Jim Harbaugh discusses how to balance touches for Michigan playmakers

How to keep all the offensive playmakers satiated in the 2023 certainly falls into the “good problem” category for Michigan. Head coach Jim Harbaugh recently discussed how the coaching staff is working on a plan to keep everyone content.

Between two star running backs, a spate of receivers and an ascending tight end, Michigan has more than enough options to move the ball and test opposing defenses. But a wealth of options necessitates some intentional balance.

“And I think it makes us just more of a harder offense to stop, too, when we’re just really focused on those guys, they’re all going to get dispersed. ‘Everybody eats,’ as the young people like to say, is the plan we’re formulating,” Harbaugh said.

The Wolverines have been a run-first team under Harbaugh and that’s not likely to change in 2023, though it does seem the intention is to let junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy cut it loose a little bit more.

However, few teams have a better 1-2 running back punch than Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Corum could’ve been a Heisman finalist last season if not for a Week 12 injury against Illinois and Edwards has shown a penchant for ripping off big runs himself. He’s also a plus receiver out of the back field and split out, giving Michigan a mismatch against linebackers.

At receiver, Michigan returns Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson, who have both been consistent, effective weapons for the Wolverines.

Over the last two seasons, Johnson has played in 28 games and has 1126 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Wilson has missed some time with injuries but still played in 24 games the past two years and accounted for 796 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Add in sophomore tight end Colston Loveland, the large, athletic tight end who emerged late in 2022 for Michigan, and the potential starting five of playmakers takes healthy shape. His finish to the season last year is the cause for promise. Loveland had four catches in the first three games before not record a reception in five-straight games.

Then, he caught 12 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns in the final six games.

“And between Donovan and Blake, I’ll settle on the exact number but it’s going to be maybe nine or 10, each. You don’t want to wear them out, either. But Cornelius Johnson, he’s gotta get six targets. Roman Wilson, Colston Loveland, somewhere between six and eight,” Harbaugh said. “Some of the young receivers are going to emerge, too. I’ll start naming names and leave out one, but there will be another back in there to get some touches, as well.”

Having experienced talent — and depth — at receiver, running back and tight end is a luxury, and one the Michigan coach isn’t taking for granted.

“When they’re all so good, you wake up in the morning, it just gets you out of bed. I gotta get ready, I gotta bring the A game to be able to contribute something good and positive to this football team when there’s that many other good coaches in the room. It’s inspiring,” Harbaugh said. “It challenges you to compete and be a better version of yourself. I see that taking place among the entire staff. I know I’m not the only one that feels that way, who is challenged and motivated that way.”