Breaking down four emerging leaders on the Michigan offense

Michigan football lost three of its four captains last season and is searching for new ones this fall. Redshirt junior wide receiver Ronnie Bell, who tore his ACL in the 2021 season-opener, is back and has continued to have a strong presence even while being out with the injury. Center Andrew Vastardis is out of eligibility and leaves a big leadership void for the offense. Those with captainship weren't the only ones who were leaders last season, though, so there's a natural progression for some Wolverines to step up into even bigger roles. Others have become upperclassmen and will fill the shoes of those 'next-in-line' leaders ... and the cycle continues. “Not every leader has to be a captain in order for them to lead," redshirt sophomore quarterback Cade McNamara said. "Now that we’re done with spring, now we’re going into camp. More leadership needs to come. The more [leaders] the better. Having a really good spring, it’s gonna make guys more comfortable and confident in themselves.” Michigan's culture was strong last season — allowing it to bounce back from a 2-4 campaign in 2020 to win the Big Ten — and the Wolverines have the guys at the top to keep it that way in 2022. Here are four Wolverines on offense who have emerged as top leaders this offseason (Bell already was one last season, so we won't include him here).