Video & Analysis: Ed Warinner On Jalen Mayfield's Development And Continued Ascension

Jalen Mayfield is really starting to assert himself as Michigan's right tackle.

Before the season started, redshirt freshman Jalen Mayfield was battling redshirt sophomore Andrew Stueber for the starting right tackle position. Unfortunately, Stueber went down with an injury giving the job to Mayfield by default.

Since then, Mayfield has gotten better and better and is now starting to play with a lot of confidence. It's showing up in the form of pancake blocks and a lot of pluses during film review. Mayfield still comes off the field occasionally to give fellow redshirt freshman Ryan Hayes a few snaps, but long term Mayfield looks like the guy at right tackle.

Michigan offense line coach Ed Warinner spoke about Mayfield's growth and also touched on where he thinks he can be in a few more games and further down the line. Warinner targeted Mayfield long ago so it must be really fulfilling to see one of his top targets flourishing early.

Brown's Breakdown

I had a chance to see Mayfield in person quite a few times during his senior season at Grand Rapids Catholic Central and he always blew me away with his athleticism. I even attended a preseason workout once and watched Mayfield go through agility drills like he was a tight end. He was as fluid and explosive as most of the skill players but he was doing it at about 6-5, 265 pounds.

Now he's all of 320 pounds but still has that athleticism, which is why I think he would've won the job regardless of Stueber's injury. Mayfield hasn't been perfect, but he's done some really nice things. He was viewed as a natural pass blocker coming out of high school because of his athleticism and quickness, but he's really developing nicely as a punishing run blocker. 

The future is bright for both he and Hayes, and could be for Stueber as well once he's back from injury. That gives U-M three pretty good pieces for next year, which is key as the Wolverines will replace at least four starters from this year's line.

What do you think future U-M lines will look like? Are Mayfield and Hayes starting tackles for the next three years? Comment below!!!