It’s been awhile now since the Michigan football coaches have been able to work with the team, given that the on-field coaching staff’s ability to be hands-on ends once spring football ends. With eyes towards that returning when fall camp begins in about a month, the players are still doing their part without official supervision, competing amongst each other — particularly in 7v7 formats.
I spoke to one person with knowledge of how things have progressed this summer, who requested anonymity as they aren’t authorized to speak publicly on the subject, who shared just a handful of tidbits on the aforementioned.
Five-star safety Daxton Hill is as advertised.
I’m told that the most anticipated member of the 2019 class has arrived and is looking the part of what was envisioned of him as the nation’s top safety. He is moving around a little, playing at various spots to maximize his dynamic athleticism, even getting some time at nickelback (I’m told he’s the third nickelback as of current).
Obviously, there’s a long way to go until fall camp, and going through the paces there, but this is a good sign that Hill could be an early contributor.
Mike Sainristil has picked up where he left off.
The early-enrollee true freshman and former three-star surprised many when he established himself as a spring starter. Granted, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins didn’t participate, but the dynamic athlete cemented himself as a likely early contributor this year by virtue of his spring performance.
I’m told that he’s continued to make the most of his situation, and has continued to embody the ‘speed in space’ of it all, making plays in the 7v7 format and looking the part of a big-time playmaker.
We at WolverinesWire were among the first to note that Michigan saw big things coming from in-state cornerback Vincent Gray, and we continue to be told that he’s cementing himself as a viable option, along with Lavert Hill and Ambry Thomas. Should he continue his ascension, expect to see him get considerable playing time this fall.
The other note we received is that Jaylen Kelly-Powell, who switched from safety to corner this offseason, is being groomed for the same role that Brandon Watson had. Whether that turns into playing time and production remains to be seen. But Kelly-Powell has had a lot of positional switches in his short time in Ann Arbor, so it will be interesting to see what happens if he can a. stay healthy, and b. have the time on task at one position, allowing him to play fast and at a high level.
Things to monitor.
Stay tuned to WolverinesWire, as we’ll continue to dig on some of the inner workings.