Four standout prospects for Michigan football in 2024

Michigan football is around halfway through spring practice.

The spring game is on April 20th, just a few weeks away, and then the wait for the regular season officially begins.

The next two weeks will be crucial for Michigan football. There’s a lot of work to do on the field. There could be even more to do off it.

Michigan must ensure that it survives the spring transfer portal window without any significant departures. U-M may also be looking to sign a quarterback, wide receiver, or defensive back. The choice of quarterback is heavily influenced by who enters.

Based on the options available now, I believe Michigan will remain steadfast. But things may change rapidly, and if a proven veteran enters the gate and is a good fit, go get him. However, don’t make a move simply to make one.

Alex Orji has had a few shining spots this spring. There is some excitement about him, but others are also generating interest, and here are four breakthrough candidates—two on each side of the ball.

Frederick Moore, WR

The 6-foot-1 wide receiver from St. Louis has always been a favorite of mine. I’m not sure what his 40 time is, but when the ball is in the air, Frederick Moore finds it, and he’s been touted several times as a breakthrough prospect. Roman Wilson mentioned him this offseason, and Tyler Morris did on Tuesday.

Michigan football does not have a large 6-foot-3 wideout on the roster, but Moore is 6-foot-1. He’s also speedy, having caught four receptions for 32 yards in 13 games last season. Moore has an opportunity this season. Semaj Morgan and Tyler Morris are the two top returning wide receivers.

I’ll be watching Moore closely during the spring game and his development could determine what kind of moves, if any, Michigan football makes for a pass catcher out of the portal.

Andrew Gentry, OT

It’s easy to forget that Andrew Gentry was a top-100 prospect out of high school, but when he signed with BYU, he was ranked No. 88 overall by the 247 Sports composite. Gentry has played for the Wolverines for the past two seasons after returning from his Mormon mission.

Last season, Gentry began to regain his old form. He appeared in 13 games, including time at guard and both tackle positions. The 6-foot-7, 337-pounder spent time on special teams.

This season, Gentry is competing with Jeffrey Persi for the starting right tackle position at Michigan football. Myles Hinton is the favorite to begin on the left side. Persi has already started at left tackle and would perform well on the right side.

But Gentry has the potential to be elite. Bookend tackles Hinton and Gentry, both top-100 high school recruits, may be ideal for the Wolverines if they play up to their promise. I believe they will, and my guess is that Hinton/Gentry will start at tackle in Week 1.

Jyaire Hill, CB

Cornerback Jyaire Hill has been one of Michigan football’s most talked-about players this spring. The four-star recruit from the 2023 class played a limited role last season but is expected to challenge for a starting position.

D.J. Waller has been another standout cornerback this spring, and it was difficult to select between the two. Hill was ranked higher coming out of high school (No. 194, overall).

There was criticism that he wasn’t as familiar with the playbook as other rookie defensive backs, but that has improved. Hill has matured and always shown amazing talent.

Hill, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 181 pounds, possesses all of the characteristics of a dominant man cornerback. He improved this spring, and if that trend continues in the fall, I see him starting opposite Will Johnson.

TJ Guy

EDGE TJ Guy’s performance has been one of the most positive developments this spring. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior hasn’t played much football for the Wolverines, but he has appeared in 21 games the last two seasons. The majority of his snaps have been on special teams, but he has 10 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one sack, the latter coming against Michigan State.

Guy also recorded a quarterback hurry. The former three-star recruit looks the part. He was good in brief snaps last season, and with Jaylen Harrell and Braiden McGregor out of the NFL, there is a significant need. Michigan football’s starters are Derrick Moore and Josaiah Stewart, but you need more than two strong pass rushers. That’s where Guy and Enow Etta, who also plays defensive tackle, come in.

Maybe Etta could play a role similar to Mike Morris. He’s currently 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, but you need another true EDGE, and I believe Guy will put it all together and get 4-5 sacks in 2024.