Grant Newsome shares where the young Michigan football tight ends stand
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — There’s no doubt, for fans or opposing teams, who Michigan football is going to trot out at tight end.
At the position, the Wolverines have what they consider to be three co-starters in sophomore Colston Loveland, junior Max Bredeson, and grad transfer AJ Barner. Senior Matthew Hibner has waited his turn, but through two weeks, he’s been listed on the injury report and is still working back to full health.
There are a few players, Hibner included, that tight ends coach Grant Newsome would like to see in the coming weeks. He shares who he’d like to see on the field more should the game plan give the maize and blue the opportunity.
“Yeah, all the young guys are really doing well,” Newsome said. “Need to get Marlin more reps here and showcase his ability some. He’s had a great camp, as did Josh Beetham. Excited to have Matt Hibner getting back healthy and in starting to fully build a role.”
While there has been talent, like the above, waiting in the wings, Michigan has a couple of younger tight ends who may have to wait a little longer for their turn.
Zack Marshall, who Jim Harbaugh gave an ‘enthusiasm unknown to mankind’ award via a helmet sticker, arrived as an early enrollee, while four-star TE Deakon Tonielli arrived later, getting his first taste of college football in summer conditioning and fall camp.
While their path to the field may be a little longer, Newsome is pleased with their progress and also is hoping they’ll get an opportunity to showcase what they can do in real live action.
“The freshmen have all done a really good job,” Newsome said. “From Deakon, Zack Marshall, Jalen Hoffman — who was one of our freshmen walk-ons we brought in — they’re all doing a great job. And I’m excited for those guys to hopefully start to get more reps and more reps throughout practices and if the opportunity presents itself in-game. But I’ve been really happy with how those guys have played and obviously, we’ve been a position so far this year where we haven’t had to play any of those guys. But they’ve all acquitted themselves well.”
Another opportunity comes this Saturday night when Michigan football hosts Bowling Green at The Big House. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT and the game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.
