Michigan football: A “special” group at one offensive position
Michigan has talent at every position on offense and defense in 2023, a big reason the Wolverines are favored to win the Big Ten for a third straight year. One position has a potential first round NFL Draft pick and a guy who might be the most underrated athlete on the team.
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Michigan assistant Grant Newsome’s tight end group has been stellar for the last few years, and it’s continued to get better. Guys who weren’t projected as potential NFL tight ends out of high school — three-star Sean McKeon, for example, or former quarterback Zach Gentry — have gone on to nice professional careers, while Dallas took Luke Schoonmaker in the second round of this year’s draft.
Erick All is now at Iowa, but he’ll play in the NFL if he remains healthy, while one who might be as good as any Harbaugh has had — Idaho native and sophomore Colston Loveland — could be a “top 10 draft pick in a few years” according to one in the program.
Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore knows he has a lot to work with, and he can’t wait.
“I’m super excited about that group, that group is special,” Moore told former Michigan offensive tackle Jon Jansen on the In the Trenches podcast. “Colston is an extraordinary talent in all facets — a playmaker catching the ball, can high-point it, YAC (yards after catch) — even in the run game, putting his face down on people.”
But he’s not alone.
“This kid AJ Barner came in [from Indiana], and he was another guy that was a captain. He’s just worked and grinded, and he’s huge, first of all,” Moore continued. “He’s just a giant human being. For being that big and running that fast and being that acrobatic making plays in the air, it’s super special.”
Former walk-on Max Bredeson, brother of graduated Michigan offensive guard Ben Bredeson, is “steady Eddie,” Moore added, and will have a role. He emerged last spring and contributed to last year’s Big Ten champs. This year’s spring standout, though — veteran Matt Hibner. The 6-5, 245 pounder caught only 2 passes for 15 yards last season, but he had a big catch and run in the spring game for 50-plus yards in which he outran some of the Michigan linebackers.
“The guy — Matt Hibner, man, we’re super proud of him and the spring he had,” Moore praised. “He took his play to the level that we knew he could. Just confident, playing fast playing physical, playing to his strength. He’s a fast, fast dude and he finally showed it and opened it up, so we’re really excited for him.”
But the one guy to watch — sophomore Marlin Klein, a monster at 6-6, 250 pounds. Last year, Michigan play-by-play man and TheWolverine.com contributor Doug Karsch reported he stood out in a practice he attended. He’s continued to improve and should have a role.
“He’s still learning the game, but he’s probably the freakiest athlete of all those guys,” Moore said. “So, I’m excited to see him”
Overall, they feel great about the room and have high hopes for them this year.
“We really do have great talent and depth at that position,” Moore said.
And they’re ready to prove it.
