Sherrone Moore should continue to pad these position groups if the Wolverines are to make waves again in 2024.
In their ongoing quest for repeat dominance, the Michigan Wolverines made significant strides in the last week by adding key talents through the transfer portal. The latest acquisitions of kicker Dominic Zvada, receiver C.J. Charleston, and receiver Amorion Walker underscore Sherrone Moore’s commitment to strengthening the team’s roster for the 2024 season.
However, the Wolverines aren’t resting on their laurels just yet. Despite these notable pickups, there are still areas of their roster that could benefit from additional reinforcements. Here’s a closer look at the position groups where Michigan could seek further upgrades via the transfer portal.
Wide Receiver
While the additions of C.J. Charleston and Amorion Walker add depth and talent to Michigan’s receiving corps, there’s always room for another dynamic playmaker. With the departure of key contributors from the previous season, including standout receivers Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson, the Wolverines could use another reliable target for their passing game.
While Semaj Morgan and Tyler Morris showcased their potential last season, relying solely on two receivers to carry the load is not a sustainable strategy, especially considering the rigors of a grueling Big Ten schedule. A proven transfer with the ability to stretch the field vertically or make contested catches in traffic would provide valuable insurance and elevate Michigan’s offensive firepower to another level.
Safety
The safety position is crucial for any defense, serving as the last line of defense against big plays and providing support in both run defense and pass coverage. While Michigan boasts talent and experience at this position, including returning starters Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson, adding depth and competition can only strengthen the unit. Especially after the loss of Rod Moore to injury and Keon Sabb to the portal.
A transfer safety with the right blend of athleticism, instincts, and football IQ could push returning players to elevate their game and provide valuable depth in case of injuries or fatigue. Additionally, a new addition could bring fresh perspectives and strategies to Michigan’s defensive schemes, keeping opposing offenses on their toes.
Cornerback
In today’s pass-heavy college football landscape, having experienced, lockdown cornerbacks at your disposal is invaluable. While Michigan has solid talent at the cornerback position, including star defensive back Will Johnson, adding another skilled CB through the transfer portal could provide critical depth and versatility to the defense.
A transfer cornerback with the ability to thrive in man-to-man coverage or excel in zone schemes would give defensive coordinator Wink Martindale more options to tailor his game plans to specific opponents. A shining example of this strategy’s effectiveness emerged last offseason with the addition of cornerback Josh Wallace, whose contributions proved instrumental to the team’s national championship run.
By continuing to shrewdly navigate the portal as they did last week, Sherrone Moore and company can still position the Wolverines as a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten and beyond once again in 2024.