Michigan Monday: Some Scrimmage Buzz

This past Saturday marked 3 weeks before the WMU game in the Big House.  Thank goodness its not in Germany.  3 weeks is very much the halfway point of Fall Camp, but it's also starting to feel like football will be back soon.   This past Saturday the Wolverines gathered in the Big House for the first "live" scrimmage of the year.    

There is not a ton of intel coming out of Schembechler Hall but it sounds like the true Freshman Travis Johnson and the Offensive Line had a good day.  Johnson continues to get good reviews from camp insiders and it sounds like he is heading for the WR#3 spot with Marsh and Buchanan.    We shall not forget, Texas transfer Jaime Ffrench who will also have something to say about that 3rd WR spot.   Others might be wondering about 5 star WR Moa? Sounds like he has put a few solid practices together and is in the mix for some playing time at one of the backup WR positions. 

The most important fact coming out of the scrimmage is the team left the field 100% healthy. 

• Sorry I missed this when it happened but Chris Wormley retired a week or so ago.  I loved the Worm at Michigan and he had a nice run in the NFL.  I also read he just got a new gig with BTN as an analyst.   Go Worm!

• Ryan Day is moving Senior Day to Week 1 so the focus can be on the Wolverines.  At least we are not in Ryan's head 24/7.

• 2028 Cass Tech QB Donald Taborn II commits to Texas A&M

Michigan Friday: Keep The Money In-State

I believe Michigan and Ohio State have a responsibility to keep some of the money they make on a gameday and keep that money in State.  Michigan will continue do that as they have scheduled Central Michigan for 2028 and 2031 dates in the Big House.  They of course open against Western and if the pre-season joint practice or preseason game ever gets approved, EMU will fill that role nicely. OSU of course isn't really interested in playing UC as they are in the Big 12 now.  There are of course many MAC options instate for the Buckeyes to pick from. 

• Tarik Black had a 24 yard catch for a TD in the Lions preseason game last night. 

• 2028 4-star QB Tristin Gaines will make a visit to Ann Arbor this season

• CB transfer Chris Bracy is getting some camp buzz.  More talented DB's in a good thing! 

• Jim Harbaugh is rooting for Coach Whitt and his Wolverines.

• Savion had a viral social clip by blowing up a blocking sled 

Michigan Thursday: Where is the LB Help Coming From?

Most insiders are in agreement that Michigan's weakness this season is at LB.  With two unexpected losses from last year team with Rolder to the Detroit Lions and Sullivan to the Sooners.  Michigan has big needs to fill at the LB position. 

Who are the candidates to fill the spots?

• Troy Bowles, son of NFL head coach and been with the program for over a year after transferring from Georgia.  Time for the light to go on for him and be a really good LB! 

• NOB, former 5 star LB from last years class.  Is he ready?  Talent is there but experience reading offensive plays might not be.  We will still need him this year and I hope he gets good playing experience early and often.  (

  Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng)

• Aisea Moa, transfer from MSU and BYU prior, only 29 career tackles, would seem to be a depth player. Brother is also a 5-star true freshman WR. 

• Chase Taylor, is just a sophomore but maybe a starter.  He played in 10 games last year and lets hope his development this off season has gotten him ready for the season.

• Nathaniel Staehling, might be the biggest wildcard and the best chance for Michigan to have success at this position this year.  He is a 4 year transfer from North Dakota State and played a ton of football.  He was injured in the Spring but he could step in as a Day 1 starter if he is healthy and has a good fall camp.  Of course, this is a different level of football and we will see if his talent translates to this level. 

• Max Alford, a transfer from BYU with 5 starts last year.  Max will see the field this year and knows Hill's defense Michigan will be playing this season! Max has 28 games experience. 

Guys I don't expect to start but could contribute:

• Aden Reeder, Freshman  
• Markel Dabney, Freshman 
• Kaden Catchings, Freshman 
• Ndi, Etta, Freshman 
• Zach Ludwig, Junior Nephew of former coach Ben Herbert
• Adam Bazzi, Junior 
• Christian Pierce,  Sophomores transfer from Illinois State, Trey's brother. 

Wolverine Wednesday: JJ News

For Michigan fans there are now two JJ's to consider.  First of course is our National Championship QB JJ McCarthy who will always be a Michigan Man.  Next, is newcomer WR JJ Buchanan who is getting a ton of buzz out of Fall Camp. 

The news for JJ the QB was not so good yesterday as the Minnesota Vikings named Kyler Murray their starting QB.  JJ has been injured and his play last year was a bit uneven for his first real playing time in the NFL.  He will get his shot, he just needs to wait a little longer and get some more experience.  The game was moving a bit too fast for him last season.  

JJ the WR is trending up, as a weakness on last years team is starting to become a strength.  Its fair to say an 18 year old Bryce did not play his best football coming right out of high school.  What didn't help was the number of drops he had by WR's and TE's last season.  This year's WR room seems deep in talent with playmakers and JJ Buchanan is expected to be Michigan's next star next to Marsh. 

I'm very excited to see the Michigan WR's this fall and what they can do.   The Michigan skill positions on offense might be elite!  

• Speaking of Buzz, Michigan Basketball has hired Buzzy Caruthers as its new Director of Player Development.  Buzzy comes to Michigan from Ball State where he was an assistant coach the last two seasons.

• I don't mind Bryce down playing the OSU game.  He has a lot of work to do before that is even an issue.  I want him to stay focused on his goals today and Western Michigan and Oklahoma. 

• CBS might use Tony Romo's arrest to get out of his ridiculous contract. 

• NCAA keeps pushing back on the Class of 2022 being eligible.  Which means August Rodney might just be a pipe dream.