Sherrone Moore discusses how Michigan football freshmen are performing in spring ball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- One of the most exciting things every year when spring ball comes around is deciphering which young players can step up. Especially those who came to Ann Arbor early as midyear prospects.
It's quite usual that first-year players end up having some sort of impact, some years more than others. It's not always the early enrollees, however. Looking back to 2016, summer enrollee, Chris Evans, ended up being the breakout freshman. But in 2017, it started that wide receiver Tarik Black had the look of the standout, before his Week 3 injury. More recently, Dax Hill got an opportunity to start early; in 2021, it was Rod Moore. Last year, though in the final game of the season, running back Jordan Marshall flashed, showing off his future potential.
So who could it be this year?
One candidate is cornerback Shamari Earls, the former four-star who had flipped to Michigan football from Georgia. Through three practices, Earls showed off some skills, but as with any freshman in spring, head coach Sherrone Moore is reticent to give much credence until things get a little more real.
"Yeah, you can definitely see it, especially being that size and that long. For a true freshman, he's definitely flashed and made the plays you would think he would," Moore said. "I just reserve reservation to say anything else until we tackle and we really play football because the first two days you're in helmets and spiders, so it's tag off. And then Saturday it was thud, so it's good football, but we want to hit and tackle and see what we're really all about."
Perhaps there's no position more important for the first-year players to come on strong than at wide receiver. The Wolverines did bring in two transfers at the position in former Indiana wideout Donaven McCulley and UMass WR Anthony Simpson (who arrives in summer).
Moore discussed the first-year players at wideout, starting with Browder -- who made an impressive play in the first practice, according to TJ Guy. Noting his size, Moore likes what he has in that group.
"Yeah, I feel like that group is really -- obviously grown in size. That was an emphasis for me," Moore said. "I wanted big receivers, and with him and (senior transfer) Donaven McCulley and bringing in Jacob Washington, even Andrew Marsh. He's not a small guy. He's a long-limbed guy. I felt like we'd bring in really good size in that group to help us be more explosive in the passing game, and that's what I wanted.
"And those guys have made plays, and it's been fun to watch, and it's been great for our defense and great for the DBs to go with guys that are bigger because, as we know, in the games that matter, you're going to have to play really big dudes that can go get the football up in the air.
"So it's been awesome. It's been very encouraging to watch them all."
The other first-year players that Moore mentioned was during his rundown of linebackers, when he noted that both Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Chase Taylor have made a strong early impression.
Who will be the ones to see the field early, however? It's unclear, but all who have already made their way to campus should get an opportunity in the spring game on April 19.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football freshmen who are standing out in spring ball
-
Everything Sherrone Moore said during spring practice press conference
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore met with the media Monday for his first spring practice season press conference.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Justice Haynes exudes leadership on and off the field, Michigan's Sherrone Moore says
The Alabama transfer is already making an impact in spring ball.Yahoo Sports - 1h -
10 younger Michigan football players who appear to be standing out in spring ball
The younger Wolverines poised for a breakout based on what we're hearing in spring ball.Yahoo Sports - 3h -
Why Wink Martindale is optimistic about the Michigan football defense in 2025
With spring ball about to start, Michigan football could have a better defense than even last year.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17 -
Projecting Michigan football defense depth chart as spring ball begins
With spring ball starting on Tuesday, here is what we believe the depth chart looks like on defense.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Projecting Michigan football spring ball 2025 offense depth chart two-deep
Here's our offensive depth chart prediction as spring ball starts for the Michigan Wolverines.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Auburn players discuss the start of the NCAA Tournament
Auburn players Johni Broome, Chad Baker-Mazara, and Denver Jones spoke to the media on Wednesday to discuss the start of the NCAA Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Olamide Zaccheaus excited to play with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze
New Chicago Bears receiver Olamide Zaccheaus discussed playing with his new teammates, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Nebraska Spring Ball Preview: Top storylines and names to know
Inside Nebraska's Tim Verghese and Steve Marik discuss top storylines on both sides of the ball, names to know and what they're watching as Nebraska kicks off spring football practices on Monday ...Yahoo Sports - 2d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
S. Africa take big World Cup lead, but may lose points over Mokoena
South Africa beat Benin 2-0 on Tuesday to lead an African 2026 World Cup qualifying group by five points, but the advantage could be reduced for fielding an ineligible player last week.- Nigeria ...Yahoo Sports - 30m -
Kim Mulkey laments JuJu Watkins injury, calls her 'such a great ambassador of our game'
During a radio appearance on Wednesday, LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey spoke highly about USC's JuJu Watkins after her season-ending injury.Yahoo Sports - 30m -
The Astros brought Cam Smith’s family into the clubhouse to surprise him about making the big-league roster
A moment that Cam Smith will never forget.Yahoo Sports - 31m -
Bills have big plans for Dalton Kincaid after injury-filled second season
Brandon Beane was quick to pump the brakes. It was April 27, 2023 and Beane just traded up two spots to select tight end Dalton Kincaid in the first round of the draft. Not only that, but the ...Yahoo Sports - 31m -
Top 50 people who will impact the 2025 MLB season: Nos. 50-26
From Chandler Simpson to Mike Trout to Fernando Tatis Jr., these are the names to know as the regular season begins.Yahoo Sports - 34m
More in Sports
-
Women's Sweet 16 rankings: UConn is No. 1, USC holds tight at No. 4
The Sweet 16 is set, and there's a new No. 1. But all eyes are on USC and injured JuJu Watkins.ESPN - 29m -
Picks, predictions, key players for every women's Sweet 16 game
Why might every Sweet 16 team win its regional semifinal matchup in Birmingham and Spokane? We predict the winners.ESPN - 29m -
Cal Raleigh contract extension: Mariners locking up star catcher on six-year, $105 million deal, per reports
The deal will buy out Raleigh's first three years of free agencyCBS Sports - 30m -
S. Africa take big World Cup lead, but may lose points over Mokoena
South Africa beat Benin 2-0 on Tuesday to lead an African 2026 World Cup qualifying group by five points, but the advantage could be reduced for fielding an ineligible player last week.- Nigeria ...Yahoo Sports - 30m -
Kim Mulkey laments JuJu Watkins injury, calls her 'such a great ambassador of our game'
During a radio appearance on Wednesday, LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey spoke highly about USC's JuJu Watkins after her season-ending injury.Yahoo Sports - 30m