This Michigan true freshman burned his redshirt in the Minnesota game

The No. 12 Michigan Wolverines survived a close game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers to keep the Little Brown Jug in Ann Arbor. It was another tale of two halves for Michigan on offense, defense, and even in some ways special teams.

Linebacker Cole Sullivan burned his redshirt in this one, getting playing time in his fifth game of the season. The coaching staff continues to see things they like from Sullivan, and he even registered a tackle. He’s the only freshman to start in every game this season, and it appears he’ll continue to have more chances to prove himself.

Michigan also missed starters Will Johnson and Josaiah Stewart in this one. With the Stewart injury, freshman Dominic Nichols stepped up and played some snaps at the edge position in addition to his special teams roles. He’s a player with a lot of potential, but is playing behind some of the best at the position in Stewart and Derrick Moore.

Here’s who’s had a chance to play as a true freshman this season. An asterisk (*) indicates they saw playing time against Minnesota:

• RB Jordan Marshall (1 game)
• OL Andrew Sprague (1 game)
• OL Jake Guarnera (1 game)*
• TE Hogan Hansen (3 games)*
• LB Cole Sullivan (5 games)*
• EDGE Dominic Nichols (2 games)*
• DL Manuel Beigel (1 game)
• DB Mason Curtis (1 game)*
• DB Jo’Ziah Edmond (1 game)*

Unfortunately, one of Michigan’s most exciting true freshmen didn’t see any playing time against the Gophers. Running back Jordan Marshall is still out with an injury. He’s a player with a lot of potential, but the injury has limited him to just one game so far in 2024.

Another freshman offensive lineman made his debut on the field goal unit. Offensive lineman Jake Guarnera is a 6-foot-4 lineman from Florida who was recruited to play center. It’s nice to see him see some game action this year as he works towards being the center of the future for Michigan.

Defensive backs Mason Curtis and Jo’Ziah Edmond also made their debuts in this one. Curtis mostly played linebacker in high school, but is now a defensive back at Michigan. Edmond was recruited as a cornerback out of high school, where he was the fifth-ranked player from Indiana. Both played on special teams for the Wolverines in the win.

Hogan Hansen is also still getting playing time, but with Colston Loveland returning, he won’t likely have as many opportunities moving forward.

Michigan heads to Washington for its first road game of the 2024 season. While the Huskies are also dealing with some growing pains this season with new head coach Jedd Fisch, it’s not an easy environment to play.