What we hope to learn during Michigan’s spring football game

Here are some questions that we’ll look to have answered on the field on Saturday

Michigan football fans will finally get an early glimpse of the 2024 squad when the team takes the field for its annual spring game on Saturday. With a mass exodus of several key contributors from the National Championship team, particularly on offense, we will be seeing a new-look team for the first time.

As a result of this heavy roster churn, there are some questions that arise for this team ahead of the spring game. Interestingly enough, some of these questions pertain to areas of the team we haven’t had to think about for a while. Meanwhile, certain positions such as the defensive line appear to be in good shape, so we will be looking for solid performances from the incumbent starters.

With less than a week to go until kickoff, here’s a look at three questions we’ll look to have answered during the game.

Does anyone create separation in the QB battle?

Thanks to the performances of Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback position has been in a very good spot over the last three seasons. This year, though, things are much different and there will be a new face taking snaps.

For much of the offseason, there’s been some buzz about junior Alex Orji taking over as the starter. Orji has contributed since his freshman season, almost exclusively as a runner thanks to his impressive combination of size, speed and overall athleticism. There’s certainly some intrigue with Orji taking the reigns, particularly in what figures to be a run-heavy offense yet again.

If there’s something to worry about with Orji, though, it’s his arm. It’s well documented he possesses a strong arm capable of getting the ball downfield, but fans should look to see if he showcases solid touch and accuracy, something we’ve been spoiled with by having McCarthy as the starter the last two seasons.

On the other end of the spectrum, there’s true freshman Jadyn Davis who fans have been clamoring about since committing last March. Davis has been with the Wolverines since they were preparing for the Rose Bowl in December, and now we’ll get a chance to see him turn his arm loose and prove he’s capable of being an immediate contributor.

Additionally, guys like Jayden Denegal, Jack Tuttle and Davis Warren will also have their time to shine.

Who steps up in the receiver room?

Much like the quarterback position, wide receiver hasn’t really been a concern for a while. Gone are Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson, two guys who have played big roles for multiple seasons. Additionally, promising depth pieces Darrius Clemons and Karmello English both hit the transfer portal.

That leave’s us with a room that’s relatively young and unproven. As such, we’ll look for Tyler Morris and Semaj Morgan to be heavily involved in the offense during the game. Morgan was primarily used as a gadget guy last year, but produced while on the field. Meanwhile, Morris impressed with a 38-yard catch and run for a touchdown in the Rose Bowl.

Behind the two of them is where things get somewhat dicey. Fredrick Moore seems poised to grab the No. 3 spot, so we’ll look for a nice showing from him on Saturday. Peyton O’Leary was the hero of last year’s spring game, registering six receptions for 126 yards. Can he repeat his success en route to a larger role in the offense?

Further down the depth chart, we’ll see if Kendrick Bell or Eamonn Dennis has a solid performance in store. Additionally, it’ll be interesting to see how much tight ends Marlin Klein, Brady Prieskorn and Hogan Hansen are involved in the passing game.

What’s the state of the secondary?

While the defense as a whole looks to be in a good spot, there are still some questions about who will step up in the back end. Will Johnson is back as one of the best corners in the nation, but Josh Wallace and Mike Sainristil are off to the NFL. Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson are back at safety, but Keon Sabb transferred out and Rod Moore is down with an ACL injury.

At corner, Keshaun Harris and D.J. Waller both got playing time last year and bring some interesting traits to the table. Harris impressed in the early going of 2023, while Johnson was sidelined with an injury, while Waller will look to have last year’s cameo be just the start of a solid career in maize and blue.

At the nickel spot, there was some speculation Moore could be the guy, but with his injury it looks like that role will be reserved for Ja’Den McBurrows. McBurrows also impressed in limited action last year and will look to fill some big shoes left behind by Mike Sainristil.

At safety, Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson should have the starting spots locked down, but look for Zeke Berry and Brandyn Hillman to knock on the door if they are able to put together some good performances on Saturday.

Overall, the secondary has several guys who can contribute in 2024, but it’ll be all about who can make a name for themselves.