A talented junior class is steering the Michigan Wolverines into the 2024 college football season, with ESPN recently recognizing this talent in its Top 100 players list for the fall. Five Wolverines were featured among the top 100 players nationwide, including two in the Top 5. Here’s who ESPN spotlighted:
No. 2 — Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle (Jr.)
What ESPN said: “The 320-pound Graham returns to lead a revamped Michigan defense that lost several players to the NFL. As a second-team All-American last year, Graham recorded 7.5 tackles for loss on a Michigan defense that topped the nation in defensive EPA.”
No. 4 — Will Johnson, Cornerback (Jr.)
What ESPN said: “A consensus All-Big Ten selection, Johnson had four interceptions last year, including a key pick in Michigan’s national championship win over Washington. Opposing QBs had a QBR of just 4.3 when targeting Johnson, the lowest among Big Ten DBs.”
No. 26 — Colston Loveland, Tight End (Jr.)
What ESPN said: “Standing 6-5 and weighing 245 pounds, Loveland had a standout year with 649 receiving yards, the fourth most among Power 4 tight ends. Notably, 71.1% of his 45 receptions resulted in first downs or touchdowns, the second-highest rate in the Big Ten.”
No. 72 — Donovan Edwards, Running Back (Sr.)
What ESPN said: “After backing up standout backs Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum, Edwards steps into the lead back role. Featured on the cover of the College Football 25 video game, Edwards demonstrated his speed late in 2022 with 520 rushing yards on just 70 carries in Michigan’s final three games.”
No. 75 — Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle (Jr.)
What ESPN said: “In his second season, Grant has emerged as one of the defensive anchors and most physically dominant players. With 16 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks, including a crucial sack in the national championship game, Grant is poised for another standout season.”
Michigan’s challenging schedule for 2024 is reflected in ESPN’s rankings. The Ohio State Buckeyes lead their opponents with eight Top 100 players (Nos. 11, 28, 33, 34, 35, 57, 58, and 80), while the Texas Longhorns also have five players on the list (Nos. 9, 23, 49, 64, and 86). The Oregon Ducks have three representatives (Nos. 16, 18, and 70), the USC Trojans have two (Nos. 78 and 91), and the Minnesota Golden Gophers have one (No. 59). For the complete Top 100 list, click here.
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