Spring practice is underway, and it was only a matter of time before we heard from Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh about some players he believes are making strides.
Harbaugh talked about a few positions on his podcast this week, but one position that really stood out to me was the wide receivers. Here is what Harbaugh said about them, specifically the younger guys:
“I’d call Donovan Peoples our best receiver right now. Tarik Black is getting back into form and doing extremely well. Oliver Martin has made a big move up the depth chart.
“Receiver play is also improving greatly.”
It shouldn’t be a surprise that DPJ is Michigan’s best receiver at the moment considering Black’s injury, but what I found interesting is Martin making “a big move up the depth chart.” Considering he redshirted last season, this is huge news for Michigan’s offense moving forward. Martin was a highly ranked recruit coming out of high school and has the chance to make a huge impact on the offense in 2018.
Other positions
Harbaugh hit on the running backs, saying Chris Evans and Karan Higdon are “both top notch, A++, both No. 1’s and both having a heck of a good spring.” He also mentioned Ben Mason doing well being the “starting fullback,” so that competition seems over already.
The head coach called guard Ben Bredeson and center Cesar Ruiz as “the two best” offensive linemen on the team. He also mentioned James Hudson and Chuck Filiaga as “poised to separate themselves,” which is extremely interesting considering they both redshirted last season, and the fact that Hudson made a position change.
Harbaugh also noted tight ends Sean McKeon and Zach Gentry are “both doing everything absolutely right” in practice.
On defense, Harbaugh pointed out defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour and linebacker Josh Ross as early standouts in spring practice. He also said Viper Khaleke Hudson has been “an absolute stud,” but we already knew that, right?
For the secondary, Harbaugh mentioned safety Tyree Kinnel as asserting himself as a leader, and cornerback David Long as having the best spring of any cornerback.
Which comments from Harbaugh do you find most interesting? Let us know in the comments below.