Andrew Stueber's impact still felt on Michigan's offensive line
When Michigan takes the field in 2022, it will be the first time in five years it does not have right tackle Andrew Stueber on the roster. He will be suiting up for an NFL team somewhere, leaving the Wolverines to figure out his replacement.
A battle has raged on throughout spring football this year between Trente Jones and Karsen Barnhart at right tackle with Jones leading currently. That is something that guard Zak Zinter is still getting used to during practices.
“You know, it’s interesting. [Stueber] was so experienced last year,” Zinter said on Monday. “Trente and Karsen both have been doing a great job so far this spring. I was with Stueber so long it’s kind of a little weird getting used to someone new next to me, but they’re both doing a great job.”
RELATED: Zak Zinter dishes on ‘high expectations’ for Michigan’s offensive line
Stueber is currently going through the NFL Draft process and is expected to be back in Ann Arbor this week for Michigan’s Pro Day. Zinter dished on what he thinks a pro team will be getting in the former Wolveirne.
“I think they’d get a lot with Stueber,” he said. “I mean, he’s a hard worker, great leader. He’s always got something to say, especially to me — but always good, always positive. Great person to play next to. Can always count on him.”
Michigan looks to fill leadership void on line
With a player of Stueber’s caliber gone from the offensive line room, a leadership void has been created. Zinter, entering his third season with the program, wants to be one of those guys.
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“Yeah, especially with Stueber and [center Andrew Vastardis] being gone,” he said. “I think being a more vocal leader out there on the field is the main thing I’m working on the spring. It’s kind of natural, but the same time, having leaders we had last year leave — watching, following them. Following their footsteps, taking over their roles.
“I have high expectations for myself and so I know a lot of people look up to me and follow my footsteps, but vocal at the same time, trying to keep everyone in line, make sure we’re locked in during practice.”
Success is the best leader and example, and Michigan has the hardware to prove it. The offensive line won the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in the country last year. That particular trophy sits dead-center of the team’s weight room. They want that as proof they can do whatever they set their minds to.
“[The trophy] is right in the center of the weight room,” Zinter said. “I always want to run the ball, but with the offense we have, we’re capable of doing both. When we’re running the ball well, we can throw the ball well. Keep going back and forth to each other.”
