After another week of media availability, there are several names that are mentioned often when players and coaches step to the podium. Given everything we’ve heard over the last several weeks, it sounds like some of the position battles are starting to take shape ahead of the spring game on April 20.

Alex Orji Is Mentioned First

The players and coaches are obviously good at not giving too much insight into what the quarterback battle looks like this spring, particularly when it comes to who might be leading that battle. With that being said, I do find it interesting that Alex Orji’s name is routinely the first name mentioned when anybody talks about the quarterbacks – whether coaches or players. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but I think that’s at least a slight indication that Orji may be the current leader for that QB1 spot.

It’s also worth noting that seventh year veteran Jack Tuttle has been limited this spring as he recovers from an injury, and it doesn’t sound like he’ll compete in the spring game.

The Offensive Line

Things can obviously change through spring and into the fall, but it sounds like we have some pretty good insight into what the starting offensive line unit looks like at this point.

• LT: Myles Hinton
• LG: Josh Priebe
• C: Greg Crippen
• RG: Giovanni El-Hadi
• RT: Andrew Gentry/Jeffrey Persi

Those are the primary names we’ve heard often throughout the spring, and it seems highly likely that this is exactly what the starting unit looks like this fall. The most interesting battle up front appears to be figuring out what the depth will look like. Guys like Tristan Bounds, Raheem Anderson, Connor Jones, Amir Herring, and Nathan Efobi (among others) are definitely worth keeping an eye on.

The Wide Receivers

Junior wideout Tyler Morris is embracing his leadership role on the team in 2024, and it looks like he’s the most likely candidate to fill the void left by Roman Wilson. At 5-11, 185 pounds, Morris is able to use his quickness and athleticism to pose a problem in the passing game, but he also made it clear this week that he’s willing to do whatever is asked of him this year.

“If it’s a week we want to target the slot, then I want to be there. If it’s a week we want to target the outside, I want to be there. If it’s a week we want to run the ball a lot and we need somebody blocking, I want to be there. Anything they need me to do at the receiver position, I want to be the guy to step up and do it.”

Sure sounds like a veteran leader to me.

Morris also mentioned two other wideouts that are making some noise this spring: Semaj Morgan and Frederick Moore. It definitely won’t come as a surprise to anyone in the Michigan fan base that Morgan is standing out this spring. As a true freshman in 2023, Morgan was responsible for making several big plays in big time moments – and it sounds like he’s primed to take a big step forward in 2024. Frederick Moore’s name has also been mentioned frequently by several players, indicating that Moore can be the guy who plays a similar role to that of Cornelius Johnson.

The Running Backs

Michigan’s version of thunder and lightning in 2024 will come in the form of Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings. Edwards has added 14 pounds during the off-season, can rip off a 90 yard run to the house in the blink of an eye, and he’s taken on a major leadership role now that Blake Corum is off to the NFL. Mullings, who made the transition from linebacker to running back early in his Michigan career, is ready to see his role increase as well. He’s admittedly eager to play the role of “thunder” in Michigan’s one-two punch this fall, and the expectation is that the Wolverines will remain very productive on the ground in 2024.

Beyond Edwards and Mullings, a whole host of talented backs are waiting for their opportunity to shine – including Benjamin Hall, Cole Cabana, Tavierre Dunlap, and true freshman Jordan Marshall (Mr. Ohio). The depth at this position group will serve Michigan well in 2024.

The Defensive Line

This group is going to be a major, major problem in 2024. Any opposing offense facing Michigan will need to deal with veteran guys on the defensive line who were all impact players last season. Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore bring plenty of experience (and production) at the edge, while Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham are widely regarded as the best defensive tackle duo in the country.

Depth is also something that appears to be a strong suit for this group, as guys like Rayshaun Benny, Cam Brandt, Enow Etta, and TJ Guy all figure to play significant roles in the defense this fall.

The Linebackers and Secondary

If you’re able to make it beyond the dominant defensive line at Michigan, the next level isn’t much easier to deal with – as linebackers Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham figure to be one of the best tandems in the conference (if not the country).

There are still some questions marks in Michigan’s secondary, but it sounds like the staff is confident enough with the guys in the building that they’ve got the right pieces to fill several vacancies. Sophomore’s DJ Waller Jr. and Jyaire Hill are mentioned frequently, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see both work their way into the starting rotation.