2021-2024 Michigan Football Futures

Hey guys,

A little positive exercise given the cancel of the fall season and all the doom and gloom that surrounds it. After reading this most recent post: https://mgoblog.com/content/way-too-early-roster-impact-canceled-season

I was inspired to visualize our depth chart projections. I figured it'd be fun to predict how our roster shapes up and which year in the next four years might give us the best shot at a championship. So I made a roster breakdown that looks at the log jams we have, who might be the odd man out in the rotation and transfer and who might leave early for the draft. 

A few rules I made:

1. I completed our 2021 recruiting class by adding every player we are crystal ball favored for a the moment. That meant adding Donovan Edwards, Rayshaun Benny, Drew Kendall and George Rooks. Let me know if I missed anyone we are currently trending for. 

2. Initial depth chart make up (and red shirting) was based off of the article above and any information we had from practice about the depth chart. 

3. Position battles in the future were based on either seniority or recruiting ranking - If a player is stuck behind another player and has no real chance at starting again, they were designated as a possible transfer.

4. Early draft projections were made based on if the player was a starter for two years. For example, Daxton Hill started in 2019 and would start in  2021 and projects to leave after his 3rd year. Some exceptions were made with Hinton and Charbonnet, who I predict both will want the finish their degree before entering the draft. 

A few notes about the chart:

1. Color codes designate eligibility remaining (blue designated senior and last year of eligibility). 

2. Borders signify a note worthy player. Star player is someone who is a second year starter who projected as an impact player the year before. Impact players are based on first year starters who were High potential players previously. High potential players are any top 150 recruits (rounded some who were close to top 150) - Let me know if I missed anyone. 

3. Number next to their name signifies years spent on campus. For example, in McCaffrey's last year of eligibility, he would be a 6th year senior. 

 

Here is my own analysis of each year:

2021 - New QB, New OLine with a few stars in Charbonnet, Bell, Hutch, McGrone and Hill. Don't have super high hopes, talent is there but a lot of inexperience. Will probably struggle early and solidify towards the end. 9-4

2022 - Second year of either McCaffrey or Milton. Charbonnet and Bell return. O line is full of second year starters and potential impact players. Add a star DT in Hinton and a veteran Vincent Grey, this year could be the most well rounded and complete teams. Veteran leadership at all the major position groups besides safety. The only real question mark for me would be if McCaffrey is the real deal or not. If he pans out or if JJ/Cade are ready for the show, this team could be special. 11-2

2023 - The McCarthy era begins. A lot of attrition after having such a veteran team last year. Either second year of McCarthy or starting a new QB. Haskins finally gets his shot to be the man with Corum as the 3rd down back. New starters at WR, TE, all of the oline, and DT, looks like a slight rebuild. Lots of talent filling out the roles (almost new starter is former 4* or higher) but not a ton of experience. 10-3

2024 - A lot of unknowns regarding depth with the 2022 and 2023 recruiting class but the starters are all top level talent with 2nd year experience at QB, RB, WR, the entire OLine, DT, LB, and CB. The biggest area of attrition might be at safety but both positions would be filled with 4* players who would be with the team for 5-6 years. This team might be the one to do it. 12-1'

 

Let me know what you guys think. Hope this adds some optimism among a lot of pessimism these days.