning players like Will Johnson, Colston Loveland, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant aren't necessarily eligible. There is certainly a chance that Sherone Moore could be named captain. did it Exceptions should be made for all three, especially given their leadership roles within the program, but assuming Moore continues the old tradition going forward, here are the players who seem most likely to be named captains for the 2024 season.
Donovan Edwards, RB – Sr.
This is definitely a solid choice. Donovan Edwards is undoubtedly the team's best offensive weapon, but he took huge steps as a leader during the offseason. He's become an advocate for mental health, using his own struggles to help those around him. He's taken on a more charitable role by hosting youth camps and visiting local schools, and he understands that his role as a member of the University of Michigan Wolverines is much bigger than his role on the football field.
Max Bredeson, TE – Sr.
Max Bredeson doesn't get a lot of attention on highlight reels, but he's certainly a vital part of Michigan's offense and locker room. Every team needs players who are willing to do the dirty work on the field, and Bredeson is that guy for Michigan. Whether it's as a tight end or H-back, Bredeson's intense style of play is a perfect fit for a Michigan offense that loves to dominate in the trenches.
Rod Moore, DB – Sr.
Rod Moore will likely miss most or all of the 2024 season with a torn ACL, but he will almost certainly serve as a captain this season. He is one of the team's top leaders and has transitioned into a coaching role since his injury as he recovers. Defensive backs coach Lamar Morgan recently said this about the veteran DB:
“He hurt his leg and the next day he was sitting in the front row at a meeting. I've never seen anything like that in my career. He hasn't coached in 40 years and his mental health is off the charts. He's smiling, he's still on the treadmill and working on things.”
Makari Page, DB – Graduate Student
Macari has been relatively quiet in front of the microphone while speaking with the media, but he's let his play on the field do most of the talking. The veteran DB made 13 starts at safety during the 2023 national championship season, and with Rod Moore gone, Paige's leadership on the football field in 2024 will be even more important.
Wildcard
I don't think Davis Warren will be named the starting quarterback in 2024, but he's certainly a team leader. Alex Orji called him a “QB mechanics guru” after the spring game, and I could see him working with JJ McCarthy at Michigan's pro day. Given his history, his battle with leukemia, and his charitable work in the community, it's easy to imagine a scenario where Warren is named captain.
Honestly, it wouldn't have been a big surprise if Greg Crippen had entered the transfer portal at some point in the past two seasons. As a sophomore, he saw transfer student Olu Oluwatimi win the center position in 2022. As a junior, he saw transfer student Drake Nugent take over the starting spot. But rather than take it personally and look elsewhere for a better environment, Crippen stayed with the program and kept working hard. In everyone's eyes, he's the guy to play center for the Wolverines in 2024. Persistence and hard work to pave your own path (even when it's difficult) are definitely what it takes to be a captain at Michigan.
Another player on the offensive line who had to pay the price and wait his turn. Under other circumstances, Giovanni El Hadi would have been a starter at Michigan long before the 2024 season. The biggest problem was that he had to be patient because he was playing behind big NFL names Zach Ginter and Trevor Keegan. But he played 21 games on the offensive line in his first three seasons and started three games at left guard in 2022 as Trevor Keegan battled injuries.
Josiah Stewart is an interesting choice. He was second on the team with 5.5 sacks in 2023 and made some big plays to lead Michigan to the national championship game. He will change from No. 5 to No. 0 for the 2024 season, but that number carries a lot of weight as it was Mike Sainristil's number for his final two years at Michigan. If Stewart earns the honor, he will be the first Michigan transfer to be named captain.
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Projecting Michigan football's defensive depth in 2024
Predicting Michigan football's offensive line depth in 2024
Josh Pate of 247Sports asks, “What if Michigan goes 8-4 in 2024?”
