Michigan Football Spring Game: Who Was Missing?

Michigan's spring game was quite entertaining and competitive, but many familiar faces were on the sidelines in street clothes.

Michigan's spring game ended up being pretty darn entertaining. The Maize Team gambled and went for two late and it paid off, giving them the 22-21 win and, most importantly, steaks for dinner.

Even though the game went well and entertained the fans who were toughing it out through the rain and cold, several key and/or intriguing players who would've made the game even better, were on the sidelines in street clothes and winter coats. This isn't a comprehensive list of who didn't suit up, but rather a list and breakdown of those who are intriguing for one reason or another or expected to be a major part of what Michigan does on the field in 2023. 

Cole Cabana

Obviously Michigan is all set at running back with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, but the third spot on the depth chart is up for grabs and Mike Hart has a lot of viable options to choose from and freshman Cole Cabana might just be one of them. Michigan fans have been excited about Cabana since he committed to the Wolverines because of his versatility and speed, but unfortunately he's dinged up and didn't go on Saturday. Cabana was seen on the sidelines with a pretty extensive leg brace stretching from his hip down to his ankle on his left leg. 

Junior Colson

At this point, Colson is a known commodity. He's a tackling machine and is now joined by another tackling machine in Nebraska transfer Ernest Hausmann. It would've been great to see the two young linebackers on the field together, but Colson is apparently still on the mend.

Blake Corum

If Colson is a known commodity, what does that make Corum?! Michigan's star running back is back for his senior season and will likely once again put up big time numbers that could have him in the Heisman conversation early on and throughout the fall. He obviously finished the 2022 season injured and then went under the knife, so it wasn't surprising that he didn't play on Saturday. He did, however, put on the headset and call some plays in the game including on Kalel Mulling's touchdown run.

Donovan Edwards

Like Corum, Edwards finished last season dinged up and might still be working through something hand/thumb related. Either that, or the coaches just played it safe with the young running back since they already know what he brings to the table. If that's the reason Edwards didn't play, it worked because backs like Kalel Mullings and freshman Benjamin Hall got a chance to show what they're capable of.  

German Green

With Gemon Green off to the next level, twin brother German is now the only Green on the roster (there is a Hill-Green). German has been a back up defensive back and special teams contributor during his time at Michigan but there is an open spot at cornerback to fill. It doesn't seem like Green will be the guy, but you never know.

LaDarius Henderson

Arizona State transfer LaDarius Henderson isn't at Michigan officially yet as he finished up the necessary steps in Tempe. He's a big boy at 6-5, 310 pounds and has played multiple positions along the offensive line. He might end up being a starter once at Michigan but unfortunately, we weren't able to see any potential of that on Saturday.

AJ Henning

Whether it's in the return game, out of the backfield or as a wideout, AJ Henning is a playmaker. He's one of the guys that could see an increased role with Ronnie Bell off to the NFL so it's a bummer that he wasn't able to showcase any of his talent on Saturday. He hasn't played a huge number of snaps over the last two seasons so it's going to be interesting to see what he's asked to do in the fall.

Myles Hinton

One of Michigan's other big time transfers, former five-star offensive tackle Myles Hinton is on the roster and was in the house on Saturday, but was not in uniform. Like Henderson, he's very large at 6-7, 320 and can play multiple positions. He's another potential starter on the offensive line so not seeing him on Saturday was a bummer.

Will Johnson

Arguably Michigan's best young player, Will Johnson is going to be a known commodity across the country by midseason. The sophomore cornerback is never going to come off the field in 2023 and might end up being an all-conference type of performer by the time the year is over. There was no need to see "what he has" during the spring game but he's the kind of player fans would love to see in action.

Rod Moore

Now prepping for his junior season, Rod Moore is one of the more solid, dependable and consistent players on the entire roster. The defensive coaches rave about his abilities to be in the right place at the right time all game long. In a spring game, he could've really helped some of the younger players, but instead he was on the sidelines in a big coat. You can bet the farm on him being ready and very good come the fall.

Tyler Morris

As a sophomore, Tyler Morris is a bit of a wild card. Everyone thought that Darrius Clemons and Amorion Walker would be the potential contributors as freshmen receivers last year, but it was actually Morris who recorded the most receptions with a whopping three. Walker and Clemons only had one apiece. Again, with Bell gone, receivers are going to have to step up, and Morris could be one to watch. 

Drake Nugent

With Olu Oluwatimi getting ready to play on Sundays, the center spot is open and perfectly ready for Stanford transfer Drake Nugent. The veteran snapper isn't quite as hulking or gifted as Olu, but he's better than solid and a virtual lock to start in the middle for Sherrone Moore. With Nugent also out on Saturday, that makes three potential starters, who all happen to be transfers, on the offensive line who did not get to put their abilities on display in front of fans for the first time.

CJ Stokes

At times last year, CJ Stokes looked outstanding for a modestly recruited freshman, but then he fumbled and we rarely saw the rookie again. In 2023, he's my bet for securing the third running back spot on the depth chart. After seeing Mullings and Hall churning out the tough yards, you can bet that Stokes wished he was able to play.

Zak Zinter

Not much needs to be said about Zak Zinter. He's one of the best guards in the entire country and one of Michigan's best overall players. Having him and Trevor Keegan, who did play in the spring game, back really gives Michigan an fantastic foundation along the offensive line. Throw in veteran transfer Drake Nugent and the middle of the O-line is rock solid. Watching Zinter play is fun, but not necessary at this point of the calendar.