The Michigan Wolverines may have lost a ton of veteran talent to the NFL after last season, but there’s still plenty of young talent remaining in Ann Arbor – guys who are ready to take full advantage of the opportunity in front of them. Whether offensively or defensively, Michigan has plenty of young weapons who’ve gained valuable experience during Michigan’s incredible National Championship run in 2023.
With that, here are the five most likely sophomore candidates for breakout performers in 2024:
Semaj Morgan, WR
A strong argument could be made that Semaj Morgan had his breakout year as a true freshman in 2023, but it’s clear there’s so much more left in the tank from No. 82. An off-season of growth and development could thrust Morgan into a highly productive wideout this fall, with the possibility that he could become WR1 in Ann Arbor before the 2024 season comes to a close.
As a freshman, Morgan’s speed and athleticism proved dangerous on offense and special teams. He appeared in all 15 games at wide receiver and contributed on special teams in 14 games. As a wideout, Morgan caught 22 passes for 204 yards with two touchdowns – along with 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.
Fredrick Moore, WR
Fredrick Moore was able to work his way onto the field as a true freshman in 2023, appearing 13 games on offense and special teams. He didn’t make quite the freshman splash that Semaj Morgan did, but all accounts coming out of spring ball is that Moore is a guy who is ready for a big sophomore campaign.
Michigan fans got a little bit of a taste of what Moore is capable of during the spring game on April 20, when QB Davis Warren connected with Moore on a short crossing route – and Moore proceeded to take it nearly 50 yards to the house. His combination of speed and athleticism will certainly make him a factor in the offense this fall.
Benjamin Hall, RB
Admittedly, it’s going to be somewhat difficult for Benjamin Hall to have a breakout season in 2024, considering he’s backing up Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings. But we all know that the focal point of the Michigan offense is ground-and-pound, and the Wolverines are more than happy cycling through running backs to help keep everyone fresh.
At 5-11, 234 pounds, Hall is a load to bring down – and now he has a year of colligate experience under his belt. He appears to be firmly in that RB3 spot right now, and there’s no doubt he’ll see plenty of reps on the field this fall.
Jyaire Hill, DB
Jyaire Hill’s name has been mentioned frequently throughout spring ball as someone to keep your eye on. The sophomore DB brings a physicality and scrappiness to the defense that you love to see in your secondary. It remains to be seen how Hill will be used in the fall, but there’s an open job at the cornerback spot opposite of Will Johnson, and it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Hill work himself into that starting spot this fall. Either way you cut it, No. 20 is going to play a major role in the Michigan defense when the Wolverines kick off this fall.
Enow Etta, DL
Enow Etta was once considered an edge rusher, but his sheer size has led the staff to move him inside as a defensive lineman. At 6-5, nearly 300-pounds, Etta is a physical specimen that Michigan can use in a number of ways on the defensive front. He only appeared in three games as a true freshman in 2023, but he’s another guy whose name has been mentioned frequently throughout spring ball. If you were buying stock in defensive players heading into the fall, Enow Etta should be near the top of your list.
