The Michigan Wolverines will enter the 2018 season with plenty of depth across the board, even with a crop of 19 incoming freshmen joining the fold.
Playing time could be hard to come by for most of them, ultimately leading to them redshirting, but there is always a handful of newbies that seem to separate themselves from the pack and make a statement early and often. These are five freshmen who could do just that for Michigan in 2018.
AIDAN HUTCHINSON
Aidan Hutchinson, the son of former Michigan All-American Steve Hutchinson, was rated as the top player in the state of Michigan from the Class of 2018, according to 247Sports. He played on both sides of the ball during his time at Dearborn Divine Child High School.
.@aidanhutch28 is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ defensive lineman and the No. 1 recruit in the state of Michigan!! #GoBlue #BlueBloods18 pic.twitter.com/KyVhgg2czG
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) February 7, 2018
The younger Hutchinson is signed on to play defensive end in 2018. Michigan is already pretty deep up front on defense but there is always going to be some openings in the rotation, especially if impresses early on. Hutchinson will also have the luxury of picking the brains of both defensive coordinator Don Brown, who played a big role in Aidan’s recruitment process, and first-stringer Rashan Gary, a potential future first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
MICHAEL BARRETT
A former quarterback in high school, Michael Barrett is a fascinating get for Michigan and could end up being a Swiss Army Knife of sorts for the Wolverines.
THIS JUST IN: The NLI is in! ✔️
Welcome to Michigan, Michael Barrett! #GoBlue #BlueBloods18 pic.twitter.com/J12ngrRlcR
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) February 7, 2018
Barrett committed to Michigan roughly two weeks before signing his national letter of intent in early February. The Georgia-native logged over 7,200 yards of offense and 83 touchdowns in his career for Lowndes High School, earning player of the year honors in the state his senior year. Officially listed as an athlete, Barrett could end up being one of the more versatile and uniquely-used weapons on offense for Jim Harbaugh; one of those guys where you put the ball in his hands and let him do the rest. He could get some opportunities to line up as a third-string tailback or perhaps a slot receiver constantly in motion.
CAMERON McGRONE
Of the five names listed here, Cameron McGrone, who had his 4-star rating promoted to a 5-star output by 247Sports in January, might have the best opportunity to make a splash this upcoming season.
Let’s welcome ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ LB Cameron McGrone (again) to Michigan!! #GoBlue #BlueBloods18 pic.twitter.com/7u4OOkTfiO
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) February 7, 2018
McGrone had his junior season in high school wiped out due to an ACL injury but stormed back for his senior year and followed that up with an impressive showing at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl back in January. While he has the prowess to play middle linebacker, he also has the speed to play on the outside, which is where Michigan has no concrete placeholder in one of the two spots.
The graduation of Mike McCray leaves a sizable hole and McGrone should receive every chance to earn that starting spot. That said, he might end up biting the bullet and proving his worth on special teams to start.
CHRISTIAN TURNER
Christian Turner is one of two running back recruits for Michigan this season and could end up being the No. 3 come that first game of the season.
Let’s welcome @_ChrisTurner28 to the Michigan Family!! #GoBlue #BlueBloods18 pic.twitter.com/5aZwNczfYx
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) December 20, 2017
Another Georgia product, Turner has been scouted as having a knack for finding the open seams between the tackles; a patient and unselfish runner, if you will. He was part of a backfield trio at Buford High School that featured 2018 Florida State signee Anthony Grant and Derian Brown, who is a top-15 running back in the Class of 2019. So joining a crowded room will be nothing new for Turner. Karan Higdon and Chris Evans will be a formidable 1-2 punch again. After that, however, it is up for grabs. The No. 3 spot in the pecking order could end up going to a guy who has already gone through having to share the rock before.
MUSTAPHA MUHAMMAD
Mustapha Muhammad was a big get, literally and figuratively, for Michigan and could very well be the tight end of the future in Ann Arbor.
Let’s welcome ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ TE Mustapha Muhammad (again) to Michigan!! #GoBlue #BlueBloods18 pic.twitter.com/z9cmhGZ2M7
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) February 7, 2018
Michigan was one of the first few of many schools to look at Muhammad, they offered him a scholarship when he was a sophomore. He is regarded as one of the better tight end freshmen in the country from his class. A guy who briefly considered going the basketball route, Muhammad is already an exceptional two-way tight end and is sure to get some looks being part of a Harbaugh-ran offense.
The incumbents, Zach Gentry and Sean McKeon, combined for 48 catches, over 600 yards and five touchdowns. Having more of a gun-slinger quarterback in Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson may help Muhammad find the field as well, whether it be as a blocker or a receiver.
