Bryce Underwood and Michigan Wolverines find critical answer on offense as they defeat New Mexico in Week 1 action
Michigan Wolverines have their new de facto WR1 to replace Colston Loveland
The vast majority of discussion this offseason surrounding Michigan Wolverines football has rightfully been about five star freshman phenom quarterback Bryce Underwood. And yes, he impressed in his first game against New Mexico this weekend.
However, that dominance out of the gate was only made possible because the Wolverines have already found their de facto WR1 and heir to the Colston Loveland throne.
Marlin Klein asserts himself as de facto WR1 and strong replacement for Colston Loveland
Heading into the season there were still all kinds of questions about Michigan’s wide receiver group and the tight ends who would need to step in replacing the great Colston Loveland (who was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft this spring). Would it be Donaven McCulley? Semaj Morgan? Fredrick Moore? Somebody else?
Michigan got their critical answer to that question against New Mexico on Saturday. Their new WR1 this year is going to be a tight once again, and his name is Marlin Klein.
Michigan fans and media members have been well aware of the potential Klein’s possessed for years now, but he just hasn’t been given a full-time opportunity to show it off. He finally did on Saturday and proved he was worth the wait.
Bryce Underwood made Klein his favorite target of the game, tossing the rock his way a whopping nine times, connecting with the tight end for six receptions, 93 yards, and his lone touchdown on a nice out-and-up route (as you can see below).
Klein was doing it all throughout the game. Blocking. Decoy duty. Route running. Making the big plays when it mattered most. Klein finished the night accounting for nearly 40% of the receiving yards for the Wolverines, proving that he could be the go-to monster weapon that Michigan needs this season.
Last year, tight end Colston Loveland accounted for nearly 35% of Michigan’s receiving yards and he missed three games. He was everything for the Michigan passing offense. The Wolverines might need Marlin Klein to be that same everything for them this year too.
Yes, Channing Goodwin logged 49 receiving yards. Semaj Morgan and Donaven McCulley grabbed four rather inefficient receptions each themselves (both averaged below nine yards per reception). However, it’s clear that Michigan still doesn’t have dynamic wide receiver weapons. Until one or more options step up there, Maize & Blue fans should expect a healthy dose of Marlin Klein every single week if Sherrone Moore wants to keep winning ball games.
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