Michigan football is set to kick off its 2024-2025 season against Fresno State at the Big House on August 31, a game that will show how close the new look Wolverines are to their championship form of this past winter.
New head coach Sherrone Moore must break in several new starters on both sides of the ball, as well as new special teams players including potential starting placekickers Adam Samaha and Dominic Zvada.
Moore’s team enrolled 26 new players in the freshman class of 2024, including 11 four-star prospects, going by the latest 247Sports.com rankings.
These five players could make a big difference in Ann Arbor in 2024-2025 if they are given the opportunity to shine on the football field in Ann Arbor, Michigan:
1. L’Marion Stewart-
A 5-foot-11, 185 pound burner from Kenwood Academy in Chicago, Illinois, Stewart has the talent to contribute immediately in a Tyler Morris type of role for Michigan.
Stewart is a smooth route-runner who with a strong build who is polished and runs with an effortless, fluid motion. He is faster than he looks because he plays so under control and he is such a natural running routes. Stewart is perhaps the most underrated and undervalued prospect in his class and is one of the few freshmen who have a strong chance to contribute in year one.
New Michigan WR commit l’Marion Stewart with the first TD of the day @overtime OT7 Finals https://t.co/L5II7kkZG6 @EJHollandOn3 pic.twitter.com/cWzIahhScs
— Charles Power (@CharlesPower) June 18, 2023
2. Luke Hamilton-
At 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, Hamilton has Division-I caliber size that could help him contribute from day one.
With so much depth on the Michigan offensive line, it’s not likely that Hamilton will get a ton of playing time in key situations. He still has what it takes to make a difference as a depth player and practice player who looks like he’s destined for stardom at some point in a maize and blue uniform.
3. Jordan Marshall-
Marshall has been compared to Los Angeles Chargers running back Blake Corum both on and off the field for his smooth, no-nonsense demeanor and high standards.
A workout warrior, Marshall has what it takes to get carries as a freshman, even in a crowded backfield led by Donovan Edwards, Benjamin Hall and Kalel Mullings.
He’s compact and well-built with a body that looks like it’s been in a college weight room for the last two-plus years.
Coming soon to a t̶h̶e̶a̶t̶e̶r̶ field near you: D̶e̶a̶d̶p̶o̶o̶l̶ Buckeye & Wolverine ⚔️@MichaelHallJr_ x @zak_zinter | @OhioStateFB x @UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/X19BhvkE7D
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 25, 2024
4. Dominic Nichols-
Nichols has already been mentioned as a possible breakout candidate in year one, even with his relatively slight (for a defensive end) 252 pound frame.
The Ijamsville, Maryland native could become a standout pass rusher off the edge similar to Jaylen Harrell, who is now a member of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans.
5. Jadyn Davis-
Davis was perhaps the most high profile recruit of Michigan’s 2024-2025 recruiting class. He has the chops to become a precision passer early in his career.
For now, his leadership abilities and brainpower are making a difference in the Michigan Wolverines’ quarterback room.
Davis is smart beyond his years and will some day become too good to keep off the field, no matter who is in front of him at the QB spot.
While some analysts have panned Michigan’s recruiting as underwhelming of late, the Wolverines’ depth is what will keep these players off of the field, not their considerable talents.
Michigan football is in good hands for the foreseeable future. The team’s talent pool is stronger than most people realize, now it’s up to Moore and his coaching staff to make it all fit together in time for the opening kickoff in Ann Arbor this fall.