The Michigan Wolverines have started fall camp and there's less than one month until they open their season in Arlington, Texas against the Gators on September 2. Michigan is replacing 19 starters from last year's team, which means there will be a few freshmen that the Wolverines will need to play key roles. Luckily for Michigan, Jim Harbaugh has recruited well since arriving in Ann Arbor.
Freshmen only make an impact if they are talented enough and if there is a need at their position. That's the case for several Michigan freshmen, although not every player will do that this year. So talented players like redshirt freshman Brandon Peters didn't make this list, because Wilton Speight is still the current favorite to start. Of course, there are always a few players who come out of nowhere, just like RB Chris Evans. With that in mind, here are 7 Michigan Freshmen Who Could Make An Impact In 2017:
RB Kareem Walker
The former four-star recruit redshirted last year and now finds himself stuck behind Chris Evans, Ty Isaac and Karan Higdon on the running back depth chart. But that doesn't mean Walker won't get a chance to make an impact. Yes, Evans is the likely starter and the other two will see more action than Walker, but Michigan uses a committee. Higdon had the fourth-most carries last year and ended up with 72 for 425 yards and six scores. There are 220 carries to replace between De'Veon Smith, Jabrill Peppers and Jehu Chesson. Walker has the chance to get at least some of them.
Pick A Wide Receiver
Michigan is overhauling its WR corps this year, giving an opportunity for one of the touted true freshmen to make an impact. Donovan Peoples-Jones is the one pictured above because he's the highest-touted recruit at the spot. make an instant impact. The Wolverines' top recruit last year, Peoples-Jones was a five-star player and the No. 12 overall. But he isn't guaranteed a starting spot and will need to earn his playing time with the likes of returners in Kekoa Crawford, Eddie McDoom and fellow freshmen in Tarik Black, Nico Collins and even Oliver Martin. And Black, who also enrolled early, might actually be first in line for snaps among the freshmen. He was the No. 122 overall recruit, outplayed Peoples-Jones in the spring and has drawn rave reviews. At least one of this talented group, and more likely both People-Jones and Black, will get a chance to make their presence felt early this year.
OL Cesar Ruiz
Ruiz was the nation's top center, but the true freshman still trails senior Patrick Kugler in the starting job battle. The Wolverines won't just hand the job to Ruiz, especially at a critical position like center. Even if Ruiz doesn't end up winning the job, he could be the first interior lineman off the bench in the event of injuries. Ruiz could also battle for time at guard if Michael Onwenu doesn't keep his weight under control. Don't rule out Chuck Filiaga, a fellow true freshman, getting some playing time this year either.
DT Aubrey Solomon
And here's Michigan's top defensive option. The Wolverines return just one starter on defense next year, although there are a bunch of sophomores set to start who saw action. The defensive line lost four starters, which means Michigan might need Solomon early next season. A five-star recruit, Solomon was the No. 25 recruit in the country and Michigan beat out Alabama (and others) to land him. Solomon likely won't start, but with Michigan needing depth up front, expect to see him in the two-deep. That thin defensive line also gives a chance for players like Luiji Vilain (potentially at LB too), Donovan Jeter and James Hudson to see the field.
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LB Drew Singleton / Jordan Anthony
Yes, I'm sticking with this cheating move of listing multiple players at one position. The Wolverines are a bit thin at linebacker, allowing both Singleton and Anthony to fight for some snaps. It's likely neither will start barring injuries or really poor play from Devin Bush and Mike McCray, but they could be needed as backups and likely on special teams. Singleton was the No. 77 overall recruit this cycle and Anthony was the No. 105. Neither enrolled early, which does put them behind the rest of the unit.
CB Ambry Thomas
The entire secondary is gone, which allows a true freshman corner like Ambry Thomas to get a shot at playing time. Sophomores David Long and Lavert Hill and junior Keith Washington are the top three right now, but depth is needed. Thomas could be that fourth corner by the time the season opens up. Michigan would rather not throw him into the fire right away, but he did have flashes in the spring. Keep an eye on fellow freshman Benjamin St-Juste as well.
K Quinn Nordin
Hey, kickers are people too. Nordin, best known as the kicker Jim Harbaugh had the sleepover with, redshirted last year after dealing with an injury. So he still counts as a freshman and now he's in line to replace Kenny Allen as the team's kicker. He could contribute on punts as well, but Michigan might elect to go with true freshman Brad Robbins or Will Hart. Assuming Nordin beats out Ryan Tice, and he should, he'll be a key part of an overhauled Michigan special teams unit.
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