ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines wide receivers coach Micah Simon wants his position group to be known for more than catching passes.
He wants opposing defenses to see a physical, dependable unit that can help the Wolverines run the football while also creating explosive plays through the air.
That identity has been emphasized throughout Michigan’s preseason camp as Simon begins his first season with the program.
“We want to continue that,” Simon said. “Michigan, it’s always been known as that blue-collar, tough-nosed team.”
Simon said the philosophy starts with trust.
He and offensive coordinator Jason Beck, whom Simon has known since his college playing days, emphasize a “circle of trust” within the offensive meeting room.
For receivers, that means being dependable, blocking when called upon, and making plays when opportunities come their way.
“It sounds simple, right?” Simon said.
But Simon said blocking is a major part of determining who earns playing time, particularly with Michigan expecting to remain one of the nation’s better rushing teams.
The Wolverines’ perimeter run game requires receivers to block effectively.
In contrast, their responsibilities in the passing game include winning one-on-one matchups, finding space against zone coverage and making sound decisions.
Simon said the third receiver competition remains wide open behind established targets Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan.
Among those competing are freshmen Travis Johnson and Salesi Moa, Jaime Ffrench, Channing Goodwin and Kendrick Bell.
Simon said Goodwin’s return from an absence during the spring has been particularly valuable because of the veteran presence he brings to a young receiver room.
“It’s a strong competition right now for guys to kind of crack that top seven, eight to really push for playing time,” Simon said.
Freshmen pushing for playing time
Two of the youngest players in the room have already made strong impressions.
Simon said Johnson and Moa have made significant progress from the spring through preseason camp, making meaningful playing time as true freshmen a realistic possibility.
“We recruit to play guys as freshmen,” Simon said.
Johnson has stood out in particular because of his speed and athleticism.
Simon said the freshman’s basketball background is evident in the way he tracks and attacks the football in the air.
“He is super athletic,” Simon said.
Simon also pointed to Johnson’s smooth movement as one trait that has translated quickly to football.
The receiver coach said basketball backgrounds have helped several Michigan pass-catchers compete for contested balls, including Johnson and Buchanan.
Buchanan embracing leadership role
Buchanan enters his second season with experience in Michigan’s offense and is taking on a larger leadership role.
Simon said the sophomore has continued to make plays during spring and preseason camp while setting an example for younger receivers.
“He brings that leadership and showing how things should be done,” Simon said.
Buchanan’s maturity has been particularly important in a room filled with young players.
Simon said Buchanan handles his academics, performs well off the field, and remains focused on football.
In the receiver room, Simon said the message is simple: “less drama, more work.”
Marsh’s efficiency stands out
Marsh has also earned praise for creating separation despite not necessarily standing out physically.
Simon described him as a smart, savvy receiver with fluid route-running and exceptional ball skills.
“He’s really smooth,” Simon said.
Marsh’s ability to make difficult catches has been one of the strengths Simon has noticed since arriving at Michigan.
A more flexible passing game
Simon also pushed back against the idea that Michigan’s offense will be defined solely by the running game.
He said the Wolverines will continue to play to their strengths, but the goal is to attack defenses in multiple ways.
Simon pointed to his previous coaching experience as evidence that Beck’s offensive philosophy can support a balanced attack.
“We know how to do both,” Simon said.
The goal in recruiting, Simon said, is to assure receivers that they will be utilized rather than brought into an offense that limits their opportunities.
“We’re not going to bring you in here and not utilize you to your full potential,” Simon said.
Simon said Michigan wants to be able to run the football while also being able to “sling it” when the matchup calls for it.
Receivers buying into physical style
Simon gave his receiver room a grade of roughly a B when asked about its blocking, but he stressed there is plenty of room for improvement.
More importantly, he said the players have embraced the expectation.
Simon said he never wants an opposing defense to watch Michigan film and conclude that the receivers are simply finesse players who run routes and catch passes.
“I want them to also be like, man, we got to strap it up when we play these boys this week,” Simon said.
That mindset has produced what Simon called a “no block, no rock” mentality.
“You got to block to play,” Simon said.
New coach building trust
Simon said one of his biggest challenges upon arriving at Michigan was building relationships with players he did not recruit.
He said the receiver room contained many new faces, making trust especially important.
“I’m being vulnerable and being open to them about who I am as a coach and what I expect from them,” Simon said.
Simon, 29, said his relatively young age can help him connect with players, but he believes the bigger advantage is understanding what they want to accomplish as players and people.
He said he does not want that connection to disappear as he gets older.
“I just hold them accountable to that,” Simon said.
Competition making everyone better
The competition between Michigan’s receivers and defensive backs has also helped prepare the offense.
Simon praised the secondary, mentioning Zeke Berry, Smith Snowden and “Suge” Jyaire Hill for the work they’ve done against the receivers during camp.
He said the defensive backs have provided plenty of difficult reps and that the competition is exactly what the Wolverines need.
The result, Simon said, is an “iron sharpens iron” mentality.
“They might get a pick here and there or lock us up, and I’m upset,” Simon said. “But I keep telling them, ‘Hey, I’ll be your biggest fan on Saturday.’”
For Simon, the ultimate goal is to carry that competitiveness into the season.
Michigan wants to remain physical and tough at the line of scrimmage, but Simon believes the Wolverines also have the personnel and offensive philosophy to expand what they can do through the air.
“Yeah, we can ground the rock,” Simon said. “But we want to be able to sling it as well.”