Our redshirt tracker series is back! All season long, we will update you on all the Michigan true freshman that saw playing time each week. Once someone plays in five games, that’s when their redshirt is officially burned.
Head coach Sherrone Moore was able to get eight true freshmen on the field last night against New Mexico. Here are those players:
- QB Bryce Underwood
- WR Andrew Marsh
- Edge Nate Marshall
- LB Chase Taylor
- DL Benny Patterson
- DB Elijah Dotson
- DB Jordan Young
- DB Jayden Sanders
As expected, Bryce Underwood made his starting debut against New Mexico. He’s only the fourth true freshman to start a season under center for the Wolverines.
Underwood ended the night with 251 passing yards and a touchdown, the most of any quarterback making their debut since John O’Korn in 2017. While there’s a lot to get excited about after watching his performance, there’s always room for improvement.
The coaches are already showing faith in freshman wide receiver Andrew Marsh. He was the primary kick returner for the Wolverines on Saturday night, and while he had three returns for 69 yards, he also had the ball stripped away from him, giving the Lobos good field position. He also had some snaps on the offense, but didn’t manage any catches. While fellow receivers Donaven McCulley, Semaj Morgan and Channing Goodwin made some catches, that doesn’t mean Marsh can’t continue to work his way into the rotation and have an impact.
While Underwood and Marsh weren’t surprises, Wink Martindale utilized quite a few young guys on the defense against New Mexico. Nate Marshall probably impressed the most, coming up huge with some pressure at the end of the game, allowing linebacker Cole Sullivan to pick up an interception. Benny Patterson also made his Michigan debut on special teams.
In the secondary, Elijah Dotson (cornerback/nickel) and Jayden Sanders (cornerback) had two tackles, and Jordan Young (safety) had one. While Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill return with experience in the secondary, it looks like the defensive staff is still interested in seeing what they have in some of the young players.
Now the Wolverines will turn all their attention to Oklahoma. The Sooners have a new quarterback in John Mateer, who threw for 392 yards, three touchdowns and an interception against Illinois State this week. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Wolverines give more of the snaps to the experienced players in the secondary next week.
On offense, the Wolverines will look to Underwood again. Will this week’s test against New Mexico be enough to help Michigan pick up a crucial road victory at Oklahoma? We’ll have to wait and see at 7:30 p.m. next weekend.
