Michigan's offensive line enters another offseason of competition and high expectations. After two straight Joe Moore Awards, the group is all in on the team philosophy of "next man up." Starters Ryan Hayes and Olu Oluwatimi are heading to the NFL and the competition to potentially start is roaring with spring practice in Ann Arbor a few weeks in.
With players returning to Michigan and three new transfers coming this offseason, the battle for spots has gotten even tougher. In a recent media appearance, Karsen Barnhart said it's no secret to him why Michigan has so many linemen sticking around.
"They're all here because everyone wants to get better," said Barnhart. "Everyone wants to play for the M."
With Michigan becoming "OL U" under now sole Offensive Coordinator Sherrone Moore, the point is obvious. If you want to get better as an offensive lineman, why would you go anywhere else? So despite starters returning and transfers with starting experience coming in, the players waiting for their turn didn't leave. They embraced the retention and influx of talent. A philosophy of Moore and head coach Jim Harbaugh, wired in.
"If you're scared of competition then you shouldn't be here."
The turning point in the resurgence of the Michigan program, has been simply this, competition makes everyone better, and always be ready for your turn. It makes it so Michigan after two straight Big Ten Championships doesn't have to rebuild, it's reloading.
"Everybody wants to get better, it just brings so much depth. In the past few seasons, you've seen it, not just 5 guys that start in a season. You've got 7-8 guys playing. We've got depth with like 10-12 guys."
Barnhart was one of 8 starters in 2022. He lost an off-season battle with Trente Jones for the starting RT job. He played in multiple spots in the first part of the season but took over at right tackle when Jones went down with an injury.
So far this offseason Barnhart has been getting reps on both sides, with Michigan looking for a left tackle to replace Ryan Hayes and a battle for right tackle resuming once again. Jones himself has been getting reps at tackle and guard. As Barnhart said, Michigan is 10-12 guys deep now, the Michigan coaching staff will spend the offseason encouraging competition and rotating players at multiple positions trying to find not only the best starting five but also the right formula for backups because it wasn't just five guys who brought home the Joe Moore Award in 2021 or 2022.
As far as that award, whether the offensive line talks about it all, Barnhart says not only do they want to repeat, but they won't accept less.
"That's our expectation now. Want it to be a Michigan staple."
The Annual Maize and Blue Spring Game will be fans' first look at the new offensive line group, who is playing where, and possibly who holds some sort of lead coming out of spring camp. But this is just the start of a race that will surely bleed into the season, a year-long competition. Something this group embraces and expects at Michigan.
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