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Michigan football thought it had its center of the future, but now, he’ll look to resume his career at a new university.
It was expected, with Cesar Ruiz departing the program after his junior season for the NFL that Zach Carpenter was the heir apparent at center, but fifth-year former walk-on Andrew Vastardis, who earned the starting role out of the gates in 2020. But, when Vastardis was injured, Carpenter got his opportunity, potentially foreshadowing the future.
However, he announced on Twitter on Thursday evening that he’s moving on from Michigan, and that he has entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.
I want to thank coach Harbaugh, coach Warriner and the rest of the staff for giving me an opportunity to compete at the University of Michigan, as well as my team mates for pushing me every day. Now its time for a new opportunity. Looking forward to what the future holds! pic.twitter.com/Y19xdW6kgB
— Zach Carpenter (@CZach23) December 11, 2020
Carpenter played but one snap in the Big Ten Week 1 contest at Minnesota, but got the start at Rutgers. While he struggled a bit in that contest, he graded out fairly well against Penn State and its vaunted defensive line, scoring an 82.6 in pass blocking and 63.5 in run blocking, per PFF.
Perhaps Nolan Rumler, who had been playing at guard, could move further inside to be the center again, as it was his position in high school.