Michigan WR Roman Wilson switches jersey numbers, will don iconic No. 1 this year
Michigan Wolverines senior wide receiver Roman Wilson could be one of the featured players in the passing attack this fall. Now, he will get the chance to don an iconic jersey number.
An updated roster put out on Friday has Wilson switching from No. 14 to No. 1, worn by the likes of Braylon Edwards, Anthony Carter and other wideout stars at the position. Typically over the years, the No. 1 jersey was earned by the way a player performed and ascended through his time in Ann Arbor.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has relaxed this in recent seasons, but the late switch could be a sign that special things are on the way for Wilson heading into the 2023 campaign. With Wilson switching to No. 1 he and sophomore cornerback Amorion Walker are the two No. 1s on the team. Junior cornerback Ja’Den McBurrows switched his jersey number to 18 after holding No. 1 the last few seasons.
Other changes include freshman defensive back Brandyn Hillman switching to No. 6 and freshman Kendrick Bell switching to No. 12 and now being listed as a wide receiver.
Wilson was arguably Michigan’s most explosive offensive weapon in the early part of last season, scoring three touchdowns on his first four touches of the year. Then, he disappeared for a bit. Wilson ended on a high note in the Fiesta Bowl (5 catches, 104 yards, TD) and has continued that momentum into the offseason.
“Roman has had a phenomenal camp,” offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Sherrone Moore said recently. “Just very excited for what he can do this year and how he’s going to impact the offense. Obviously, the injuries have hindered him, but he’s been healthy, he’s been ready to go. Just super excited for him and the progress he’s made.”
“Just being a guy where, whatever opportunity I get, I’m going to make sure I jump on it as soon as I can, doing everything I can to help this team out, whether that’s blocking, catching the deep ball, catching the short ball, taking care of my body, watching extra film or just helping young guys, being that guy on the team,” Wilson said recently on the In The Trenches podcast.
Top 10
- 1
Mike Matthews
5-star frosh to portal
- 2
Cam Ward
Sitting 2nd half sparks questions
- 3
Diego Pavia returns
Vandy QB announces 2025 intentions
- 4Hot
Bloody official
ECU-NC State brawl ends in 8 ejections, ref injury
- 5
Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt
Shred SEC, take shot at Tennessee
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Wilson’s connection with quarterback J.J. McCarthy could determine where the 2023 season is headed for the Wolverines. The Michigan connection is strong heading into game week as fall camp wraps up.
“It’s great. Spending a lot of time with him in the offseason really helped me out a lot,” Wilson said. “There is rarely ever a time where you see us out there where we miss or don’t connect. Just building a better friendship with him, getting to know him as a person has really helped our relationship a lot.
“You definitely saw [the deep pass game work] a lot toward the end of the season last year [with] him chucking it up or putting it on a dime somewhere. Before you know it, the receiver is in a perfect spot or the ball is perfectly thrown. That’s the type of stuff you’re going to see more this year.”
Wilson and Michigan kick off the 2023 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 2 against East Carolina at noon. The game is set to be broadcast exclusively on Peacock.
