Michigan
‘I can hang.’ Michigan OL Evan Link enters 2025 with shot of confidence
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — He was thrown into the fire as a first-time starter, and while the season didn’t go exactly as planned, it ended on a high note for Evan Link.
The redshirt sophomore went from not playing a single snap along Michigan’s offensive line in 2023, a national championship team that was loaded up front, to starting the season opener last year at right tackle.
And while it came as a welcomed surprise, Link found himself learning on the job for a good chunk of the year.
“A tremendous honor,” Link, who spoke to reporters for the first time on Wednesday, said. “Obviously it was a bit of a challenge.”
The 6-foot-6, 328-pound tackle found himself playing against some of the best teams in the country, starting 11 of the Wolverines’ 13 games last season on an offense that ranked amongst the worst in the country. Link was a contributing factor in that, admitting to having some “ups and downs” during the season, overreacting to what opponents were sending his way. According to Pro Football Focus, Link surrendered a total of 30 pressures on the season, including five hits on the quarterback and two sacks.
The biggest issue? Not translating what he was practicing to Saturdays, a common issue for younger players, he says.
“When you get into a game it’s a little bit different situation, things are a little bit more heightened,” Link said. “There’s a crowd. You have an audience. You’re in your head thinking maybe you have to do something different.
“That definitely got me a few times early in the year.”
That youth shined through in the loss to Texas, when he allowed nine pressures on the QB in 37 pass-blocking snaps, and he struggled later in the year against a rush-heavy Indiana team (five pressures, one hit).
Link was eventually able to settle in, playing much better down the stretch as Michigan picked off wins over Northwestern, Ohio State and Alabama. He even got to move back to his more natural spot, left tackle, for the ReliaQuest Bowl, giving up just one pressure all game.
“In high school I played left the entire time,” Link said. “So getting to right, there was definitely a bit of a learning curve there. It was hard to get used to it that fast because I had played left for so long, everything felt so comfortable.”
Grant Newsome, the Michigan offensive line coach, says Link has carried that momentum into the spring. Link is back at left tackle and tried out at both guard spots as the Wolverines search for their five best offensive linemen.
And while Link may have struggled last year, Michigan isn’t willing to give up on the former four-star recruit yet.
“He played his two best games down the stretch,” Newsome said. “It’s always what you hope for with any guy, that you play your best when your best is needed. And that was definitely the case with him.”
Link says he’s spending the spring focused on improving his fundamentals, like timing, footwork and hand placement. He’s thankful to be back at his more natural spot, on the left side, where he believes he’s best.
Just like last year, though, it’s going to come down to what he does in the games. And with one full season under his belt, Link believes he has the confidence to get it done.
“The Ohio State game was really special for me, just because I grew up going to Columbus every year,” Link said. “My father went to Ohio State and I grew up watching those games every year. Getting a chance to play in that game — and be told I was playing in that game and starting that game — it was one of the best experiences of my life up to this point.
“If they think I can be here, I can be here. I can hang. I say I did, and I did the best I could, and we ended up winning the game. That was a huge confidence boost.”
A four-star receiver out of Texas, Zion Robinson has moved his official visit up from June 13th to May 30th. Robinson is an elite athlete, coming in at 6-foot-4 and weighing 180-pounds. He’s a tough cover with a great catch radius, the type of long, lanky, and speedy receiver that offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey has been targeting since getting to Ann Arbor.
Robinson is ranked as the 135th overall recruit for 2026 in composite ratings. Some recruiting sites have him slotted as high as 72nd overall. In addition to being an elite football player, Robinson is also a state champion track star. He won the Texas high jump last year with an amazing 6-foot-8 leap. That athleticism will make him a tough cover on the football field and jump balls in the end zone will certainly tip in his favor with that leaping ability.
Robinson made a visit to Michigan for the spring game and was seen talking to fellow Texas receiver Andrew Marsh after the game. Michigan is in the thick of this race and it is a huge plus that Robinson has moved his date up. Right now, there are no crystal balls for Robinson and he’s keeping his recruitment very private. It feels like Michigan could snag this talented young man if they play their cards right and win his team over on May 30th.
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A 54-year-old Michigan man accused of beating his roommate to death over a year ago pleaded no contest to manslaughter.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Mark Joseph Newsome, of Roseville, was living in a group home on Jan. 31, 2024, when he got into an altercation with his roommate, 72-year-old Dale Francis Mitchell. Prosecutors say another person witnessed the fight and called police.
Responding officers found Mitchell unconscious and bleeding on the floor. The Roseville Fire Department was also called to the home and attempted lifesaving measures; however, Mitchell was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to a news release.
