FYI - Jan. 16 is the Deadline to Declare for the NFL Draft
Just a random tidbit for those interested. Michigan has the following names who've yet to make a decision:
RB: Blake Corum
WR: Cornelius Johnson
WR: Roman Wilson
OL: Trevor Keegan
OL: Zak Zinter
DL: Kris Jenkins
LB: Michael Barrett
CB: DJ Turner
CB: Gemon Green
(I don't know if Mazi Smith and Mike Morris have formally declared, but they've both talked about their "final (insert number) games." It's a given that they will not return).
2023 NFL Draft underclassmen tracker: List of college players declaring early
- by Chance Linton
- Dec 30, 6:43 PM
"With college football season winding down, some of the top underclassmen around the country are starting to announce their intentions for the 2023 NFL Draft. The deadline for players to declare for the draft is Monday, Jan. 16."
January 1st, 2023 at 8:26 AM ^
If I were giving percentages on who is RETURNING...
RB: Blake Corum - 49%↗️
WR: Cornelius Johnson - 40%↔️
WR: Roman Wilson - 80%↘️
OL: Trevor Keegan - 55%⬆️
OL: Zak Zinter - 45%↔️
DL: Kris Jenkins - 80%↗️ (edit: apparently Jenkins said he's returning...that said, I was assuming he and Wilson are back, putting them at 80%, to me, that's almost worth not listing)
LB: Michael Barrett - 55↗️
CB: DJ Turner - 50%↔️
CB: Gemon Green - ❓️(it's possible Turner's decision could play a role in his decision)
January 1st, 2023 at 8:52 AM ^
Out of those guys, I’ll rank who I want back the most in hopes of winning a National Championship next year…
1. Corum. It’s now obvious the coaches don’t have any faith in CJ Stokes or Tavier Dunlap as legitimate backups. A 1-2 punch of Corum and Edwards would be lethal again.
2. Zinter. He’d help solidify a changing offensive line. His experience is valuable.
3. Kris Jenkins. You can never have enough quality big bodies on the defensive front.
4. DJ Turner. He’s as up and down as it gets but he’s far better than any of the backup corners.
5. Roman Wilson. He disappeared towards the end of the season, but came up huge against TCU. Great program guy.
6. Mike Barrett. He’s never going to be a superstar, but is a warrior that can lead. He’s seen it all.
7. Corn Johnson. An underwhelming season, but had a career day against Ohio State. I’d like to see him move on so the younger guys can get a real chance.
8. Trevor Keggan. I love his face paint. I’ll miss that.
9. Gemon Green. Thank you for everything you gave Michigan.
January 1st, 2023 at 8:56 AM ^
While having a Heisman caliper running back would be great. I would rather Blake leave and force his program to evolve in the passing game we saw it today with a team determined to stop your run Michigan cannot change it up and have a confident modern passing game to complement and open up the running game
January 1st, 2023 at 9:20 AM ^
Good point about CJ Stokes and Dunlap falling out of favor with the coaching staff on their abilities, namely with Mike Hart. It's been mentioned a while back (on this site) that Stokes could or will enter the portal. Again, it was a comment and not factual. (not by me)
At WR, Ronnie Bell is gone and I'd love to see Roman Wilson return. Will the real Andrel Anthony emerge next season and step into a primary receiver role? I'd love to see that happen.
January 1st, 2023 at 9:39 AM ^
I don't know if Stokes transfers (he's a true freshman so him struggling isn't a shocker) but the fact the staff stapled him to the bench midway through that first quarter against OSU and instead went with a guy with one hand wasn't great for him.
Dunlap feels like a more likely option to move on because he's supposed to be a mooseback and has been here 2 years yet was passed by a converted LB. If he's happy here then by all means stay but I have to think the staff is going to recruit over him.
January 1st, 2023 at 11:12 AM ^
Stokes' problems extend back to his fumble against Illinois. He was benched then, also. And after he missed that back cut against OSU, he hasn't seen the field. He's going to get Spring practice to prove some worth because it doesn't feel like the coaches are liking what he brings. As a true freshman, I thought he showed some promise and would like to see him get a chance to really prove himself.
January 1st, 2023 at 7:01 PM ^
Stokes got some run as a true freshman behind 2 All American caliber backs. He looked pretty darn good at times, and like a freshman at other times. He’s clearly in line at the moment to take over after Edwards leaves. He’s not transferring, there isn’t even any smoke about him transferring. That being said, Michigan is looking pretty thin at RB after next year. Edwards will make scouts and NFL teams salivate with his intangibles and has the potential to be a no doubt too 2 pick at his position.
January 1st, 2023 at 9:40 AM ^
Corum has been injured two straight years and missed serious time. He should go to the NFL and get his money.
January 1st, 2023 at 9:21 AM ^
Jenkins already said he's returning
January 1st, 2023 at 9:37 AM ^
Jenkins said he's returning so that can be 100%.
My sense is one of the corners is returning based on various chatter on message boards. It seems to fluctuate depending on who you talk to but my guess is Green is gone and Turner returns. Green's size makes him more appealing to NFL teams right now and he's been at UM longer.
