The departure of redshirt freshman offensive tackle James Hudson stunned many outside of Schembechler Hall, and perhaps a few in it. Hudson had worked his way into challenging for a starting spot this year, and was widely expected to take over at tackle in the years to come, upon the departure of fifth-year senior Juwann Bushell-Beatty.
It didn't work out that way. We've seen sophomore Andrew Stueber position himself solidly as Michigan's backup right offensive tackle, and hear he's thoroughly impressed the man in charge of the offensive line. Stueber has continued to work hard even when not in a top spot, which made a difference for him. True freshman Jalen Mayfield also impressed enough to see the field, and Jim Harbaugh said he's back practicing after getting nicked up.
There's always roster churn, and Hudson's departure may not be the last, although the timing of others might not be as eye-opening. Meanwhile, the churn towards a championship continues, behind a solid top two quarterbacks in junior Shea Patterson and redshirt freshman Dylan McCaffrey.
McCaffrey has proven very good in the games in which he's appeared, giving considerable confidence that Michigan has solidified its QB spot for years to come. With the talent U-M is able to attract at that position, there shouldn't be a big dropoff there for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Patterson will continue to work with his receivers through Michigan's bye (or improvement) week. The wideouts are running good routes these days, while Patterson — who has been very good throughout Michigan's seven-game win streak, hitting 67 percent of his passes — is looking to make his throws such that the wideouts are in an even better position to gain yardage after the catch. There's always the next step.
Michigan's linebacking corps has played very well of late, like the Wolverines' defense as a whole. Meanwhile, someone not in the spotlight — yet — is said to be tearing it up in practice. Redshirt freshman 'backer Jordan Anthony has impressed many with his daily efforts. He's played in a handful of games this year, but the second-year Wolverine appears to be assuring more down the road with how he's performing.
One U-M linebacker who can be expected back next season: junior viper Khaleke Hudson.
Obviously, U-M's corners are also performing well, but there's always an eye to the future. A really strong cover corner remains a high priority for finishing out the Class of 2019.
It didn't work out that way. We've seen sophomore Andrew Stueber position himself solidly as Michigan's backup right offensive tackle, and hear he's thoroughly impressed the man in charge of the offensive line. Stueber has continued to work hard even when not in a top spot, which made a difference for him. True freshman Jalen Mayfield also impressed enough to see the field, and Jim Harbaugh said he's back practicing after getting nicked up.
There's always roster churn, and Hudson's departure may not be the last, although the timing of others might not be as eye-opening. Meanwhile, the churn towards a championship continues, behind a solid top two quarterbacks in junior Shea Patterson and redshirt freshman Dylan McCaffrey.
McCaffrey has proven very good in the games in which he's appeared, giving considerable confidence that Michigan has solidified its QB spot for years to come. With the talent U-M is able to attract at that position, there shouldn't be a big dropoff there for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Patterson will continue to work with his receivers through Michigan's bye (or improvement) week. The wideouts are running good routes these days, while Patterson — who has been very good throughout Michigan's seven-game win streak, hitting 67 percent of his passes — is looking to make his throws such that the wideouts are in an even better position to gain yardage after the catch. There's always the next step.
Michigan's linebacking corps has played very well of late, like the Wolverines' defense as a whole. Meanwhile, someone not in the spotlight — yet — is said to be tearing it up in practice. Redshirt freshman 'backer Jordan Anthony has impressed many with his daily efforts. He's played in a handful of games this year, but the second-year Wolverine appears to be assuring more down the road with how he's performing.
One U-M linebacker who can be expected back next season: junior viper Khaleke Hudson.
Obviously, U-M's corners are also performing well, but there's always an eye to the future. A really strong cover corner remains a high priority for finishing out the Class of 2019.
