Four freshman to watch in reigning champ Michigan’s spring game

Under new head coach Sherrone Moore, reigning champion Michigan will play its spring game Saturday at noon ET.

Although veterans will get much of the playing time, underclassmen – including freshmen from the Wolverines’ 16th-ranked 2024 recruiting class (per 247Sports) – will also get a chance to shine.

The Wolverines must replace 10 starters on offense and eight on defense now that safety Rod Moore may not play in 2024 because of an ACL tear. The good news for Michigan is that it returns nearly 70% of its tackles on defense and almost half of its offensive line snaps on offense.

Tight end Colston Loveland, RB Donovan Edwards, DT Mason Graham and CB Will Johnson – all stars and returning starters – give the Wolverines hope for a fourth straight Big Ten championship.

Newcomers, however, must fill the gaps in order for Moore’s team to have a chance at another conference title.  Here are four freshman – each an early enrollee – who could make an impact: 

1. Jadyn Davis | Quarterback

Optimists see Bryce Young – the former Alabama star and 2021 Heisman Trophy winner – in the 6-foot, 202-pound Davis’ playing style and demeanor. 

A standout recruit from Charlotte, N.C., Davis completed 71.7% of his passes during his two high school seasons as QB1 and has the confidence and swagger of a three-year starter already. 

Although he didn’t throw a pass in 2023, junior Alex Orji seems to have the edge to take over in the immediate term for draft-bound QB J.J. McCarthy.