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There was more moving and shaking than expected in Ann Arbor in the second transfer portal window.
The transfer portal has revolutionized the college athletics landscape. With guidelines looser than the pirates’ code in Pirates of the Caribbean, players are essentially granted unrestricted free agency twice a year. No one — except chronically under-achieving athletes who know the grass is always greener elsewhere — is happy about the current state of affairs. Still, until otherwise, it is the world we all have to live in, even for the defending national champions in Ann Arbor.
The Michigan Wolverines enjoyed a spring unlike any other this century. In what was equal parts celebration and preparation, Team 145 reflected on what took place a few months ago and looked ahead eagerly ready to defend what they had worked so hard to claim.
Unfortunately, there is not a spot for everyone in the future. Whether it be due to incoming freshmen, unexpected ascensions, schematic changes, hashtag BAG SZN, new coaches, or a litany of other reasons off the field, there is always going to be turnover in the spring for football teams. However, not all turnover is bad, and welcomed additions could be the missing ingredient for future success (i.e. Josh Wallace).
Let’s recap the Michigan-impacted movement from the second spring transfer portal window.
Wide receivers Karmello English, Cristian Dixon; Linebackers Semaj Bridgeman, Jeremiah Beasley, Hayden Moore; Cornerback D.J. Waller; Interior offensive lineman Amir Herring
The team’s greatest loss is positional depth, but the single biggest individual loss of this group is cornerback D.J. Waller. After an impressive spring game, Waller appeared to be on track to start opposite All-American Will Johnson in one of the most dynamic secondaries on the best defense in college football. Now, after a breakout nationally televised performance, Waller is collecting a big blue bag and moving South to Kentucky. Waller’s loss will be felt — especially if (*knocks on wood*) an injury occurs — but there are several Wolverines who could assume the starting role with little to no projected drop-off.
In terms of depth, the Wolverines lost two wide receivers in a room that is already thin, two linebackers who appeared to be the future of the position, and one interior lineman who by all indications was a star in waiting. The impact of these losses will not be felt immediately, but they do put the coaches’ feet to the fire in terms of recruiting, development, and transfers to mitigate any future consequences. Speaking of transfers.
Kent State DT C.J. West, Youngstown State WR C.J. Charleston
Two players to address very different needs. C.J. West is a strength-on-strength addition. Team 144’s defensive line depth was one of the biggest reasons why the Wolverines won the national championship. With bonafide stars in the middle like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, keeping them fresh is paramount to long-term success and West could help ensure these stars don’t fade in the fourth quarter.
C.J. Charleston — talk about an elite wide receiver name — is a player that could help fill a void. With the NFL departures of Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson coupled with the transfers above (and Darrius Clemons from the first window), Michigan simply needs capable and proven bodies in the room.
Stephen F. Austin DL Brandon Lane, Ole Miss CB Amorion Walker
Similar to C.J. West, Brandon Lane would be a depth-providing piece to keep the stars fresh. Amorion Walker — hello old friend — could be returning to Michigan after a brief sabbatical at Ole Miss. The interesting question is that if Walker returns to Michigan, would he do so as a corner or a wide receiver? Remember, Walker was a wide receiver coming out of high school when he committed to the Wolverines and a return to his original school could also mean a return to his original position.
Arkansas State K Dominic Zvada
For the second straight year, Michigan has added a kicker via the transfer portal. Dominic Zvada made 85 percent of his kicks during his time at Arkansas State, but will still be looking to a relative return to form in Ann Arbor. As a freshman in 2022, Zvada was one of the most accurate kickers in the country knocking in 97 percent of his kicks (17-for-18) with his only miss coming from 51 yards. Zvada’s transfer adds depth, experience, and a pedigree to a Michigan kicking room that was lacking in all three.
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