Three standouts from Michigan football's spring game
Michigan football held its annual spring game on Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor. The Blue team outlasted the Maize by a score of 20-12 in the exhibition scrimmage.
Members of TheWolverine.com staff weighed in with their game ball selections in the aftermath of the proceedings.
Clayton Sayfie: Freshman wide receiver Darrius Clemons
At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, Darrius Clemons is a smooth, explosive athlete and passes the look test. In his first action in front of Michigan fans, he checked all the boxes, too. Clemons was targeted 10 times, more than any receiver in the spring game, and came down with three grabs for a game-high 52 yards and one score. He made a leaping, highlight-reel grab for a 35-yard touchdown thrown by redshirt junior quarterback Alan Bowman against the backup defensive backs that was the play of the game (and served as the game-winning score, essentially). He even took an end-around and threw a 21-yard strike to redshirt freshman tight end Max Bredeson, showing his athleticism goes beyond just running, jumping and catching. This was a stellar debut for the early enrollee.
Chris Balas: Freshman defensive tackle Mason Graham
Said it before, and we’ll say it again. AT THIS POINT, Mason Graham appears to be the best, most college-ready freshman defensive tackle I’ve seen in my decades watching Michigan football. He’s big, strong (held his own at times with Olu Oluwatimi), has the wrestling moves of a Rob Renes and can even get some pressure on the quarterback.
This guy is going to end up being one of the steals of his class. He notched four tackles Saturday. However, it was the ability to hold his ground and get some interior rush we really noticed.
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Anthony Broome: Junior wide receiver AJ Henning
Given the equal playing time that much of the roster got, there are plenty of directions to go. AJ Henning led all Michigan players in receptions with five catches for 32 yards on eight targets. He has been more of an offensive weapon than a wideout thus far but will be a key part of the offense. Henning made some tough catches through contact and ran crisp routes, which is a step forward for him.
Defenses have been able to key in on Henning because of his usage as a gadget player. If he truly comes into his own as a wideout, he is another player on the offense that can be used as a chess piece.
What’s next for Michigan football?
Saturday’s spring game was the 14th of 15 scheduled practices with the final session set for Monday. Attention from there turns to continued conditioning and prep for Michigan’s fall camp, which will get going sometime in July. The season opener is set for Sept. 3 at the Big House with Colorado State coming to town.
