With the clock ticking for gamers to declare for the NFL Draft (Jan. 16), 4 key items from Michigan’s 2022 squad nonetheless have a giant choice to make: return to Michigan for an additional yr, or declare for the NFL Draft.
1. Zak Zinter, OL
Zak Zinter began all 14 video games at proper guard for the Michigan Wolverines in 2022, serving as a vital piece to the Joe Moore award successful unit. The 6-6, 315 pound junior is now weighing his choices in relation to a return for his senior yr or an early departure for the NFL. If Zinter does choose to return, he’ll definitely assist bolster Michigan’s probabilities of successful three consecutive Big Ten Championships and making one other run at a National Championship.
At Michigan
• Part of two Joe Moore Award-winning offensive traces (2021-22), the primary back-to-back winners in historical past
• Two-time All-Big Ten choice (consensus first group in 2022; second group, media, honorable point out, coaches in 2021)
• CSC Academic All-American (second group, 2022)
• Two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2021, ’22)
• Has appeared in 33 video games with 31 begins alongside the offensive line; all however one at proper guard
• Two-time letterman (2020, ’21)
2. Trevor Keegan, OL
Trevor Keegan is one other key piece of the most effective offensive line within the nation, making 11 begins at left guard for the Wolverines in 2022. There’s completely little question that there is a marketplace for the two-time All-Big Ten prospect within the NFL, however there’s additionally nonetheless some unfinished enterprise in Ann Arbor in relation to reaching the last word prize. With so many key items returning offensively, it would not be all that shocking to see Keegan run it again for an additional shot at a National Championship.
At Michigan
• Two-time All-Big Ten choice (first group, coaches, second group media in 2022; honorable point out, coaches and media in 2021)
• Part of two Joe Moore Award-winning offensive traces (2021-22), the primary back-to-back winners in historical past
• Two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2020-21)
• Two-time letterman (2020-21)
• Has appeared in 30 video games in his profession (4, particular groups solely) alongside the offensive line with 23 profession begins at left guard
3. Cornelius Johnson, WR
Cornelius Johnson had a profession day on Nov. 26, 2022 – serving to lead the Wolverines to their second consecutive win over Ohio State. He led the way in which with 160 yards (profession greatest) and two touchdowns on 4 receptions, serving to propel the Wolverines to a dominant 45-23 win in Columbus – Michigan’s first highway win in opposition to the Buckeyes in over twenty years.
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Overall, Johnson completed his senior marketing campaign No. 3 in receptions (32), No. 2 in yards (499), and No. 1 in touchdowns (6).
With the lack of key items like Ronnie Bell and Luke Schoonmaker (Michigan’s prime receiver in 2022), Johnson may definitely cleared the path in 2023 because the Wolverines make one other run at a convention championship and past.
At Michigan
• Three-time letterwinner (2019-20-21)
• Has appeared in 46 profession video games at huge receiver with 31 begins
• Shared Offensive Skill Player of the Year honors (2021)
• Caught the fourth-longest passing landing in program historical past (87 yards vs. NIU, Sept. 18, 2021)
• Three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2020, ’21, ’22)
4. Gemon Green, DB
If he returns for a fifth season, Gemon Green would be the most skilled defender in Michigan’s secondary – showing in 42 video games with 24 begins at cornerback. Green appeared in all 12 video games throughout his senior season, making six begins at cornerback and incomes All-Big Ten honorable point out (coaches and media). With the lack of DJ Turner to the NFL Draft, Green’s expertise will surely be a luxurious because the Wolverines look to make one other push for a Big Ten title and National Championship.
At Michigan
• All-Big Ten choice (honorable point out, coaches and media, 2022)
• Has appeared in 42 video games with 24 begins at cornerback; in a single sport he performed particular groups solely
• Three-year letterman (2019-20-21)
5. Mike Barrett, LB
Christopher Breiler
Following Michigan’s dominant highway win in opposition to Ohio State again in November, Harbaugh turned to Barrett through the postgame press convention and expressed his hope that he would return for an additional season. Thanks to an additional yr supplied to athletes because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Barrett – a graduate scholar – has the chance to return to Michigan for his sixth yr of eligibility.
During the 2022 season, Barrett recorded profession highs in a number of areas – together with tackles (11 vs. Ohio State), assisted tackles (6 vs. Ohio State), interceptions (2 vs. Rutgers), and cross breakups (2 vs. Rutgers). He’s appeared in 49 video games and has made 20 begins on the linebacker place.
At Michigan
• All-Big Ten choice (third group, coaches; honorable point out, media, 2022)
• Named the group’s Most Improved Player on Defense (2022)
• Four-year letterman (2018-19-20-21)
• Has appeared in 49 video games, with 20 begins at linebacker