Michigan Wolverines transfer portal: 5 potential prospects the Wolverines should target
This was expected to be a transitional year for the Michigan Wolverines after losing quarterback JJ McCarthy and head coach Jim Harbaugh in the offseason. While quarterback Davis Warren and running back Kalel Mullings have tried their best to keep this team competitive, even nabbing a few impressive wins against USC and bitter rivals Ohio State, Michigan will finish the season 7-5.
Head coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines have kicked their rebuilding project to overdrive, having signed their quarterback of the future in Bryce Underwood. A five-star recruit and touted as the consensus No. 1 high school player of the country, Underwood will bring a combination of size, athleticism and a winning pedigree, appearing in three Michigan state championships and winning two of them while also being named Michigan’s Player of the Year the last two years.
Let’s look at potential players the Wolverines should target to join Underwood in Ann Arbor.
#1 Johntay Cook II (WR)
Coming into this season, there was a gaping hole in the Wolverines’ receiving corps. Current receivers Tyler Morris and Semaj Morgan are just averaging 22.5 and 13.4 yards per game respectively, with tight end Colston Loveland being the only reliable pass catcher. Cook II might be the guy the Wolverines are looking for. He has the speed and quickness to be the vertical guy in this offense. His ability to get yards after the catch will be valuable as well. A four-star recruit, he got buried in a deep wide receiver logjam at Texas and he was not able to show what he can do, putting up only 137 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He could take on a bigger role at Michigan.
#2 Donaven McCulley (WR)
McCulley fits the bill as a reliable WR2. He will be the perfect compliment as the guy who can overpower defensive backs who line up against him. As an added bonus, Michigan tried to recruit him in last year’s transfer portal so there is past mutual interest between both parties.
#3 Malachi Hosley (RB)
Hosley has shown he can bounce off defenders while also having a good burst of speed. Averaging 6.2 yards per carry, the top-ranked RB transfer prospect will fit in nicely with this offense with Mullings potentially looking to enter the NFL draft after this season.
#4 Kam Sallis (LB)
With Michigan’s defensive line shouldering the bulk of the load for them this season, some help at linebacker would be a big boost. Outside of Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham, no other linebacker has recorded sacks. Sallis is currently buried on the depth chart at Kansas State. He could provide immediate contributions for Michigan's defense.
#5 Carson Kent (TE)
With Zach Atkins looking like he will head to LSU next season, Kent looks like the next best option. Bryce Underwood is likely to be an upgrade from Warren, and Kent will have plenty of opportunity to showcase what he can do.