Veterans say 2022 class should ensure several more good years for Michigan football
Michigan’s 2022 recruiting class ranked 9th nationally, but it’s already proving to be one of the better ones in recent memory. Cornerback Will Johnson became one of the team’s top corners by the end of the year, living up to his 5-star billing. Defensive tackle Mason Graham contributed the best performance in memory for a true freshman at the position, and Colston Loveland provided big plays at the tight end position.
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Most of them are ahead of schedule … and they’re not alone. Michigan edge Derrick Moore, linebacker Jimmy Rolder, and running back CJ Stokes all contributed significantly, as did others.
Several, too, are waiting in the wings, Michigan fifth-year graduate Ronnie Bell said. In the receiving corps alone, many are ready to make a move, he predicted.
“All of the freshmen,” he said. “Tyler Morris, Amorion Walker, and Darrius Clemons. All three of them have taken great steps. Those are guys I’m really excited to see in the future. More specifically, definitely Amorion. He’s kind of like an alien. I’m excited to see what he will become at the University of Michigan.”
As of now, it looks like he’s going to be a cornerback who could play both ways. He’s a freak of nature, Bell noted.
“He’s just a lot more athletic than any other guy in the room,” he said.
As for the Michigan defense … some in the building believe the defensive line could be even better than last year’s, even after losing Mazi Smith and Eyabi Okie. Smith was a stalwart in the middle, but Graham and Kenneth Grant were dominant during bowl practices, senior-to-be Kris Jenkins said.
“They’re awesome. Beasts,” Jenkins said. “These guys, they came out of the gate, didn’t hesitate, were ready to learn. They are sponges. You see by their size, the type of people they are, they definitely don’t waste time in the weight room, anything like that. You just see them come out the gate, start to dominate, make their mark … it is really exciting just to see.
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“We’re going to continue to see them do really big things.”
Moore is one who’s ready to break out, several of his teammates said at Michigan Fiesta Bowl practices. He’s got another gear that when he finds it, watch out.
Corner Myles Pollard will be in the mix to play this fall, per coaches, and safeties Zeke Berry and Keon Sabb “have what you’re looking for.” That position appears to be in good shape for the foreseeable future.
Add it up, Bell said, and you’ve got a program running on all cylinders. The Wolverines have the fourth best odds to win the national title next year at +800 — Georgia is 1st at +300, followed by Alabama at +600 and Ohio State at +700 – and have the talent to continue the success.
“I’m very, very confident [in their future success],” Bell said. “I feel like Michigan is creating almost a juggernaut of a football program. I’m really excited to see where it’s going to go.
“The leadership, coaches, players … everybody in the building is at the top of the top of their game. They’re doing really good, the best at their job right now. The freshmen have bought in, all of it.”
Which should ensure some more outstanding football in Ann Arbor for the foreseeable future.
