Michigan football: Stronger Marlin Klein is ready to elevate his game
Michigan football has been all about the tight end in the passing game for the last several years, and that’s not going to change under head coach Sherrone Moore (and hasn’t). The Wolverines lost a huge piece in Colston Loveland, soon to be in the NFL, but there are several candidates to at least try to fill his shoes.
One — veteran Marlin Klein — is just scratching the surface of his potential. He came up with some big catches in a win at Ohio State last year, but he only hauled in 13 for 108 during the season. He knows the Michigan offense will be relying on him for more in 2025, even if he doesn’t have Loveland’s ceiling.
“For me, it’s really just knowing I’m the guy now — the veteran in the room and the offense in general — so I’m just trying to be the best version of myself each and every day,” Klein said. “But I miss the guy every single day. I’m not close to Love [in talent], and I’m not going to be close to Love. I’m going to be myself and, really — for me — it’s just being the most complete tight end in the country and being the best version of myself.
“I was really good friends with him, so I spent a lot of time with Colston. Throughout our three years here together, I’ve learned a lot of things from him — the way he approaches, each and every single day, coming in here and just trying to be the best version of yourself, and that’s really what I took from him and that’s what I continue to do.”
Which means blocking in addition to catching passes, doing the little things needed to improve both aspects of the offense. New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey knows head coach Sherrone Moore wants to move the ball on the ground, and that means he and everyone in the room needs to take another step.
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Tight end blocking was not a strength last year, even in the wins. Improvement starts with the line and the guys on the edge.
“We’re still going to run the ball, and you know that’s kind of we take pride in running the ball,” Klein said. “Being the most physical team in whatever stadium we’re playing. It’s not a completely new offense, but he has a little bit of his spice to it, I guess … so, it’s great.
“I think just with Coach Lindsey being here and the offense kind of spreading out a little bit — doing what I came here to do — but still getting better in the run game and being more consistent.”
Now 255 pounds but still as athletic as ever, Klein knows he’ll have an opportunity. There’s a lot of pressure on him and the Michigan quarterbacks, but he’s ready to go.
“I’m just excited,” he said.
Summing up the feeling in the room heading toward a new season.