Wilson is probably back because he's poised to be the leader amongst the receivers next year. And Corum should probably look at the NIL deals available vs. the salary opportunities for a 4th-round pick (which is where he's likely slotted in) and go from there. The rest I assume are gone especially given the portal activity we've seen.
January 1st, 2023 at 8:39 AM ^
Jenkins already said he'd be back
January 1st, 2023 at 8:49 AM ^
Other than Blake all of those should be back. Yesterday proved that. Will they? Who knows. Choose well young men. You have been given an opportunity few get. Don’t get blinded.
January 1st, 2023 at 8:51 AM ^
I would think that the decision will be based on NIL and whether these kids want to be in school unless they are forecasted to be drafted in the first three rounds. I don't know them so I can't project anything. Corum said he was 50-50.
January 1st, 2023 at 8:54 AM ^
I believe that Kris Jenkins has already said he is returning.
January 1st, 2023 at 9:37 AM ^
I’ve already declared that I’m staying.
January 1st, 2023 at 9:54 AM ^
Then you will be a champion.
January 1st, 2023 at 9:39 AM ^
I always find myself wondering if 2-3 weeks, which seems to be the standard gap between the last several bowls and the deadline to declare, is enough time for such a decision, but then I quickly remind myself that I am not in their heads and couldn't begin to explore the permutations of a football career as they can.
I am sure Jenkins said he is returning, but I will be intrigued to see who else from the list does. Sending considerable numbers to the pros each year is a great problem to have, but backfilling is always what leaves me nervous. Of course, the structure of college football's yearly cycle seems specifically designed to put fans on pins and needles, so I shouldn't be surprised.
January 1st, 2023 at 10:55 AM ^
Turner leaving wouldn’t be bad. Good kid just too undependable
January 1st, 2023 at 11:15 AM ^
Whut?? With the possible exception of Will Johnson's emergence late in the year, Turner is easily the best corner on the team! He's probably the best corner we've had since David Long departed, even if he isn't the prototypical 'lock-down' corner.
January 1st, 2023 at 11:53 AM ^
This is the most accurate take. Wishing DJ away is nonsense. Bring it back DJ!
January 1st, 2023 at 11:22 AM ^
You must not watch enough football. Most teams would kill for a CB of Turners ability.
January 1st, 2023 at 10:23 AM ^
I'm also returning as a fan, so there is that. It will be about 45 years (that I can remember). THOSE WHO STAY ...
January 1st, 2023 at 10:32 AM ^
To me, this is where NIL will make a difference. If you are a guy like Blake and could make $500k-$1M and get your masters you may consider. I’d also want to be on a pitch count, which I don’t think is unreasonable. I don’t even know if there are dollars that big ready to pony up for him?
some of the others that would be late round picks may be able to up their draft stock, make $$, and further their education for free.
I hope corum chooses what is best for him and gets him paid big dollars. He deserves it.
January 1st, 2023 at 11:22 AM ^
You think Corum should negotiate to limit himself to a certain number of carries each game? I hope the game never gets to that point.
January 1st, 2023 at 11:34 AM ^
Just glad that Sainristil is returning
January 1st, 2023 at 12:08 PM ^
This is why I don’t get people acting as if it’s a given that Michigan will be better next year. They’re losing so much in all 3 areas of the game. Junior J.J. will hopefully be better, but who’s he going to throw it to? Who’s going to back up Edwards? Who in the front 7 on defense is going to do anything? Who is going to kick 4-5 field goals in a game to beat Illinois (2022) or Indiana (2018)?
January 1st, 2023 at 12:29 PM ^
Who did he have to throw it to this year? Our most consistent receivers were the tight ends and Donovan Edwards.
January 1st, 2023 at 1:39 PM ^
Need a wr transfer ! Anyone know about the wr in the portal from Missouri ?
January 1st, 2023 at 9:11 PM ^
He committed to Georgia.
January 1st, 2023 at 12:34 PM ^
Who will he throw it to? Wilson, Loveland, Anthony, Henning, Morris, Walker. Who in the front 7 will do anything? Jenkins, Grant, Benny, Graham, Okie, Harrell, McGregor, Colson, Rolder. Just off the top of my head.
January 1st, 2023 at 1:15 PM ^
Regarding the receivers, Anthony and Henning did literally nothing all year. Wilson has talent, but was injured or non-existent for much of the year. Receivers had problems creating separation and catching the ball all year and Michigan will be without J.J.’s top 3 targets.
And I must have missed those defensive guys you mentioned doing anything last night.
January 1st, 2023 at 7:54 PM ^
Great point. Year to year improvement never happens and players aren't allowed to have bad games. Ever. I should temper my expectations down to a 6-7 win season. You're the kind of asshole our fan base doesn't need.
January 1st, 2023 at 9:21 PM ^
Hill-Green will be back and him and Junior Colson will finally give Michigan a formidable linebacker core. Rolder will be a year older and Barrett could return for depth and to rotate with Colson/Hill-Green. Mazi is a loss but Michigan has a couple of guys who will fill in and be just fine. I’m interested to see how Okie does after an off-season with the team. He could have a massive year. Like 10+ sacks and possible day 1 draft pick. Also Moore should take a big step as a sophomore. You’ll be surprised by his production next year. The defense is going to be insanely good next year. Michigan will be pre-season top 3.