Athlon Sports came out with their annual preseason All-American teams this week and there were multiple Michigan football players who cracked the list.
During 2022, Michigan had four members get All-American honors: Blake Corum, Olu Oluwatimi, Jake Moody, and Mike Morris. The Wolverines return Corum, who is coming off an injury that sidelined him the final three games of the season, but one would figure if he stays healthy — he will be back on an All-American team.
There are several candidates on the 2023 roster who could be All-Americans at the end of the season. And according to Athlon Sports, there are eight Michigan players that will be an All American in 2023.
Here are the Wolverines that made cut.
First-Team Offense
Photo by: Isaiah Hole
Blake Corum – RB
As long as he stays healthy and his knee is back to 100%, Corum should be the best running back in the country and put up insane numbers once again. Michigan could throw the ball a little more this year, but the maize and blue will probably lean on the run game for the third-straight year with Corum and Donovan Edwards returning.
Second-Team Offense
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Drake Nugent – C
Drake Nugent is one of three incoming transfers Michigan got from the transfer portal. Nugent was on the preseason Outland Trophy and Rimington Award watch list in 2022. According to PFF, Nugent was the third-best run-blocking center last year with a solid 84.1 grade.
Michigan should be in good hands with Nugent at center.
Second-Team Offense
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Zak Zinter – G
Zak Zinter decided to return to Michigan, along with fellow lineman Trevor Keegan, for another season despite NFL draft interest. Zinter helped the Wolverines win two straight Joe Moore Awards the past two seasons for having the best offensive line. Zinter was once called the best offensive player on the team, and with him returning, Michigan has a shot at winning another award in 2023.
Second-Team Defense
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Junior Colson – LB
Junior Colson has played a ton of football for Michigan and is just a junior. Colson led the team last year in tackles with 101 and seems to always be around the ball. There are mock drafts already predicting the linebacker to be a first-round selection in 2024, and as long as Colson continues to improve, that may be a lock.
Third-Team Offense
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Donovan Edwards – All Purpose
Donovan Edwards would most likely be a first-team lock if he was the lead back for Michigan. Even being the 1B to Corum, Edwards may not only run for 1,000 yards in 2023, but he may be featured in the passing game. The do-it-all back should be in store for a huge year.
Third-Team Defense
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Kris Jenkins – DT
Kris Jenkins is in line to lead the Michigan defensive line in 2023. The Wolverines lost captain Mazi Smith and edge rusher Mike Morris from last year’s team, so Jenkins will be asked to step up and lead. We believe Jenkins will likely be a captain, and be a big-time contributor for the Wolverines.
Third-Team Defense
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Will Johnson – CB
Will Johnson, a sophomore, ended up being Michigan’s best defensive back last season. Johnson didn’t start right away, but he got his chance in the middle of the season and never looked back. While being a Third-Team All-American is big honors for a sophomore, he may end up being on the First-Team when it’s all said and done.
Fourth-Team Defense
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Rod Moore – S
The junior is cemented as one of the best Michigan defensive backs on the roster. The hard-hitting safety led all DBs from the 2022 season with 71 tackles and led the team with four interceptions. Moore is able to roam around, find the ball, and make big plays.