Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Daylen Baldwin grew up just 45 minutes from Ann Arbor in Southfield, MI, but he had a long journey to get where he is today. Baldwin started his collegiate career at Morgan State University before he underwent his first transfer, to Jackson State. Baldwin’s second transfer brought him back to Michigan, where he feels at home.
“I feel like Michigan’s got everything I need for developing,” Baldwin said. “I didn’t want to go to a smaller school and not be as developed. This is one of the schools where I have the opportunity to play as well as develop.”
As a local product, running out of the tunnel and touching the banner for the first time was a special moment for Baldwin.
“I ran out there and hit the banner and then I just looked around,” Baldwin said. “It felt like this is where I belong. Like I’m exactly where I need to be right now.”
It didn’t take long for Baldwin to find the end zone in a Michigan uniform. Quarterback JJ McCarthy found Baldwin for a dazzling 69-yard touchdown in Michigan’s first game against Western Michigan. The Wolverines hope for more plays like that as Baldwin looks to step up in the absence of star receiver Ronnie Bell. When asked if he could help fill that role, Baldwin answered confidently.
“Absolutely,” Baldwin said. “I just need to keep on developing and understand what Coach Gattis wants to be done.”
Bell will be tough to replace, but Baldwin sees himself as a guy that has the talent to pick up some of that slack.
“I can do everything if you ask me,” Baldwin said. “Plays down the field, short plays, taking them the distance, I feel like I can do a little bit of everything honestly.”
Baldwin and Michigan look to improve to 3-0 this Saturday as they host the Northern Illinois Huskies.