ANN ARBOR, Mich. — One of the most exciting things every year when spring ball comes around is deciphering which young players can step up. Especially those who came to Ann Arbor early as midyear prospects.
It’s quite usual that first-year players end up having some sort of impact, some years more than others. It’s not always the early enrollees, however. Looking back to 2016, summer enrollee, Chris Evans, ended up being the breakout freshman. But in 2017, it started that wide receiver Tarik Black had the look of the standout, before his Week 3 injury. More recently, Dax Hill got an opportunity to start early; in 2021, it was Rod Moore. Last year, though in the final game of the season, running back Jordan Marshall flashed, showing off his future potential.
So who could it be this year?
One candidate is cornerback Shamari Earls, the former four-star who had flipped to Michigan football from Georgia. Through three practices, Earls showed off some skills, but as with any freshman in spring, head coach Sherrone Moore is reticent to give much credence until things get a little more real.
“Yeah, you can definitely see it, especially being that size and that long. For a true freshman, he’s definitely flashed and made the plays you would think he would,” Moore said. “I just reserve reservation to say anything else until we tackle and we really play football because the first two days you’re in helmets and spiders, so it’s tag off. And then Saturday it was thud, so it’s good football, but we want to hit and tackle and see what we’re really all about.”
Perhaps there’s no position more important for the first-year players to come on strong than at wide receiver. The Wolverines did bring in two transfers at the position in former Indiana wideout Donaven McCulley and UMass WR Anthony Simpson (who arrives in summer).
Moore discussed…
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Publish date : 2025-03-24 22:45:00
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