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Police arrested Newsome and initially charged him with second-degree murder. On Tuesday, he pleaded no contest to manslaughter, which comes with a five to 15-year sentence agreement.
“Mr. Mitchell’s life was cut short in the very dwelling that should have been his safe place. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office stands as the voice of the victim to achieve justice for this horrible act by Mr. Newsome,” said Prosecutor Pete Lucido in a statement. “Conflicts between individuals should never be settled by violence.”
Sentencing is set for June 24.
Exploring the Great Lakes: Facts about Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario
Dive into the fascinating world of Michigan’s Great Lakes. Learn intriguing facts about Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie.
- The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular tourist attraction on the coast of Lake Michigan in northwest Michigan.
- The national lakeshore features sand, beaches, forests, inland lakes, islands, historic villages and more.
- Visitors can buy entrance passes online or in person to check out the national lakeshore.
A trip to northwest Michigan this summer can land you at one of Michigan’s national lakeshores, a top attraction for those seeking sweeping views, trails to hike and beaches to relax on.
The popular tourist destination, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, welcomes 1.5 million visitors each year with its expansive sand dunes and sandy beaches, former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard stations, inland Manitou islands, a historic farm district and coastal village, inland lakes, 1871 lighthouse, forests and campgrounds, according to the National Park Service.
“The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena,” Pure Michigan says.
Michigan’s other national lakeshore is Pictured Rocks, which features the towering Grand Sable Dunes on Lake Superior.
Here’s what to know about Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.
What is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular tourist destination and one of two national lakeshores in Michigan.
Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
The lakeshore lies along 35 miles of Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline in west Michigan northwest of Traverse City. Nearby are the villages of Glen Arbor and Empire. The lakeshore is about 39 miles from Traverse City. M-22 runs north and south along the lakeshore.
How can you visit this season?
To visit the lakeshore, you will need a national parks entrance pass, which you then display on your car. You can buy the pass ahead online or in person at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center.
If you’re planning a camping trip, you’ll need to book a reservation at one of the lakeshore’s campgrounds; you can reserve up to six months in advance.
How much do lakeshore passes cost?
Entrance passes to the lakeshore include a $25 standard pass, with varying prices for larger vehicles; $45 annual pass and America the Beautiful pass at varying prices. There are also seven-day digital passes.
The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands pass is $80 for an annual pass, $80 for a senior lifetime pass, $20 for a senior annual pass and free for military annual pass, military lifetime pass, access pass, fourth grade pass, and volunteer pass.
The following will be national park free entrance days in 2025:
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19
- Great American Outdoors Acts Anniversary: Aug. 4
- National Public Lands Day: Sept. 27
- Veterans Day: Nov. 11
Are there beaches, other activities at the lakeshore?
The national lakeshore offers sand dunes, beaches, trails, inland islands, camping, forests, rivers, inland lakes, a lighthouse and more. The tallest dune is 450 feet.
For those looking to relax near the water, the park offers seven beaches. Platte River Point Beach includes the gently-flowing river’s mouth at Lake Michigan, a popular place for canoers and tubers to pause before loading up for home.
While visiting, you can hike the lakeshore’s various trails, bike the paved heritage trail, swim at the beach, set up camp, navigate the dunes, kayak or tube or canoe the rivers, take a trip to the Manitou Islands, explore historic coastal villages and museums and and more, per the lakeshore website.
What islands are part of the lakeshore?
The lakeshore features two inland islands, the Manitou Islands. The North and South Manitou Islands form part of an island chain spanning north toward the Straits of Mackinac. The islands offer hiking and camping in vast nature and the nearby Manitou Passage State Underwater Preserve to explore shipwrecks.
North Manitou Island is closed for the 2025 season amid a multi-year project to move the islands’ docks.
On South Manitou Island, there are 10 miles of pebble beaches, a lighthouse, sand dunes, village, over 500-year-old white cedar trees, campgrounds, historic tours and more, per the NPS website.
How can you get to the islands?
The islands are accessible by Manitou Island Transit ferry service from Leland, Michigan or by private boat. The islands do not have food service, stores or medical centers, so come prepared and be aware emergency responders may take hours or days to arrive, depending on weather.
To access the islands, you need an entrance pass to the lakeshore. Pets are not allowed on the islands.
How many lighthouses are at the lakeshore?
The lakeshore features one lighthouse, located on South Manitou Island. The 100-foot South Manitou Island Lighthouse was in operation from 1871-1958, per the lakeshore’s website.
Previously, North Manitou Island Lighthouse, built in the late 1890s stood, joined by a lightship in 1910, until 1927. The light was replaced by the current North Manitou Shoal Light, an offshore beacon, completed in 1935, according to the North Manitou Light Keepers.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
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