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Michigan WR Karmello English is a 'playmaker,' freshman trio is impressive

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•08/29/23•

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Karmello English
(Photo by Karmello English / Instagram)

Michigan Wolverines football senior Roman Wilson and graduate Cornelius Johnson are the leaders of the wide receiver room and are projected to be near the top on the team in targets from junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy this fall.

With sophomore Tyler Morris — Michigan’s projected starter at slot receiver — and junior Peyton O’Leary, also expected to be in the rotation, potentially set to miss Saturday’s season opener against East Carolina (noon ET in Ann Arbor), some others will have to step up. Three freshmen have been impressive — early enrollees Semaj Morgan and Fredrick Moore and summer enrollee Karmello English.

“They’re just a very advanced group of guys,” Wilson said Tuesday after practice. “They’re very good, and I think in a couple years, they’re going to be those dudes. I really like them, I’m really confident in them and the sky’s the limit for them. They’re very good.”

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Given Michigan’s situation with a lack of depth to begin the season, the group may have to make an impact earlier than the timeline Wilson laid out. He reiterated that the freshmen are ahead of the curve compared to other first-year players.

“Yeah, they actually do [feel advanced for their grade],” Wilson said. “They pick up information really well and translate it, and pick it up really fast.”

While English hasn’t had as much time on task, the former four-star recruit out of Phenix City (Ala.) has been further proving that he was a huge Signing Day pickup last December, playing well at the end of Michigan’s fall camp. Wilson discussed English’s traits that stand out.

“He kind of reminds me of Fred a little bit,” Wilson explained. “Just a lengthier guy, long strides, gets out of breaks well, high points the ball well, playmaker, things like that. All three of them are very good.”

English, a 5-11, 190-pounder, was ranked the No. 203 overall player in the 2023 class per the On3 Industry Ranking, Michigan’s fourth-highest rated signee. He set single-season school records in receptions (75), total yards (1,059) and touchdowns (18) as a prep senior. He also featured as a return man, something he could do at Michigan as well.

The timetable on the injuries to Morris and O’Leary are unclear. In the meantime, there are several options that could emerge as Michigan’s No. 3 wide receiver.

“It could be a lot of people. In my own opinion, I feel like it’s going to come down to whoever plays the best in the game,” Wilson said. “Any three of those guys or whoever else steps up could find themselves a good role in this offense.”

Junior Cristian Dixon has been praised by Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh for never missing a day of practice during camp — “your best ability is availability,” Harbaugh said — even receiving a ‘TED’ (there every day) helmet sticker. Wilson only had positives to say about the 6-2, 197-pounder who’s appeared in just two career contests but may earn some time this fall.

“I think he’s a very good player,” Wilson said. “What’s not to like about him? He’s a tall, fast guy, also gets in and out of his breaks smooth, catches the ball well, very competitive. It’s going to come down to just making big plays.”

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