After losing 18 veteran players to the NFL Draft, the Michigan Wolverines will look to a whole host of young up-and-coming talent to fill the void. After listening to the coaches speak during spring ball, it sounds like there are several sophomore’s who are already establishing themselves as guys who will make significant contributors in 2024.
Here are the top six names we’ve heard so far:
Semaj Morgan, WR
Semaj Morgan might be the least surprising name on this list, given how much he contributed as a true freshman in 2023. From offense to special teams, Morgan made a number of big-time plays that showed just how dangerous his versatility and athleticism is on the field.
Morgan appeared in all 15 games in 2023 on both offense and special teams. As a wide receiver, he finished the season with 22 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Morgan also added four carries for 67 yards and another two touchdowns on the ground. On special teams, Morgan had 3 punt returns for 101 yards – including an 87 yard return in the Big Ten championship game. As a kick returner, he finished with 186 return yards on 12 attempts.
With guys like Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson headed off to the NFL Draft, there’s a fairly good chance that Morgan could work himself into that WR1 spot through the spring and into the fall.
Fredrick Moore, WR
Speaking of wide receivers, Frederick Moore is a name that we’ve heard several times during spring media availability. During his freshman season in 2023, Moore appeared in 13 games at the wide receiver position, while also contributing on special teams. During his freshman season, Moore hauled in four receptions for 32 yards, and was named offensive freshman of the week three times during the season (vs. ECU, vs. Bowling Green, and vs. Nebraska).
With Michigan looking to replace its two top contributors at the position in Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson, there’s going to be plenty of opportunities for Moore to cement himself within the starting rotation.
Benjamin Hall, RB
The Michigan running back room contains what is likely the deepest position group on the roster. Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings figure to be the prominent one-two punch for Michigan this fall, but there are a number of other backs that could certainly position themselves to see significant reps in 2024 – starting with Benjamin Hall.
At 5-11, 235 pounds, Hall has a great combination of speed and power. He appeared in three games at running back as a true freshman, and carried the ball 15 times for 69 yards.
Enow Etta, EDGE
It’s time to start buying stock in edge rusher Enow Etta right now. Every single coach that has stepped to the podium, regardless of which group they’re primarily responsible for, has mentioned Etta as a guy that is making noise this spring.
Currently listed at 6-5, 295 pounds on Michigan’s team site, Etta has the frame to become a dominant force at the EDGE position in 2024. He’ll still need to compete for reps behind veterans Derrick Moore and Josiah Stewart, but it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see the former four-star prospect on the field early and often in 2024.
Jyaire Hill, DB
As was the case last season, the Michigan Wolverines are looking for an answer at the cornerback position opposite of Will Johnson in 2024. In 2023, that answer came in the form of UMass transfer Josh Wallace. After one season with Michigan, Wallace is now off to the NFL Draft – and Michigan is looking for the next solution.
One of the guys who seems to be making a strong case for that spot is sophomore defensive back, Jyaire Hill. He’s reportedly made several big plays during spring ball so far, and his speed and athleticism could be exactly what Michigan is looking for at that open corner spot. Hill appeared in four games during the 2023 season, accounting for eight tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss.
DJ Waller Jr., DB
Another defensive back that is making some noise this spring is DJ Waller Jr. At 6-3, 205 pounds, Waller has the size to make life difficult on an opposing wideout. He appeared in 11 games during his freshman season in 2023, and accounted for 12 tackles and one pass breakup.
Waller was also named Defensive Freshman of the Week dive times for his performance against UNLV, Bowling Green, Indiana, at Nebraska, and at Michigan State.
