Primer
After losing six linemen from last year, left tackle, left guard, and right guard have all been set since spring ball so the questions in fall camp have surrounded the center and right tackle positions. There were favorites at each, with Greg Crippen and Andrew Gentry expected to win each, respectively. However, there’s a reason why the competition has been ongoing and some late-camp hype has us pencilling in some unexpected starters just one day before the season opener.
Projected starters: LT Myles Hinton, LG Josh Priebe, C Dominick Giudice, RG Giovanni El-Hadi, RT Evan Link
Rotation: LT Jeff Persi, LG Nathan Efobi, C Greg Crippen, RG Raheem Anderson, RT Andrew Gentry (flex)
Position outlook
We haven’t had any official word that Giudice or Link have won their respective battles but all of the buzz before the season opener seems to indicate that they may have. If they haven’t, Crippen and Gentry would be fine options to start given that has long been the expectation. Gentry, in particular, will likely see plenty of playing time as a flex, coming in as a sixth lineman as Michigan is likely to do.
We’re guessing that Persi is backing up Hinton on the left side, and that’s his more natural role and he’s started there before. Anderson has worked at both center and guard and is likely a backup at either position. Efobi has gotten high marks coming out of fall camp, too.
Michigan wanted 10 linemen ready to go with the best five starting and the next rotating in. It likely has that now.