It's difficult to see the field as a freshman, but with a roster as loaded as Michigan Football's in 2023, it will be even harder for this freshmen class. Still, there are players talented enough and opportunities on the depth chart where freshmen could make their way not only into the two-deep but potentially become contributors in rotation. With fall camp set to open on August 1, let's look at the five freshmen with the best chance to break through this fall.
Benjamin Hall
Not a hot take including the star of the Maize & Blue Spring Game on this list. Benjamin Hall could be RB3 heading into camp already after a strong spring performance. People are sleeping on CJ Stokes, who was one of many RBs dinged up this spring, but Hall took full advantage of the extra opportunity. Stokes' skillset is more similar to Corum and Edwards, which could make him the spell RB. At 235 lbs, Hall is already a monster RB and could find his way to the field as the RB3/4 and be a factor in short yardage.
Jyaire Hill
Another strong early enrollee performer this spring was Jyaire Hill. With a position battle at CB2, Hill is one of a long list of names looking to get into the rotation as outside corner. Hill may have the highest ceiling of any of the corners not named Will Johnson, but I don't expect him to be thrown to the wolves early. The coaches like what they have with Hill and are going to take advantage of a deep CB room to challenge him more this fall.
Enow Etta
While the first two names were no surprise, you likely didn't expect to see Enow Etta here. Etta was not with the team this spring, so everyone will get their first full look at him this fall. A better recruit and high school player than I think people realize, Etta should show up to fall camp physically ready to contribute. At 6'5 and at least 270 lbs, Etta provides run stuff ability and pass rush from the DT/DE spot. With Taylor Upshaw in Arizona, there isn't much depth behind Kris Jenkins. While I don't expect Jenkins to step off the field often, with a strong camp, Etta could be the player that rotates in.
Zack Marshall
Another early enrollee, I am giving Zack Marshall the edge over fellow freshman Deakon Tonielli. You don't have to squint too hard to see the comparisons between Marshall and last year's breakout Colston Loveland. Marshall was already playing behind Loveland in the spring, so while AJ Barner will be TE2, Marshall is in a position to be the backup slot TE. Max Bredeson is going to play an H-Back/FB role this year, and Marlin Klein will likely be the inline TE backup to Barner. Marshall's ability as a receiver could get him on the field early.
Frederick Moore
I went back and forth here with freshmen WRs Frederick Moore and Semaj Morgan. Both receivers had strong springs and they will be joined this fall by Karmello English. Morgan is a playmaker and could be a factor in the return game, but I am giving Moore the edge ahead of fall camp. Michigan tends to work young receivers in through the slot and as a reliable possession receiver, Moore could be WR6 in rotations this year.
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