With questions surrounding how Michigan would utilize the transfer portal this season, it became clear that the two biggest positions of need were at cornerback and wide receiver. After two big commitments via the portal over the last two weeks, it now looks like the Wolverines have fully addressed the wide receiver position.
Let’s take a look at the seven wideouts who are fully capable of becoming big time contributors this fall.
Tyler Morris
In 2022, it was Ronnie Bell. In 2023, it was Roman Wilson. Now, in 2024, it looks like top candidate to become the next WR1 in Ann Arbor is junior wideout Tyler Morris. As a sophomore last season, Morris appeared in all 15 games with four starts at wide receiver, catching 13 passes for 197 yards with one touchdown. He’s one of the few veterans in a relatively young wide receiver room, and his experience makes him the early favorite to be the top target this fall.
Semaj Morgan
As a true freshman in 2023, Semaj Morgan showcased his talents in a number of ways throughout the year. He appeared in all 15 games at wide receiver and contributed on special teams in 14 games. As a wideout, Morgan had 22 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns. As a ball carrier, he had four carries for 67 yards and two touchdowns. On special teams, Morgan returned 12 kicks for 186 yards and returned three punts for 101 yards. Heading into his sophomore season in 2024, there’s absolutely no doubt that Morgan will play a major role in Michigan’s success offensively.
Fredrick Moore
Fredrick Moore’s name was mentioned a lot during spring ball. Both coaches and players pointed to Moore as someone to keep your eye on this year, and his spring game performance served as validation for what we were hearing. As a true freshman last season, Moore appeared in 13 games at wide receiver, and caught four passes for 32 yards. Now, heading into his second year in Ann Arbor, it sounds like Fredrick Moore is a guy who will play a major role offensively for the Wolverines this fall.
Peyton O’Leary
Peyton O’Leary is the veteran of the group. The 6-3, 200-pound senior is a three-time letterman who could be on the verge of a breakout season in 2024. He’s certainly not the flashiest option of the bunch, but O’Leary’s experience could prove to be a huge asset for the Wolverines as they look for reliable targets through the air in 2024
Kendrick Bell
The former QB turned WR made some noise during the spring game, and he’s a guy that I think is the sleeper out of this entire group. The 6-2, 180-pound sophomore is the little brother of former U-M wideout Ronnie Bell, and he certainly has the athleticism to be just as productive – if not more. Bell did not see any game action as a true freshman in 2023, but his transition to wide receiver appears to be going well – and he was one of two wide receivers who scored a touchdown during the spring game.
CJ Charleston – Transfer, Youngstown State
Michigan needed to add some experience at wideout via the portal, and CJ Charleston certainly provides that. Heading into his fifth collegiate season with two years of eligibility remaining, Charleston provides the Wolverines with an experienced target at wideout, and a guy who could prove to be critical in the passing game this fall. At 6-0, 190-pounds, Charleston fits the mold of what Michigan has typically looked for in a wideout over the last several years. He finished the 2023 season at Youngstown State with 33 receptions for 503 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Amorion Walker – Transfer, Ole Miss
Welcome back to Michigan, Mr. Walker. Amorion Walker spent his first two years of college football in Ann Arbor in 2022 and 2023, before deciding to enter the transfer portal after the national championship win in January. It took approximately three months at Ole Miss for Walker to realize his heart was still in Ann Arbor, and now he’s officially making his return to Michigan. At 6-3, 190-pounds, Walker provides some much needed height at the wideout position, and there’s a chance he could establish himself as one of Michigan’s top targets this fall.
