The Wolverines finally found a quarterback who can sling the football in Bryce Underwood. The Wolverines have historically been known for their powerful run game. Now, with Chip Lindsey as OC, the Wolverines are planning to go from run-heavy football to more balanced football. Thus according to various reports, Sherrone Moore plans to build a team around him.

According to recruiting analyst EJ Holland, the presence of young players like wide receiver Andrew Marsh making an immediate impact is a major draw for recruits. This new game plan means they’re hitting the recruiting trail hard, especially for top wide receiver talent. Michigan needs more speed and playmakers to catch those passes and make some magic happen. Through the first seven games, Michigan has recorded 14 drops, which is more than they had all of last year. Undoubtedly, the Wolverines need reliable hands for the future.

On October 19, Michigan insider EJ Holland hopped onto On3’s podcast and spilled the new weapons that the Wolverines are planning to recruit in order to build around Bryce Underwood. He also addressed how Michigan is trying to attract top pass catchers like Monshun Sales, Matthew Gregory, and Quinten Burrell.

Holland began with Monshun Sales: “I think Michigan is right up there for all three of these guys. It was a little bit of a tough weekend for Monshun Sales because he only got to stay for part of the game. He actually left early to head over to the Notre Dame-USC game”

According to EJ Holland, Sales visited Ann Arbor over the weekend to watch the Wolverines play against the Huskies. It happened because of a scheduling conflict as he had to leave early for the USC-Notre Dame game. Sales is an Indiana native, a 5-star recruit, 6’5″ and jacked. Some even consider him the best wide receiver in his class. Schools like LSU and USC are keeping tabs on him.

EJ Holland kept it open about Matthew Gregory and Quinten Burrell. Matthew Gregory is a four-star wideout from Pennsylvania. But with James Franklin out of the way, it’s Michigan’s to lose. Burrell has a family connection, as his sister is a student-athlete at Michigan, so it’s hard to see him go elsewhere. All three of them want to catch the football from Bryce Underwood.

Michigan is rocking a 5-2 record this season. Bryce Underwood is cooking so far. Through the first seven games, the freshman has thrown for 1,440 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, completing 62.4% of his passes. He’s also shown off his dual-threat abilities with 202 rushing yards and 3 scores. According to Chip Lindsey, the plan is to be physical but also get those deep shots. Yes, Bryce Underwood’s passing game is improving as we talk.

Remember that Washington game? He was dialed in, throwing for 230 yards and two touchdowns without turning the ball over. Any receiver would be stoked to play with a talent like that!

Wolverines dropping problem becomes a concern

The positive news is that Michigan’s passing game overall is looking better this season compared to last. They’re gaining more passing yards per game, and their yards per target and yards after the catch are up. Donaven McCulley, a transfer from Indiana, has been a bright spot, leading the team with 369 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.

Freshman Andrew Marsh is also making an impact, especially after joining the starting lineup. Drops have been a bit of a concern for the Wolverines. Semaj Morgan and Channing Goodwin both have been plagued by drops, with five and four each through the first four weeks, ranking among the national leaders in this statistic.

Morgan had a crucial drop against Washington. Michigan also had 11 drops against Wisconsin, prompting Sherrone Moore to take action on the ongoing issue. The coaching staff is working through competition and fundamental drills, emphasizing being “hand-catchers” rather than letting the ball hit the body while making catches.

While Michigan may not have the deepest wide receiver room, with Bryce Underwood at the helm, the recruiting chain will follow.