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Michigan Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Mike McCray #9 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after sacking J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of their game at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Mike McCray #9 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after sacking J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of their game at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 22: Eddie McDoom #13 of the Michigan Wolverines runs while playing the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 22, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 41-8. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 22: Eddie McDoom #13 of the Michigan Wolverines runs while playing the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 22, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 41-8. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers

Starting receivers: Donovan Peoples-Jones, Eddie McDoom
Backups: Kekoa Crawford, Nate Johnson

Shifting gears to the offensive side of the ball, it seems as if the Wolverines have too much to replace at receiver, right? With Amara Darboh and Jehu Chesson gone, Michigan is forced to replace its first and third-leading receivers from last season. However, the young recruits Harbaugh has been adding are all potential breakout stars.

Incoming freshman, and early enrollee, Donovan Peoples-Jones was considered the top prep receiver in the 2017 class and he will be a No. 1 target right away. He has the potential to be an instant star and there’s no denying his talent. He will be joined by sophomore Eddie McDoom, a speedster who caught five passes for 59 yards in 2016, but can also return punts. He’s an end-around threat as well, rushing for 160 yards on 16 carries last season.

Sophomores Nate Johnson and Kekoa Crawford were both highly-touted recruits out of high school and will get used plenty in this system. Although not listed, junior Grant Perry has been reinstated after an offseason sexual assault incident in which he reached a plea deal. He had 13 catches for 183 yards and a score in 2016.

Related Story: Michigan Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

Starting tight end: Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
Backup: Ian Bunting

Michigan has utilized the tight end better than most college football programs over the past two seasons, turning Jake Butt into a star. However, he’s gone now, giving way to sophomore Tyrone Wheatley Jr. He had three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown as a freshman, but the former four-star is on preseason award watch lists. Junior Ian Bunting had five catches for 46 yards last season and figures to be the backup.

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