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Despite the departure of key defensive players like Mike Sainristil to the NFL Draft and the setback of Rod Moore's torn ACL, anticipation remains high for this year's defense, expected to uphold its reputation as one of the nation's finest. Amidst these changes, attention now shifts to the offensive side of the ball, prompting questions about who will lead the charge under center and who will step up to make crucial plays down the field. Additionally, with coaching staff adjustments underway, there's added intrigue surrounding how the new leadership will impact both sides of the game.
Coaching Staff Changes
After Jim Harbaugh’s departure to Los Angeles as the new Head Coach of the Chargers, the Michigan coaching staff undergoes changes with a blend of familiar and fresh faces. Sherron Moore steps up as the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach. Kirk Campbell, maintaining his role as the Robert McCollum Family Quarterbacks coach, also assumes the title of Sanford Robertson Offensive Coordinator. Grant Newsome transitions from Tight Ends coach to Donald C. Graham's Offensive Line coach, while Ron Bellamy continues as the Offensive Pass Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers coach.
Donald “Wink” Martindale
After his 19 seasons in the NFL and leaving his most recent post with the NY Giants, Wink begins his first season as the Matt and Nicole Lester Family Defensive Coordinator for the University of Michigan Football Program.
Tony Alford
Tony enters the University of Michigan with 31 years of collegiate coaching experience, spending the last nine with the University of Ohio State. Alford is responsible for coaching and developing some of the nation's highest nationally awarded running backs during his tenure.
J.B. Brown
Brown was named the Special Teams Coordinator after spending the previous three seasons with the Wolverines as an analyst. In that stretch as an analyst, J.B. helped develop the plan of attack in the kicking and kick coverage phases.
Steve Casula
Prior to his time as the OC and QB coach at UMass, Casula was an offensive analyst for the Wolverines from 2019-21. Steve makes his return to the staff as the Tight Ends coach.
Brian Jean-Mary
Jean-Mary makes his return to the Wolverines and reclaims his role as the Linebackers coach that he held at U-M back in 2020. Brian will also take on the responsibilities of the Defensive Run Game Coordinator.
LaMar Morgan
Entering his 13th year coaching, LaMar arrives in Ann Arbor as the Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs coach. He spent four seasons with the Ragin’ Cajun secondary.
Defensive Line Coach ??
The question remains of who will be the new DL coach after the departure of Greg Scruggs. Scruggs served less than three weeks before his arrest.
Those Who stay and next up for the Michigan Wolverines
Key Defensive Players
Returning:
Junior DT Mason Graham #55
Junior DT Kenneth Grant #78
Senior EDGE Josiah Stewart #0
Junior LB Ernest Hausmann #15
Junior DB Will Johnson #2
Transfer:
Junior LB Jaishawn Barham #1
Look for junior DB Zeke Berry (#10), sophomore DB Brandyn Hillman (#6), and incoming 4-star freshman DB Jo’Ziah Edmond to step up in Rod Moore’s absence.
Other highly touted freshmen to watch this spring: 4-star DB Jacob Oden, 4-star LB Cole Sullivan, and 3-star DT Deyvid Palepale
Key Offensive Players
Returning:
Junior QB Alex Orji #10
Senior RB Donovan “The Don” Edwards #7
Sophomore WR Semaj Morgan #82
Junior TE Colston Loveland #18
5th Year OL Myles Hinton #78
Highly anticipated 4-star freshman to keep an eye on this spring: OT Andrew Sprague, RB Jordan Marshall, TE Brady Prieskorn, and QB Jaydn Davis
Taking Charge Under Center
The quarterback position appears wide open this season following J.J. McCarthy's departure. Will Alex Orji showcase his exciting athleticism under center, or could we witness Michigan's first true freshman stepping into the spotlight? Let's not forget about Grad Transfer Jack Tuttle, Senior Davis Warren, and Junior Jayden Denegal, who could all make a compelling case for the starting role.
Crucial Catch
Much will depend on "The Don" in the run game to offset the impact of losing Blake Corum, Roman Wilson, and Cornelius Johnson, all poised to enter the 2024 NFL Draft. At Michigan, it's a "next man up" mentality for the pass catchers. With relatively inexperienced receivers, Colston Loveland, returning as PFF's top Tight End in the country, might emerge as the favored target to step up in this dynamic.
Excitement mounts as the Michigan Wolverines prepare to showcase their fresh lineup under the helm of first-year head coach Sherron Moore during their spring game on April 20th, offering fans a preview of what’s to come in the upcoming season.
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