Michigan football lost a lot of talent from a year ago but looks to reload with some high-end players who are in their junior year this year.
From cornerback Will Johnson, defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, and tight end Colston Loveland, there’s no shortage of potential first-round NFL draft picks who will be leading the Wolverines this year. But there’s another junior who could be an impact player that many aren’t discussing.
ESPN put out a list of each top team’s X-factor in 2024, and while your guess may be quarterback Alex Orji, the outlet actually looks to a third-year wide receiver who could make the big difference in the new year.
WR Tyler Morris. The Wolverines lost go-to receiver Roman Wilson to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the NFL draft. But that could create an opportunity for junior Morris to shine in his spot. Morris showed what he could do with a blistering 38-yard touchdown reception down the sideline in the CFP victory over Alabama. The Wolverines are banking that Morris can give them a lot more plays like that as their new go-to receiver. — Trotter
While that’s ESPN’s guess, really, it could be any number of Michigan receivers. The position group is mostly unknown, with Morris being the elder statesman, Semaj Morgan being the electric gadget player, Fred Moore and Kendrick Bell being the deep threats, while Amorion Walker (another third-year player) gets his feet wet back on offense and C.J. Charleston adds via the transfer portal.
Morris showed off his SEC speed against Alabama in the Rose Bowl, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see any of the above end up having a breakout year with Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson both having left for the NFL this year.
Morris had 13 catches for 197 yards and one touchdown as a starter in the slot last year, his first year starting.