Fountain of Youth: How Michigan football’s underclassmen performed
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan’s 31-6 win over Bowling Green served as the final installment in the Wolverines’ 2023 out-of-conference schedule. Though the game looked rocky in the first half, Michigan eventually got the score under control and cruised to a victory.
The key to Michigan’s success the past two seasons has been player development. Players like Rod Moore, Kris Jenkins, and Michael Barrett entered the program as relatively unheralded recruits, but now stand as crucial figures to the success of a national championship-hopeful team. Utilizing games against lesser opponents, like Bowling Green, to play young players is critical to their development.
Michigan’s young secondary pieces looked strong. Redshirt sophomore Keon Sabb made his third straight start in absence of Rod Moore, and once again impressed. He was been solid in coverage, willing to make a tackle, and today recorded a sack on the first possession of the game.
Also standing out was Jyaire Hill. The 18-year-old cornerback saw reps in the first half and performed admirably. The most notable thing about Hill’s game was his willingness to get involved in the run game. It’s not often you see a first-year player throw themselves into a pulling guard, but Hill showed no fear.
Not only should both Sabb and Hill have meaningful roles this season, but they are very likely going to be starters heading into next year. Their progress is essential to the success of the team moving forward.
Offensively, Semaj Morgan and Cole Cabana were the only true freshman to get touches.
Cabana, who made his debut after spending the first two games out with injury, got a pair of carries which he took for six yards. The speedster out of Dexter, Michigan is built from a similar mold as current Wolverine Donovan Edwards. Both are running backs by name, but have the skillset to split out wide as a receiver. If the punt return battle continues into the season, I would not be surprised to see Cabana get a fair shake.
Though a wide receiver, Semaj Morgan’s contribution to the game came on a jet sweep that went for four yards. Morgan is a twitchy slot receiver who should challenge opponents on short routes in the future, but for now may need some time to grow into a college body. I mentioned punt return duties for Cabana earlier, but I think Morgan could be a name we see here as well. While not the home run threat that Cabana is, Morgan’s explosiveness makes him a great tool working in tight spaces.
As per usual, the fountain of youth seems to be kind to Michigan. Though the current state of recruiting might be a little bland, Harbaugh and his staff always seem to find their guys.
