NICO COLLINS

Former Michigan receiver Nico Collins was amid the best stretch of his NFL career when he suffered a foot injury Dec. 4 against the Cleveland Browns. The 2021 third-round pick of the Houston Texans has missed the past two games because of the injury and now will officially miss the team’s last three as well. The Texans placed Collins on injured reserve Friday, ending his season. 1 receiver the second half of the year and had been targeted at least seven times in his final four games. In three seasons at Michigan, Collins had 78 receptions for 1,388 yards and 13 scores.

It was a memorable week for former University of Michigan offensive players in the NFL. It was the first punt return touchdown of his NFL career, while he also added three catches for 44 yards. It was his second touchdown reception of the season for Collins, who is second on the team with 37 catches for 481 yards this season. Meanwhile, Brady’s game-winning touchdown drive gave Tampa Bay (6-6) some more cushion in the NFC South. He finished 36 of 54 passing for 281 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

The Houston Texans have benched Davis Mills and will start Kyle Allen at quarterback Sunday against the Dolphins.

The Texans have needs everywhere. And while Davis Mills hasn't been great, they should be open to drafting a defensive player with their first draft pick.

Nico Collins “mossing” Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell made one thing official: Collins’ second NFL season is off to a solid start. He was a key factor in the Texans’ 13-6 win over the Jaguars, leading the team in receiving yards for the second straight week. Through five games, Collins leads the Texans in receiving yards with 272, averaging 54.4 yards per game. Although he’s third in that category for the Texans, he’s proving his efficiency, catching more than half of his targets (27). He’s a tough matchup against defensive backs.”Collins showcased a knack for getting open during the Texans’ win Sunday over the Jaguars.

The NFL season is getting closer as teams finalized their 53-man rosters on Tuesday, and the University of Michigan is well-represented across the league. DE Frank Clark, Kansas City ChiefsClark shed some weight in the offseason and gave up drinking after what he called a disappointing 2021 season. OL Mason Cole, Pittsburgh SteelersThe 2018 third-round pick signed with the Steelers this offseason and will compete for playing time at center. WR Nico Collins, Houston TexansThe 2021 third-round pick hauled in 33 passes for 446 yards and a touchdown in 14 games as a rookie. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Despite a dismal 2020 season, Michigan’s football program was well-represented at the 2021 NFL draft. Although the Grand Rapids native played tackle at Michigan, he started 16 games at left guard for the Falcons. In three seasons at Michigan, Collins finished with 78 receptions for 1,388 yards and 13 touchdowns in 29 games. Mason, who played fullback, tight end and defensive tackle in four seasons at Michigan, has not appeared in an NFL game. 2 pick in NFL draftThe defensive back Michigan’s waiting on to break out: ‘He should be a starter’Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Pittsburgh Steelers LB Devin BushThe 2019 first-round pick had four tackles in a 16-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. He finished the season with 70 tackles and two sacks in 14 games. The 2019 first-round pick finished with a career-high 46 tackles and 9 ½ sacks in 2021. Thomas was beat for a touchdown in coverage but made up for it later in the game with his first career interception. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Green Bay Packers OLB Rashan GaryThe 2019 first-round pick is having a breakout season. Dallas Cowboys CB Jourdan LewisLewis, a third-round pick in 2017, recorded five tackles in a 25-22 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Los Angeles Rams CB David LongThe 2019 third-round pick had two tackles in a 20-19 win over the Baltimore Ravens. New England Patriots DE Chase WinovichThe 2019 third-round pick had three tackles in a 50-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

He has 66 tackles, four pass breakups and two sacks in 13 games this season. Lewis also had a tackle and five pass breakups. He has 53 tackles, 12 pass breakups and a career-high three interceptions this year. Los Angeles Rams CB David LongLong, a 2017 third-round pick, recorded two tackles in a 20-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Steelers DL Chris WormleyThe 2017 third-round pick’s career season continued with another strong performance against Tennessee, recording five tackles and a sack.

Brady also broke Drew Brees’ all-time completions record by going 31-of-46 passing for 363 yards and two touchdowns. Steelers DE Taco CharltonThe 2017 first-round pick had a season-high four tackles and a quarterback hit in the loss to Minnesota. Dallas Cowboys CB Jourdan LewisLewis, a 2017 third-round pick, had six tackles, a forced fumble and a recovery in a 27-20 win over the Washington Football Team. Steelers DL Chris WormleyWormley, a 2017 third-round pick, had two tackles and two quarterback hits against the Vikings. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Brady leads the NFL with 30 touchdowns but also has thrown six of his nine interceptions this season in the past four games. Pittsburgh Steelers LB Devin BushThe 2019 first-round pick had four tackles in a 41-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Houston Texans WR Nico CollinsThe rookie third-round pick caught two of five targets for 28 yards in a 21-14 loss to the New York Jets. Cowboys TE Sean McKeonMcKeon, who went undrafted in 2020, caught his first career touchdown pass in the loss to the Raiders. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Here are the notable performances from ex-Michigan players in Week 11 of the NFL season. 10 overall pick in 2019 had four tackles in a 41-37 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The 2017 third-round pick has 35 tackles this season. San Francisco 49ers CB Ambry ThomasThe rookie third-round pick played for the first time since Oct. 3 and had four tackles in a 30-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Pittsburgh Steelers LB Devin BushThe 2019 first-round pick had two tackles and a pass breakup in Monday night’s 29-27 win over the Chicago Bears. He was a first-round pick in 2017. Packers OLB Rashan GaryThe 2019 first-round pick has 4 1/5 sacks this season after recording one against the Chiefs. Dallas Cowboys CB Jourdan LewisThe 2017 third-round pick earned his second straight start and teamed up for a sack in a 30-16 loss to the Denver Broncos. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Pittsburgh Steelers LB Devin BushThe 2019 first-round pick had five tackles in a 15-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. Houston Texans WR Nico CollinsCollins, a rookie third-round pick, caught all four targets for 55 yards in a 38-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Steelers TE Zach GentryThe 2019 fifth-round pick doubled his season total with three catches for 39 yards against the Browns. Steelers DL Chris WormleyThe 2017 third-round pick recorded his first solo sack of the season in the win over Cleveland. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

