ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- There are Michigan football players who are relative unknowns to the general populace who might just become household names in short order. And while that's a yearly development, as players get better as time goes on, the Wolverines need some rising stars to step into the limelight.
On Monday, head coach Kyle Whittingham shared the players who made the most of their time in fall camp now that Week 1 looms. There were three players he feels asserted themselves the most, ensuring that they'll see the field early and often.
"Channing Goodwin as a receiver. He's really brought himself in the mix," Whittingham said. "Now, make no mistake, Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan will be on the field 90% plus at the time, given that they stay
healthy. Channing is a guy that really came into his own this fall and is a guy that's going to be a factor for us.
"Nate Marshall, who had some struggles in spring, some things that I wasn't real pleased with off the field, he's really grown up in the last eight months. Hopefully he can stay on that trajectory. He's one of the best pass rushers on the team, if not the best pure pass rusher. He's got a real talent for bending the edge and getting his hips turned and getting the QB.
"Linebacker-wise, Chase (Taylor) has really started to function like a big-time linebacker. Chase Taylor is functioning like a big-time linebacker."
Goodwin was a darling of fall camp last year, but his excelsior practice habits didn't necessarily translate to the field. Now, he's strongly in the running to be that third wide receiver, battling with freshmen Salesi Moa and Travis Johnson, as well as sophomore transfer Jaime Ffrench.
Taylor has been a known commodity behind the scenes, having made some waves in spring ball. Now, it appears as if he and transfer Nathaniel Staehling have the inside track to be the starting linebackers this fall.
As far as Marshall is concerned, Whittingham detailed more about what he's done to improve his standing with the team and the coaching staff. He noted that he's grown a lot from a mentality standpoint, and that if he had remained where he was in spring ball, his future may have been in doubt.
"His maturity level, his decision-making, how he carries himself, his work habits, his ability to stay in control and not become a loose cannon," Whittingham said. "He's a very emotional guy, but he's really harnessed that and really become a really good teammate. He needs to be commended because the first few months were kind of rocky with Nate, but he's really settled in and proud of how far he's come. If he can stay on the track he's on right now, he's got a really bright future."
Fans will get an opportunity to see the trio in action on Saturday, when Michigan football opens up the 2026 season with Western Michigan for a night game at The Big House.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Kyle Whittingham names Michigan football's biggest camp risers
