Michigan’s Offensive Line is Emerging says Sherrone Moore

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore likes what he sees from his offensive line during fall camp, calling the competition across multiple spots “constant” as the Wolverines push to return to the Joe Moore Award-winning form they held in 2021 and 2022.

“It’s an organism, a full-on organism that we talk about every day that just moves and shakes,” Moore said Tuesday. “There are guys that are making climbs. There are guys that are cementing themselves and putting them in positions to be in position. And there are guys that are still taking the steps that they need to get there. But we’re moving forward.”

Offensive Line Position Battles

The most closely watched battle is at left tackle, where redshirt sophomore Evan Link — who started at right tackle in 2024 — is competing with freshman Andrew Babalola. Redshirt freshman Blake Frazier has also impressed, seeing time at left tackle and pushing fellow redshirt freshman Andrew Sprague at right tackle.

At left guard, veteran Giovanni El-Hadi has moved back to his natural position after playing right guard last season. Center is set with Greg Crippen, whom Moore praised for his patience and persistence after waiting behind Olu Oluwatimi in 2022 and Drake Nugent in 2023.

The most wide-open battle is at right guard, with Nate Efobi and Ferris State transfer Lawrence Hattar leading the way. Cal Poly transfer Brady Norton and redshirt freshman Jake Guarnera are also in the mix, working at both guard and center to provide valuable depth.

Moore credited offensive line coach Grant Newsome for pushing the unit to match the defense’s physicality. “Big shoutout to Grant Newsome and what he’s done with the O-line,” Moore said. “They’ve worked really, really hard, and they’re pushing that D-line now. Those days that the O-line wins—that’s what you want, good back and forth.”

While some spots appear set, Moore emphasized the need for depth and versatility. “Babalola and Evan Link at left tackle, with Blake Frazier in the mix. At right guard, could be Nate Efobi, Lawrence Hattar, Jake Guarnera, or Brady Norton. Crip has done a good job at center, pushing with Jake. Gio cemented at left guard. Andrew Sprague has played well at right tackle, with Blake pushing him,” he said. “Some spots are cemented, others are still in competition. We’ll need them all.”

Moore’s message to the group is the same as to the rest of the team: improve every day. “We’re really living by this motto of TNT—today, not tomorrow,” he said. “Everything we can do today to get better, that’s what we’re trying to do. Not worry about tomorrow. It’s not promised and yesterday’s gone.”

Timeline for Starters

With a week of intense practices and another scrimmage ahead, Moore expects more clarity soon. “After this scrimmage on Saturday, we’ll really see where we’re at from a depth standpoint,” he said. “We’re in a good place to challenge and be one of the better lines in the country.”