REPORT:Michigan lineman elaborates on why he believes the Wolverines will maintain their strength

Michigan football is seeing all six of its starting offensive linemen from the 2023 season move on to the NFL. However, both players and coaches have emphasized that this transition should not lead to a drop in performance for the program.

Michigan football will see all six of its starting offensive linemen from the 2023 season move on to the NFL. However, both players and coaches have emphasized that this transition should not lead to a drop in performance for the program. Trente Jones, who played a crucial role during U-M’s national championship run last season, expressed confidence during Michigan’s Pro Day that the offensive line will maintain its high level of play, if not improve, thanks to a combination of coaching and personnel. Jones, a part of previous award-winning lines, believes the Wolverines are poised for continued success in the trenches this upcoming season.

Trente Jones supported his assertion by praising Grant Newsome, Michigan’s new offensive line coach. Newsome, who played offensive line at Michigan and has been part of the coaching staff since 2018, is highly regarded by Jones for his football acumen and dedication. Jones described Newsome as incredibly knowledgeable about the game, emphasizing his attention to detail and commitment to ensuring things are done correctly. Despite Newsome’s seriousness about the game, Jones noted that he maintains a humble and approachable demeanor.

Regarding personnel, Jones mentioned that Michigan has several additional players who could have been starters in the 2023 season, indicating depth and talent within the team’s offensive line group.

Michigan’s super jumbo formation, which involved 10 offensive linemen plus a running back, was an idea that the linemen had before the 2023 season. They hoped then-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore would implement it, envisioning scenarios where they could snap the ball to Blake Corum or Donovan Edwards and utilize multiple gaps for running plays. However, despite regularly lining up in jumbo formations during games, Michigan never executed that specific play.

Trente Jones expressed disappointment that the play never materialized but gave a hint about how it might have looked. He mentioned that if they had run it, Orji would have been at quarterback, with five offensive linemen, himself, Myles, and Gio on the field. While having 10 linemen would not have been legal, Jones humorously noted the potential danger of having no running back in the formation.

Looking ahead, Jones mentioned that they could still utilize a similar formation this year, depending on who fills the roles of the eighth and ninth players. He emphasized that Michigan has a deep roster with seven players capable of performing well in such formations.