There are some starting positions up for grabs this year for the Michigan Football team, but that also means that there will be valuable depth roles as well. Today, we look at 3 players who could benefit from spring ball and earn some playing time in 2025:
We’re two weeks into spring practices in Ann Arbor, and despite it still being early, the Michigan Wolverines’ roster is beginning to take shape. Players are fighting for starting spots, and you’ll see conversations throughout the offseason of these battles.
But what about the guys under the radar who are just fighting to see the field? Coaches and players are hyping up some of their players/teammates, and early indications show two true freshmen and a redshirt freshman who should have their names called off the bench this fall. Let’s take a look at the guys who could earn depth roles this spring.
WR Andrew Marsh
As more and more comments come in about how spectacular Bryce Underwood is looking, it would make a lot of sense for the coaches to pair Underwood with another true freshman early enrollee like Marsh. He is a big time playmaker could provide an instant impact to a wide receiver room desperate for talent.
In mid-March, new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey spoke about how the team will be tailoring the offense to the strength of certain players. Sherrone Moore also emphasized the need for size and explosiveness in the room, saying , “That was an emphasis for me, I wanted big receivers … even Andrew Marsh, he’s not a small guy, he’s a long limb guy. I felt like we’re bringing really good size in that group to help us be more explosive in the passing game, and that’s what I wanted.”
Marsh will have as good an opportunity as anyone at the position to earn snaps, and possibly even significant ones.
Edge Dominic Nichols
We’re going to be seeing a lot more of Nichols this fall, as players and coaches have had a lot to say about the second-year edge rusher this spring. For former three-star recruits that rank outside of the top-500 in their class, it’s often an uphill battle to see the field, especially early on. Still, Nichols saw playing time in five games (including the bowl game) last season to maintain his redshirt.
During a media availability this week, defensive line coach Lou Esposito spoke about the strides Nichols has made, and pointed to his development in the run game specifically. If that has been the missing piece for Nichols to get on the field more often, this fall could be a lot of fun for the Michigan pass rush.
CB Shamari Earls
With Will Johnson and Aamir Hall moving on, there are quite a few younger cornerbacks who have a shot at making a difference early in their careers.
One of the favorites has to be Shamari Earls, a consensus top-100 recruit that is making a name for himself this spring. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale told the media last week that Earls “looks really good.” Then, prospective starter Zeke Barry said last week that Earls will be “a hell of a player.”
Earls also fits into defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan’s preferences for a corner. At 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, the true freshman already has the frame to go up against X receivers in the Big Ten. If he can develop quickly this spring, there’s a strong shot we see him in the rotation this fall.