A look at Michigan’s wideouts heading into fall camp.
Michigan’s top two wideouts in 2023 are now in the NFL — Roman Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Cornelius Johnson (Los Angeles Chargers). Wilson and Johnson accounted for 95 receptions, 1,393 yards, and 13 touchdowns. Replacing that production is a must for a Michigan offense that will have a new quarterback under center this fall.
While the depth chart at wideout is still to be determined, there’s good reason to expect the trio of Tyler Morris, Semaj Morgan, and Fredrick Moore,
On Tuesday, Michigan offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell spoke about Michigan’s receivers and noted that he wants to see Morris be the one other Michigan receivers look up to.
“The guy that I had a nice conversation with yesterday who needs to be the leader of the room is Tyler Morris. It’s kind of his time. We view him as a starter,” Campbell said. “He started last year when we were in 11 personnel. He needs to step up in that role. Roman Wilson, Cornelius Johnson aren’t here anymore. Tyler Morris, it’s your time.”
Morris’ first career touchdown reception came in epic fashion last year at the Rose Bowl against Alabam, a 38-yard touchdown score.
Michigan’s Tyler Morris hit 20.8 mph on this 38-yard touchdown. #ReelSpeed pic.twitter.com/a2I1ezXcx6
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) January 1, 2024
Then there’s Semaj Morgan, who played plenty during his freshman campaign and will be looking to build upon that as a sophomore. Morgan, 5-foot-10 and 174 pounds, figures to be a lot more than a gadget player this season and will be utilized all over the field.
“Semaj Morgan has been outstanding,” Campbell said. “Moving him around, not just keeping him as a slot guy or ball-in-hand guy. He’s been outstanding.”
Morris had 13 receptions last season for 197 yards with one touchdown while Morgan had 22 receptions for 204 yards with two touchdowns, along with 67 yards rushing and two rushing scores.
Earlier this offseason, Morris acknowledged that Michigan’s receivers haven’t had a lot of production — yet. He knows the 2024 season is a golden opportunity for him, Morgan, and others in Michigan’s WR room such as Fredrick Moore, Kendrick Bell, Amorion Walker, Peyton O’Leary and C.J. Charleston.
“As a group, individually, we haven’t done a whole lot yet,” Morris said in April. “This is a year for a lot of us to show what we can do.”
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said at Big Ten Media Day last Thursday that Morris has taken on a leadership role, he called Morgan one of the best practice players on the team and someone who’s been doing an outstanding job. Further, coach Moore said Fredrick Moore had a great spring and that Kendrick Bell has the ability to be great, too.
Who will ultimately lead Michigan in receiving and snaps remains to be seen, but with a month until the regular season begins against Fresno State at Michigan Stadium, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of where things stand at receiver. If it is indeed Morris and Morgan who are No. 1 and No. 2 on the depth chart it’ll mean the Wolverines top options both have the ability to make defenders miss in the open field as well as gain separation deep. It’s Morris’ and Morgan’s time to shine.