The Michigan Wolverines offense is working its way through an offensive identity build as it moves into the third week of the season. However, one of the concerns that has risen from the start of the season is the lack of a bona fide, consistent playmaker.
Michigan opted to go after depth in the transfer portal in CJ Charleston and Amorion Walker instead of a bigger-name, more proven option at this level. Wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy discussed their approach to roster building in that area.
“I mean, it’s something that was discussed,” Bellamy told the media on Wednesday. “We’re not like other schools where we’re just chasing people. I think the big thing for us is we do like what we have in our room. We added some pieces in there. Now it’s time for the guys to—including myself—we all got to rise. The onus has been on that, really challenging everyone in each room to elevate their game, play with more details. Once that starts happening, I think you’ll see more production. I think that’ll kind of answer itself. Obviously losing guys like Roman [Wilson] and Cornelius [Johnson] played a lot of football here at Michigan. The young guys, now’s their time. Now’s the time for them to show that they can play at this level.”
Charleston made an impact last week on a 22-yard fly from quarterback Davis Warren and appears to have solidified himself as a contributor. Michigan seems to have no issue throwing him out there when it needs a veteran.
“He’s ready to roll,” Bellamy said. “He’s the most experienced guy in our room, coming from Youngstown State, and a guy that had a ton of experience. He’s played against Big Ten schools before. He’s a guy that we’re asserting more and more. He’s super sharp, smart. You can play him in multiple positions. He’s definitely a veteran that you can rely on.”
Walker’s re-addition to the Michigan offense this season helped with depth, but he is still a lottery ticket for the Wolverines. He switched from wide receiver to cornerback last season, then transferred to Ole Miss and back to Ann Arbor to switch back to wideout.
For him, the development clock has seemingly started over.
“Although he was on offense his freshman year, we changed some things,” Bellamy said. “So just that hurdle, that’s kind of been the biggest hurdle now is kind of just getting the consistency there. Super talented guy, super talented player. He’s getting more and more each and every day. He’s getting more and more comfortable acclimating himself back into the receiver room. Hopefully, we’ll be ready to roll with A-Walk. He’s talented, and I love him. He’s spending a lot of time working on his craft to make sure he gets on the field more.”
