The Michigan Wolverines are set to kick off the 2023 season in September at the Big House against East Carolina. Meanwhile, the team is busy tying up loose ends as it prepares for the upcoming season.
Recently, Pro Football Focus ratings showed where Head Coach Jim Harbaugh’s team must improve this season.
The offense, led by QB J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum, is expected to be the strength of the team. The defense, led by a host of newcomers as well as holdovers like Kris Jenkins, said to be the team’s best defensive player, and a ‘competitive’ four-star cornerback, could also be even better than last season if everything gels.
Now, Harbaugh is surprising many with comments on one of Michigan’s most talented special teams player.
According to the Michigan coach, the team’s newest talent at punter has impressed with what he believes may be the strongest leg he has ever seen with the Wolverines.
“Tommy Doman as a punter, he’s a special talent,” Harbaugh said according to 247Sports.com. “We haven’t seen a leg like this since I’ve been here at Michigan,” Harbaugh said. “I think he’s in a great place right now.”
Doman is 6-foot-4, 208 pounds and played his high school ball at Michigan state powerhouse Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. As a sophomore last season, he appeared in four games and showed off his impressive leg strength on kickoffs.
He was rated as the number two punter in the nation out of high school by 247Sports.com.
At kicker, James Turner is said to have an early lead according to Harbaugh.
Incoming local freshman Adam Samaha and Doman could also factor in at the kicker position. Doman booted two 50-yard field goals as a high schooler and has the versatility to play both positions.
With last year’s star Jake Moody now in San Francisco with the 49ers, expectations are high. Harbaugh hopes that this group has what it takes to get the job done for a team with Big Ten and National Championship aspirations in 2023.
