Michigan special teams coordinator JB Brown made it clear the Wolverines need to find a way to create more explosive plays in the return game. So far, five players have stood out above the rest in spring practice:
The Michigan Wolverines were elite in many areas during their run to the National Championship in 2023, including in one area that often gets overlooked — special teams. Michigan had a very good special teams unit with James Turner (kicker) and Tommy Doman (punter).
Semaj Morgan was also electric as a return man as a freshman that season. However, under the leadership of special teams coordinator JB Brown in 2024, the overall play took a step back. Of course, Dominic Zvada was one of the best kickers in the country, but Doman took a massive step back and entered the transfer portal this offseason, and the return game was non-existent at times.
In a recent press conference, Brown made it clear the Wolverines need to find a way to create more explosive plays on special teams this fall.
“We were efficient (in 2024), but we want to create more game-breaking plays this year,” Brown said. “We have a lot of explosive players on this team that I think will be able to help us gain a field position advantage and break a few (big plays) this year.”
Brown said the special teams unit is working with most of the running backs and wide receivers to evaluate who has the ability to be a playmaker in the return game. So far, five players have stood out above the rest — running backs Jordan Marshall and Micah Ka’apana, and wide receivers Morgan, Andrew Marsh and I’Marion Stewart.
“We’re trying to evaluate everybody that is a playmaker and can get the ball into their hands,” Brown said. “We’ve worked with all of the wide receivers and running backs back there just to see who can run and return it the best.”
Marshall showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, returning nine kickoffs for 225 yards, including a 63-yard return in a win over Northwestern in November. The Wolverines’ running back also had 100 total return yards at Indiana last year.
“Jordan Marshall returned for us last year and did a great job,” Brown said. “He had the big one against Northwestern — we’re looking for more of those (big plays), and I think we have a lot of explosive players that are able to handle the ball.”
WHAT. A. RETURN.
Semaj Morgan 87 yards pic.twitter.com/DYPxY9mBjr
— Caesars Sportsbook (@CaesarsSports) December 3, 2023
Morgan demonstrated plenty of explosiveness in the 2023 campaign, averaging 16.8 yards per punt return, including a dazzling 87-yard sprint in the Big Ten Championship against Iowa. However, Morgan didn’t have nearly as much success as a returner in 2024.
Michigan needs to rediscover Morgan’s big-play ability because he will likely be a major contributor again this fall. His elusiveness and speed should be a game-changer for the Wolverines’ special teams, but Morgan needs to be more consistent.
Ka’apana and Stewart didn’t have any returns as freshmen, but they both are elusive and quick enough to provide big plays in the return game. Meanwhile, Marsh is a great athlete in his own right and should be a candidate to provide a spark as a first-year player.
In order to set up the offense in favorable field position, the Wolverines will have to be explosive in the return game. Behind a slew of speedy playmakers, the special teams unit will be well positioned to create big plays in 2025.