Michigan's NFL draft decisions all seem to be in. Cornelius Johnson, Michael Barrett, and Kris Jenkins confirmed they're returning. So did Jim Harbaugh. Seems like a good day to check in on the state of the football roster. What is this? Folks who cover the USMNT drop lists like this projecting the 23 guys who end up on the next World Cup team. Brian appropriated it, dropped it for a few years, and then I stole it from him. Regarding the number of tickets: typically its’ 22 starters on offense and defense + 2 kickers + a Flex TE/Slot + nickel + extra DL. This year we have a K/P so I used the extra spot on a 6th OL. Previously: Spring 2022, Post-Bowl 2022. DEPARTURES IN ORDER OF SIGNIFICANCE 1. C Olu Oluwatimi (out of eligibility). Won Outland and Rimington Awards, centered Joe Moore-winning OL. 2. DE Mike Morris (NFL). Only DL who could get solid pass-rush. Great run defender. Badly hampered/missed after rolled ankle late vs Nebraska. 3. NT Mazi Smith (NFL). Stalwart nose,
What is this? Folks who cover the USMNT drop lists like this projecting the 23 guys who end up on the next World Cup team. Brian appropriated it, dropped it for a few years, and then I stole it from him. This year's spring update isn't going to be very different from last winter, especially at the top. How many tickets? Typically 22 starters on offense and defense + 2 specialists and three FLEX positions. This can vary somewhat to get everyone a ticket. Previously: Post-Bowl 2023, Spring 2022, Post-Bowl 2022. PACK YOUR BAGS You will see them on the field a lot, whether or not they’re technically getting the start. 1. QB JJ McCarthy (Jr/Jr) [Last time: 2] Moves up a spot because he's the most irreplaceable. Zen-master 5-star who sent Cade McNamara to Iowa, advances to the Henson 2000/Henne 2006 phase of 5-star quarterbackdom. Legs a major threat but left mostly on the shelf (see: irreplaceable). 2. RB Blake Corum (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 1] As foretold by Fred Jackson, Mike
I really had hopes of getting UFR out this week, but the fallout from last weekend's visitpalooza will continue until morale improves. Ben Roebuck, one of Michigan's top offensive line prospects, and one of the top prospects in Ohio, announced on Instagram yesterday that he's committed to Michigan. He did this moments after I posted the Hello from Tuesday's commitment, Cincinnati 4.5 RB Jordan Marshall. Marshall announced right after I posted on Monday's commitment, 2023 4 VA safety prospect Brandyn Hillman, another Michigan-Ohio State battle. Was Roebuck actually a Michigan-Ohio State battle? OSU was his expected destination for the first half of the cycle, but never officially offered. They also traditionally withhold offers for born Buckeyes in-state because the act of giving one often leads to a commitment shortly thereafter. Clearly they viewed Roebuck differently than Marshall, but their reporters were really surprised an offer didn't come after Ro
I've been wanting to write a Spring Football Bits for weeks, except the biggest news coming out of there isn't what's happening on the field for 2023 but which high schoolers have been coming by to watch it. So here we are, mid Spring Ball of the most anticipated season since 2006, rolling out an update on teenagers who might sign in 2024 or 2025 and be relevant by 2026. Oh, and one stray 2023 that's still out there. Safety swipe. VA 4 ATH Brandyn Hillman recently asked out of his NLI to Notre Dame and is expected to join either Michigan or Ohio State($, info in title), with Michigan calling within 15 minutes of Hillman reopening his recruitment. Lorenz agrees Michigan is in front($) but makes it sound more like a 4-point lead, with Ohio State about to get possession($), as Bill Kurelic says OSU is the only school that's currently certain to get visit (video). OSU was the loser of a 5-star battle with Bama for #1 safety/#6 overall Caleb Downs on Early Signing