‘Elite’ 2022 class means bright short-term future for Michigan football

Nobody knows how NIL will continue to change the college football landscape … only that those not on board or strong in this area are likely to suffer. Michigan is no different, doing its best to play catch-up after a slow start. The MPower initiative is the latest step, a program designed to help players build their brands.

For now, though, Michigan football’s immediate future looks incredibly strong. That’s due in large part to the 9th-ranked 2022 class, one that has already paid huge dividends. Cornerback Will Johnson, defensive tackle Mason Graham, and tight end Colston Loveland are the three who immediately come to mind as significant contributors that helped Michigan win games last year. Several others played, too, and are waiting in the wings.

Last year at Big Ten Media Days, head coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned a “gift from the football gods” true freshman he couldn’t wait to see hit the field. There were so many candidates, Graham noted, that even they couldn’t figure out who he meant. But he knew from the get-go the group had a chance to be special.

“For sure,” Graham said. “Our class is so gifted that we didn’t know who he was talking about.

You’d hear chatter from guys in the locker room, ‘you guys are legit,’ stuff like that. We just have to stay on that path. This group … we are all in that class.”

Some, though, stood out early, and they’ll be candidates for more time this year. That includes the “gift” Harbaugh was talking about — 350-pound defensive tackle Kenneth Grant. Grant was humble when asked about the sub 5.0-second 40-yard dash he ran before the start of last season. He’s made even more gains in the weight room and gotten in better shape, he said, thanks to strength coach Ben Herbert and his staff and nutritionist Abigail O’Connor.

“It didn’t really matter to me about [who Harbaugh was praising],” the Michigan sophomore said. “I was just focused on football and getting better. The guys would always joke about it … but Mason and I clicked right away. We pretty much do together. We’re roommates at every hotel, so it’s been good.”

So good that the interior line should be in great shape for a few years. The under-recruited Graham has already made a huge mark and is primed for a huge year. Grant continues to progress and will vie for time along with Graham, Rayshaun Benny, Kris Jenkins, and Cam Goode. Those five will all play big roles, defensive line coach Mike Elston said recently, and he’s got confidence in all of them.

Graham and Jenkins both have All-Big Ten potential, at least. That Graham excelled so early was a surprise to many, but not him.

“I always knew I was a good player, but I didn’t know what my role would be last year coming in,” he said. “I was ready to work. Whatever Coach Elston had decided — I made that connection with him and all the other guys on the D-Line.”

But the class’s success isn’t limited to that group. The receiver “freak show” of Darrius Clemons, Tyler Morris, and Amorion Walker (now a candidate to start at cornerback) is just getting started. Edge Derrick Moore is primed for a big year as a pass rusher after a great spring, and safeties Keon Sabb and Zeke Berry have made huge moves.

Tight end Marlin Klein is the “most athletic” of an outstanding group of tight ends, linebacker Jimmy Rolder has played and had a good spring. Corner Myles Pollard has made strides at corner and will likely see action this year. And there’s a role for outstanding athlete Alex Orji at quarterback.

These guys will be the backbone of the Michigan team over the next several years, which should lead to plenty of wins.

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