Andre Seldon’s road to Michigan, outlook for 2021 season

Maize n Brew’s previews and outlook for each scholarship player on the roster continue as we get closer to the open of fall camp. Today’s look is at sophomore cornerback Andre Seldon, who was not much of a factor last season but still could have a bright future in Ann Arbor.

Here’s a look at his road to Michigan and what might be in the cards for him this season.

The story so far

Seldon was a four-star recruit and 11th-ranked cornerback in the country in the class of 2020, according to the 247Sports composite. The state of Michigan’s fourth-ranked player was a three-year starter at Belleville High School just down the road from Ann Arbor and was also a track star as a sprinter.

Seldon had 27 tackles, six interceptions and three passes defended as a senior. One of those picks went for a touchdown, as well as four punt returns that went for scores. This came after a junior season that had six interceptions and a sophomore year where he had a pair of them.

Allen Trieu of 247Sports had the following to say in his prospect profile:

Below average height and weight for the position. Makes up for lack of prototypical size with many good to great qualities. Has excellent make-up speed and closing speed. Combine that with his instincts and technique and he is able to jump a lot of routes. Highly competitive and does not back down from challenging bigger receivers at the line. Is able to do that because he can run with receivers down the field. Clean footwork with very little wasted motion. Change of direction is at a high-level. Good ball skills and hands. Does well to challenge on 50-50 balls but size will make that a tough task in college. He does have an excellent vertical jump which will help in that area. Must prove he can be effective in run support at the college level as well. Should be able to play over the slot or outside in college. A playmaker with excellent intangibles and feel for the game, he grades as a multi-year starter at the Power 5 level and someone who will have an opportunity to play beyond college as a slot corner.

Seldon, who stood at 5-foot-8, 154 pounds as a recruit, was considered undersized coming into college. As the profile above stated, his best chance to stick is going to be in the slot.

There was not much of a path to playing time for him last year, as he appeared in only one game during the 2020 season.

Outlook for 2021

Seldon has bulked up since arriving at Michigan with the spring roster listing him at 172 pounds. There might still be more room to grow, but the talent is there and the need for secondary depth is apparent, so he has a chance to work his way into a role this season.

Some combination of Vincent Gray, Gemon Green and DJ Turner project to fill the two cornerback spots on the boundary, but there is going to be a chance for Seldon to flash some of his ability as a nickel corner this year. He and fellow sophomore Darion Green-Warren have a shot to crack the rotation as players that take the leap from their freshman to sophomore years.

Seldon is a good football player and would have been rated higher if he was bigger. Some still believe he could play on the outside, but he will have to make a living in the slot if he is going to be successful. A breakout campaign for him could go a long way in raising the ceiling of Michigan’s cornerback room.