Michigan Football: 5 breakout freshmen to watch in 2018

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on January 1, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images /

Michael Barrett flew under the radar a bit during his recruitment, not in small part due to the fact that he doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional college position. He was rated as a mid-three star recruit, and didn’t have nearly as large of an offer list of some the Wolverines’ most highly-touted prospects.

Another Georgia product, he seemed to be a Georgia Tech lean until just before National Signing Day, when he committed to Michigan. He was an ultra-productive high school quarterback, though with elite scrambling ability and a 5-foot-11, 215-pound frame, many projected him as a halfback or slot receiver.

Harbaugh seems to have plans to use him at both of the aforementioned positions, as well as quarterback in certain packages. Barrett could also see time returning kicks. He’s a player who could really benefit from the new redshirt rules, as the Wolverines staff may use him sparingly throughout the season on special teams and as a change-of-pace option on offense.

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