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When it comes to the 2021 season, Michigan football at something of a crossroads.
The Wolverines entered the shortened 2020 season as one of the most inexperienced teams in all of college football, and it showed. Now, much of those who had entered the year with little experience have had significant time in games, likely shortening that learning curve as they enter 2021. Jim Harbaugh was extended contractually and brought in a new defensive staff as well as Mike Hart. Everything points to this next year being much better than the last, especially with so many key contributors having some playing time under their belt.
But, pretty much nothing is set in stone when it comes to who will emerge as the next big thing.
This isn’t a list of the most important players for 2021, but more so, players who could upset the status quo. Players who could come in and challenge for big roles and change the outlook of the year. We’ve seen it before — even Mike Hart wasn’t expected to be a dominant running back as a true freshman. More recently, Cam McGrone had a big 2019 unexpectedly, Chris Evans came in as a true freshman in 2016 and helped solidify the running game.
This is our list of potential upstarts for Michigan football in 2021.
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