Despite uncertainty regarding returning production, Michigan enters 2024 with high expectations of competing for a college football playoff spot. The Wolverines still have some key pieces in place to make a run in 2024.
One of these pieces is tight end Colston Loveland, who caught 45 passes for over 600 yards last season. However, one ESPN writer thinks another Michigan tight end is someone to watch out for this year.
Adam Rittenberg believes in junior Marlin Klein, who only caught one pass for eight yards in 2023. Nevertheless, he trusts Klein to have a much improved season, even playing alongside Loveland.
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— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) August 15, 2024
The Wolverines are no stranger to utilizing multiple tight ends. Last year’s national championship team included the duo of Loveland and former Indiana tight end A.J. Barner, who reeled in 249 yards last season and was drafted in the fourth round in last year’s NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.
Klein will also play a key role in the offense to try and ease in new quarterback Alex Orji, who’s only taken a handful of snaps during his career. Michigan loses former quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the Minnesota Vikings, so Orji will have big shoes to fill this season.
It should be intriguing to see how this new-look Michigan offense performs in its season opener. The Wolverines open up against Fresno State next week before hosting the No. 3 Texas Longhorns in Ann Arbor in week 2.