Michigan football 2020 mini preview

Michigan football takes on Alabama in the Citrus bowl next week, but it isn’t too early to take a small look into the 2020 season.

1. DE Braiden McGregor

Unlike the other freshmen on this list, defensive end Braiden McGregor is dealing with an injury. Back in October, McGregor suffered an MCL, PCL, and meniscus tear, ending his senior year at Port Huron Northern. McGregor is recovering well, but don’t expect him to be on the field week one against Washington.

McGregor will most likely get some game action around October or November next season and if he gets the chance to show what he can do, he will impress everyone as he can be an impactful player at the position. He will be a starter in 2021, I will guarantee that right now.

His high school career was impressive, finishing with a record 227 career tackles. His 2019 season was limited to just seven games before his injury, as he had 32 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and two sacks. In 2018, McGregor had 99 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and interceptions.

2. WR A.J. Henning

While the 2019 season saw three freshmen wide receivers showcase their talents, another one could do the same in 2020. Freshman wide receiver A.J. Henning has a chance to see playing time next season and depending on if junior wide receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins return, his playing time could either be limited even further.

No matter when he will get some solid playing time, whether it’s in 2020 or 2021, but Henning will be a star wide receiver for the Wolverines. His style of play fits inside the Gattis offense perfectly.

His 2019 season was impressive in high school, finishing with 29 total touchdowns, including one on a punt return, but finished with 52 catches for 835 yards and 13 touchdowns with 121 carries for 648 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground.

3. CB Andre Seldon

Depending on how the game against Alabama goes, Michigan could be without both of their top cornerbacks in 2020. While it’s unlikely cornerback Ambry Thomas declares after the Citrus Bowl, the possibility of it means freshman cornerback Andre Seldon might see more playing time than expected.

With cornerback Lavert Hill graduating, the top cornerback spot will most likely go to Thomas if he returns, with the number two spot most likely going to Vincent Gray. That leaves the slot job open and Seldon might have to get his playing time that way if he can beat out the other cornerbacks on the team.

If Seldon can impress in practice, he could see some action as a freshman. Seldon started for three years on the varsity team in high school in Belleville, finishing with a total of 45 tackles, 14 interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and five punt returns for touchdowns. Seldon could be the one to replace Peoples-Jones at punt returner if he doesn’t return to Michigan next year, and that could be one way Seldon can contribute if he doesn’t get playing time at cornerback.

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