It’s Time To Update Michigan’s Football Roster

Crunching the numbers

First, let’s get to the important part: there are 88 scholarships by my count, which means that some attrition will be necessary during the off-season. (Luckily, attrition always happens.) This could come from Drake Johnson, who’s applying for a 6th year, or Grant Perry, who’s indefinitely suspended, or Devin Asiasi - who’s seriously considering transferring out of the program.

Also, not only is there a limit of 85 scholarship players, there’s a limit of 105 players on the roster. So this list will be pared down considerably by spring from the 147 names shown.

Player updates

For some of you, this is old hat, but I’ll mention it anyway. Lawrence Marshall has moved inside to defensive tackle and is up to 285, per reports. Zach Gentry has spent a lot of time with the wide receivers during practices, although I’m not sure that wasn’t just to focus on route-running during a prep year. Still, I’ve listed him as a tight end/wide receiver. There’s also been some minor changes among the walk-ons, like Carl Myers to DT and Dane Drobocky to DE.

Assigning numbers

This will be a fun part of spring ball - finding out what jerseys the early enrollees will have. Donovan Peoples-Jones is the big one, and it’s worth noting that he wore #9 in high school - the same number as suspended receiver Grant Perry.

Weight changes

Almost everybody will be going through various transformations during the off-season, including Josh Metellus, who’s been bulking up for his move to Viper.

On offense, one big name to keep an eye on is Kareem Walker, who was 207 this past August but would be much more effective at 220 or 225 pounds. Also, the whole wide receiver group could do with some added muscle, from Kekoa Crawford (195 last fall) to Eddie McDoom (180, but could be more versatile at 200) and of course Drake Harris.

On defense, expect Michael Dwumfour to bulk up from his 300 pounds, and look for Lavert Hill to up to a more reasonable playing weight.