Michigan depth chart: How will RB carries be distributed vs. MSU?

Now that Michigan has finally played a game, we have a good idea as to where players and positions stand.

The Wolverines debuted a two-back, one-tight end look Saturday in their 49-24 win over Minnesota, a game in which they relied heavily on their rushing attack to help break in first-year quarterback Joe Milton.

While they certainly didn’t stick with that look all game — mixing in a fullback, Ben Mason, while throwing in three- and four-receiver looks — it was a slight change from what we saw last year under offensive coordinator Josh Gattis.

Will the fullback and power run-game remain a fixture moving forward? It’s too early to tell, but certainly something we will be monitoring.

With Saturday’s game against Michigan State on deck (noon, FOX), here is our updated projection of Michigan’s depth chart. As always, this is subject to change based on availability and opponent.

(*players in BOLD are changes this week)

Quarterback

1. Joe Milton

2. Cade McNamara

No change here, with Milton getting the first snaps on Saturday and looking impressive, completing 15 of his 22 pass attempts for 225 yards and a touchdown. His ability to pick up yards on the ground adds a different dimension to this Michigan offense, and should force opponents to keep an eye on him. McNamara took fourth-quarter snaps against Minnesota and was the only quarterback in uniform for the opener, making one wonder: Who’s No. 3?

Related: QB Joe Milton was poised in his debut. Here’s what Michigan wants in Week 2

Michigan running back Zach Charbonnet (24) breaks away from Minnesota defensive back Benjamin St-Juste (25) for a 70 yard touchdown run in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)AP

Running back

1. Zach Charbonnet OR Hassan Haskins

2. Blake Corum

3. Chris Evans

Charbonnet and Corum both got the start on Saturday, with Corum getting the first pass of the game on a bubble screen for 24 yards. Charbonnet was clearly Michigan’s first option on the ground, and he proved why with his 70-yard touchdown run. But he only got four carries, the final three of which were for negative yards. Hassan Haskins was Michigan’s most reliable back in the game, rushing six times for 82 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a 66-yard run. Look for him to get more carries this week.

Related: Michigan’s running backs answered the call for big plays

Tight end

1. Erick All

2. Luke Schoonmaker

Nick Eubanks was unavailable for Michigan, and his status for Saturday’s game remains unclear. Erick All had two catches for 33 yards and a strong game run blocking, but dropped a potential touchdown catch. Until Eubanks returns, All will be the starter.

Related: Eventful offseason helps Erick All, eager to hit, bulk up

Michigan wide receiver Mike Sainristil runs a route against Minnesota in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. Michigan won 49-24. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)AP

Wide receivers

X: 1. Ronnie Bell, 2. Cornelius Johnson

Y: 1. Giles Jackson, 2. A.J. Henning

Z: 1. MIke Sainristil, 2. Roman Wilson

No change here, but the number of starters will depend on the look Michigan wants to go with. In the two-receiver set to start against the Gophers, Ronnie Bell and Mike Sainristil were the two starters, though Giles Jackson got his opportunities (2 catches, 17 yards). Six different receivers caught a pass on Saturday, while Michigan incorporated three others into the passing game. Expect that to continue for a few weeks at least, or until a handful of guys begin to separate themselves.

Offensive line

Left tackle: 1. Ryan Hayes, 2. Karsen Barnhart, 3. Trente Jones

Left guard: 1. Chuck Filiaga, 2. Trevor Keegan

Center: 1. Andrew Vastardis, 2. Zach Carpenter, 3. Reece Atteberry

Right guard: 1. Andrew Stueber, 2. Zak Zinter, 3. Nolan Rumler

Right tackle: 1. Jalen Mayfield, 2. Joel Honigford, 3. Trente Jones

Nailed the starters to little surprise, but we saw some interesting names out there in the opener. Joel Honigford came in as an extra lineman on a few running plays, while Zach Carpenter and Reece Atteberry both saw some snaps late. As did Zak Zinter, who appears to moved up the depth chart at right guard. Karsen Barnhart saw snaps, but did not.

Michigan defensive lineman Christopher Hinton (15) tries to get to the Notre Dame backfield in the fourth quarter of their college football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, October 26, 2019. Michigan won the game, 45-14. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Defensive line

End: 1. Kwity Paye, 2. Luiji Vilain

Tackle: 1. Carlo Kemp, 2. Julius Welschof, 3. Jess Speight

Tackle: 1. Christopher Hinton, 2. Donovan Jeter, 3. Mazi Smith

End: 1. Aidan Hutchinson, 2. Taylor Upshaw

The defensive line was what we expected, with Christopher Hinton getting the start as the second tackle in Michigan’s more traditional four-down look. Donovan Jeter appeared when the Wolverines went to a three-man front in long passing situations. I’d expect that to continue. Jeter is playing well right now, and benefitted from that big hit by linebacker Michael Barrett. Taylor Upshaw, Luiji Vilain, Julius Welschof and Mazi Smith all saw reps as well.

Related: DE Aidan Hutchinson already drawing attention from opponents

Linebacker

Strong side (“sam”): 1. Ben VanSumeren, 2. David Ojabo OR Jaylen Harrell

Middle (“mike”): 1. Cam McGrone, 2. Kalel Mullings

Weak side (“will”): 1. Josh Ross, 2. Adam Shibley

Hybrid (“viper”): 1. Michael Barrett, 2. Anthony Solomon, 3. William Mohan

After Saturday, I think there’s little doubt as to the readiness of Michael Barrett. He had that big sack on Tanner Morgan and forced fumble, racked up seven tackles and seemingly picked up right where Khaleke Hudson left off last year at “viper.” Barrett is going to get more playing time, alongside Josh Ross and Cam McGrone.

Related: Michael Barrett continues his play-making ways for Michigan

Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim (24) runs for a touchdown past Michigan defensive backs Daxton Hill (30) and Makari Paige (7) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)AP

Secondary

Cornerback: 1. Vincent Gray, D.J. Turner

Safety: 1. Daxton Hill, 2. Makari Paige

Safety: 1. Brad Hawkins, 2. Hunter Reynolds

Cornerback: 1. Gemon Green, Sammy Faustin

This played out about how we projected it as well. Gemon Green got the start at the second cornerback spot, and I thought played well. True freshman Makari Paige stepped in at safety when Dax Hill left the game and struggled. I would not be surprised if Hunter Reynolds moved into that role as next man up at safety if Hill can’t go.

Related: Dax Hill ‘going to be fine,’ expected to practice this week

Special teams

Kicker: 1. Quinn Nordin OR Jake Moody

Punter: 1. Will Hart, 2. Brad Robbins

Punt return: Ronnie Bell

Kick return: Giles Jackson

Long snapper: 1. William Wagner, 2. Greg Tarr

The placekicker is going to be determined based on whether Quinn Nordin is available. If he is, he’s the guy on Saturday — especially after Jake Moody turned in an 0-for-3 performance on field-goal attempts.

Read more on Michigan football:

Recruiting: Will visit improve Michigan’s chances with 5-star CB Domani Jackson?

Who’s behind Cade McNamara on QB depth chart? Michigan won’t say

Friendship between Aidan Hutchinson, MSU’s Theo Day remains strong

Michigan’s opener draws big viewership numbers

Ben Mason, U-M’s can-do fullback, happy to be throwing blocks again

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