Fall camp has begun for Michigan Football so we are going to revisit our Position Breakdown series with the season right around the corner.
How does the current depth chart shake out? What are the storylines or things you should be watching heading into the summer and eventually of course the season? What's the X factor, whether it's a player, coach, or situation that could change the way the group looks?
Let's talk about the playmakers on the outside.
DEPTH CHART
WHAT'S THE STORY?
Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson are the clear top two receivers and it appears they will return to their respective roles as X and Slot receivers. Johnson led the team in receiving in 2021 and has been a factor for the last 4 seasons in Ann Arbor. Wilson has flashed his playmaking ability by taking short screens for touchdowns and turning deep passes into walk-in scores.
Where things get interesting is how will Michigan rotate and use its receivers in 2023. Darrius Clemons was the star of last year's spring game but did not see much action during the season. Entering his sophomore campaign, he is a favorite to take a big leap, taking over the Andrel Anthony role. Anthony was given all of the opportunity to be Michigan's deep threat, things just never clicked.
Tyler Morris appears poised to take over the Ronnie Bell role as the starting Z receiver. Morris has the ability to line up in the slot as well, run short routes, and may the be best at tracking over the shoulder throws. His relationship with McCarthy from high school may help the two as well. Putting everything together, Morris could become the WR1.
Peyton O’Leary was a star in the spring game, and has been hyped up since last offseason. It looks like he will be the backup X receiver and will crack the top 6. Time will tell how all this translates to real games during the season, how many targets he can get. O’Leary’s game is real, and he has a chance to be a consistent contributor this season.
X FACTOR
There could be a few choices here, but I am going with Darrius Clemons. Clemons looked the part of WR1 as soon as he arrived on campus last year. At 6'3" 215lbs, Clemons has the size, speed, and athletic ability to be everything you want from an outside receiver in the Big Ten. If he is able to make plays early, I think Michigan will lean into his role even more. He's a mismatch nightmare, and as long as he and McCarthy can be on the same page, unlike Anthony last year, he could be a major factor for an offense looking to be more dynamic.
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