:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58341157/611965020.jpg.0.jpg)
For Michigan to have a breakout year in 2018, one position unit that will need to improve the most is the offensive line. All the other pieces for a more productive offense are there, with most players returning and Shea Patterson competing for the quarterback job if the NCAA rules him eligible to play right away.
Oct. 1, 2016: I was at The Big House when Grant Newsome went down. Fans surrounding me went silent, knowing his injury was serious and a huge blow to the offensive line just took place. He didn’t return that season and has left a void in the line since then.
His timeline to recovery has been closely followed and supported by fans on social media when he’s posted a picture or video. His potential 2018 return is definitely what everyone surrounding the Michigan program is hoping for, especially after hearing some recent developments.
In a recent story by Angelique Chengelis of the Detroit News, Grant shares some of the details about his leg injury and path to recovery. He spent 38 days in the hospital and had six surgeries in 40 days. He’s had a gritty attitude through the process and he expects to return in the spring.
“I’m not a betting man, but I never bet against myself. If I had to put money on it, I’ll be back in the spring, at least in a limited capacity, and then full-go for fall camp.” — Newsome on returning to football https://t.co/8VoBarSCdp
— angelique (@chengelis) January 16, 2018
What does the potential return of Newsome mean to the offensive line?
If he’s in a position to practice in the spring, his presence on the offensive line provides a few others to shift around and would definitely give Michigan fans some excitement for the position heading into 2018. He would likely return to tackle, which gives a few others to compete for the guard positions with Cesar Ruiz likely at center.
I could see the offensive line looking like the image below (the position unit rankings below are according to 247Sports.)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10042613/IMG_8188.PNG)
Another addition to the offensive line?
The latest on Rice offensive tackle transfer Calvin Anderson would potentially give the left tackle position a new look, if he decides on Michigan based on his short list of schools. His scouting report can be found here.
With the possibility of getting Newsome back and adding another player like Anderson, the offensive line may see a huge shift in a positive way in 2018. It’s a unit that has struggled for years, and could significantly boost this offense to be more consistent.