Look, now is a great time to get to know a few Michigan football players. Okay, well, we’re not actually getting to know them in person or anything like that. I don’t have that sort of power to introduce each and every one of you to Michigan football players, but we are going to go over a few of them that Oregon football fans absolutely need to know.
After all, this is a team that just won a national championship and the Oregon Ducks football team will face a massive test on November 2 when Dan Lanning takes them to Ann Arbor to take on the Wolverines. This is a marquee Big Ten matchup this season.
And we should go ahead and go over three key Michigan players that are worth keeping an eye on this year.
No. 1: Max Bredeson - Tight end
Good tight ends can be difficult to come across, but Max Bredeson, a senior tight end for the Wolverines, does well to bring plenty of versatility in Michigan’s blocking schemes and an abundance of experience to Michigan's offense this season. Last year, Bredeson displayed that versatility by appearing in all 15 games for Michigan (which included three starts) and playing a tight end/h-back role for the Wolverines.
He’s got the size to be an effective blocker at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds and there’s a chance he can start to demonstrate even more potential as a receiving threat as well. That ability to play a few different roles would make Bredeson valuable for the Wolverines this year.
No. 2: Donovan Edwards - running back
With all of the changes that the Michigan Wolverines have seen on offense following the completion of the 2023, it seems like Michigan football fans are going to be thrilled to see junior running back Donovan Edwards take the field as they try to defend their national title.
Last season, Edwards rushed for 497 yards and 5 touchdowns while adding 30 receptions for 249 yards. He’s definitely a valuable and versatile offensive weapon that should be able to take on an expanded role this season. Especially considering how he displayed plenty of big-play ability against the Washington Huskies in the national title game when he broke off multiple long touchdown runs.
No. 3: Makari Paige - Defensive back
It never hurts to have veteran players return for another season and the Michigan Wolverines are going to be interesting to watch as Makari Paige brings an abundance of experience to Michigan’s secondary this season.
Last year, Paige started 13 games at safety and he was a force for wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends to deal with. Paige managed to record 41 tackles and broke up two passes last season. He’s definitely a great addition to Michigan’s defense.