Yes, the Michigan offensive line should be even better in 2022
The Michigan offensive line put it all together last year and dominated up front, winning the Joe Moore Award as the nation’s top group up front. Three of the five return, and the two replacements — center Olu Oluwatimi and right tackle Trente Jones — are good enough to help the Wolverines’ linemen repeat.
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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, in fact, expects it. He said this spring he felt this group could be even better, led by returnees Ryan Hayes at left tackle, Trevor Keegan at left guard, and Zak Zinter at right guard. Hayes is the steady presence who has gotten better every year. Keegan dropped significant weight and is in the best shape of his life, and Zinter is already pushing more weight than most guys at his position did at the NFL Draft Combine this year.
Then there are the new guys. Senior defensive tackle Mazi Smith said Oluwatimi was the best he’d faced since former first-round pick Cesar Ruiz a few years ago. Jones, meanwhile, might be the most athletic lineman on the team.
Both are turning heads early in camp.
“Emulate and surpass,” Harbaugh told Jon Jansen on the In the Trenches podcast recently of his expectations for this year’s Michigan line. “A lot of them were a part of it — some of them observed it. But no doubt, emulate what they did last year and look out to surpass it.
“With Olu … where’s the leadership coming? It’s already coming from him and Ryan Hayes on the offensive line, and also Trevor Keegan. Not only a returning starter is Trevor Keegan, but he’s also becoming a leadership voice in that room. And he had a chance to watch [graduated Michigan right tackle Andrew] Stueber and the way Stueber was a starter and a very good player, and also a vocal presence. Emulate that and surpass it would be our advice.”
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There are others right behind them, too, who are waiting their turn. Offensive line coach Sherrone Moore has said he believes the room could be 10-deep capable this fall. Harbaugh concurs.
“Karsen Barnhart also going into his senior year — a major contributor,” the Michigan coach continued. “Reece Atteberry got hurt in the spring, but he’s had some real physical, dominant plays already in the fall camp. Jeff Persi, a guy just really trying to break through. Can he be that backup left tackle?
“Zak Zinter has been a starter since he walked on campus. We’re continuing to watch him step into that leadership role and be a great example for others. I feel really good. Trente Jones had some A-plus reps yesterday in two-minute drill, where it’s toughest on the tackles as you can make it. I really feel like he’s excelling.”
Overall, it’s a Michigan group with experience and hunger to be even better than last year. They’ll get a chance to prove they can be starting Sept. 3 against Colorado State.