With six NFL teams on bye in Week 7, several notable former Michigan Wolverines were not in action. Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom BradyAnother week, another strong performance from the 44-year-old. Brady leads the NFL in passing yards (2,275) and touchdowns (21). New England Patriots OLB Josh UcheThe rookie second-round pick recovered a fumble in a 54-13 win over the New York Jets. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Brady has passed for 2,064 yards this season and is second in the NFL with 17 touchdowns passes. Green Bay Packers OLB Rashan GaryThe 2019 first-round pick had four tackles and a quarterback hit in a 24-14 win over the Chicago Bears. Steelers DL Chris WormleyThe 2017 third-round pick had his best game as a Steeler, recording a season-high five tackles, including ½ sack. He also had a quarterback hit and pass breakup. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

The 6-foot-6, 270-pounder had seven tackles and two sacks in seven games last season for the Kansas City Chiefs but was released Aug. 23. Two weeks into the 2019 season, he was released by the Dallas Cowboys and signed with the Miami Dolphins. Charlton had five sacks in 10 games for the Dolphins but was a healthy scratch for the last few games of the season. In 44 career games, the 26-year-old has 74 tackles, 11 sacks, 20 quarterback hits and four forced fumbles. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Minnesota Vikings OL Mason ColeThe 2018 third-round pick only played on special teams in Sunday’s 34-33 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Chiefs DE Michael DannaThe 2020 fifth-round pick played 42% of defensive snaps against the Ravens but did not record any stats. Atlanta Falcons OL Jalen MayfieldThe rookie third-round pick played every offensive snap against the Buccaneers. Browns WR Donovan Peoples-JonesThe second-year receiver had one catch for 14 yards in Sunday’s win over the Texans. Jets safety Jarrod WilsonWilson only played on special teams in Sunday’s loss.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — He’s been gone nearly 18 months, yet Roy Roundtree continues to leave a lasting impression with those still on the Michigan football team. The junior wide receiver still thinks about Roundtree and the “Michigan man” message he imparted during his time as a graduate assistant on staff. “He would always preach to us about being a true Michigan dog,” Johnson told reporters Tuesday afternoon outside Schembechler Hall, as Michigan wraps up preseason camp. That bodes well.”Despite the praise and notoriety that comes with playing a public-facing skill position, Johnson doesn’t seem to let it bother him. I’m pretty sure this upcoming season, he’s gonna prove everybody wrong and show everybody what he’s been doing.”_________________________Michigan College Football Season Kickoff Event: Kickoff the Michigan Football season with MLive’s football insiders Ryan Zuke, Aaron McMann, and Andrew Kahn.

Chris Evans may not have had the college career some expected, but he did enough to warrant interest from an NFL team. The Michigan running back was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, pick No. Evans is the first Michigan running back to be drafted since Mike Hart in 2008. Big Plays are coming with Chris Evans to Cincy! In the NFL, Evans could catch on as a practice-squad running back.

Here's a look at where Michigan football players have been picked in the 2021 NFL draft, and where they're headed in the pros

When Nico Collins arrives in Houston, he’ll be surrounded by a pair of familiar faces from his playing days at Michigan. 89 overall, with the guidance of staff members Pep Hamilton and Ben McDaniels. “I’m so excited to come to the Houston Texans, man,” an emotional, teary-eyed Collins told reporters late Friday. Another former Michigan staffer, Pep Hamilton, will be reintroduced to Collins in Houston. Between Hamilton and McDaniels’ experiences, it was enough for the Texans to confidently draft Collins.

Former Michigan cornerback Ambry Thomas went in the third round (No. 102 overall) of the NFL draft to the San Francisco 49ers on Friday night.

The Houston Texas took the Michigan wideout with the 25th pick in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, pick No. Collins follows defensive end Kwity Paye, a first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts, and offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield (68, Falcons). “(There’s) a lot of great receivers coming out of this draft class,” Collins told reporters in March. “I play big, physical receiver,” Collins said. And that’s what you’re looking for there.”Collins is the highest-drafted Michigan receiver since Devin Funchess was selected in the second round, pick No.

Former Michigan receiver Nico Collins was taken by the Houston Texans in the third round of the NFL draft.

And beginning Thursday (8 p.m., ESPN), the 2021 NFL Draft kicks off in Cleveland, Ohio, with another opportunity to reach the pinnacle of the sport. 31 — The number of NFL draft picks from Michigan since 2016, the first draft after Jim Harbaugh’s debut season as head coach. Mayfield originally opted out of the 2020 season before returning to start two games. And coupled with his decision to opt out of the 2020 season, Collins may take a hit this weekend. The 2021 NFL Draft schedule· Day 1, Round 1: Thursday, 8 p.m.

Michigan’s football team had a rocky 2020 season, but the program could still be well-represented in the upcoming NFL draft. CBS Sports released its latest seven-round mock draft on Thursday and projected seven Wolverines to be selected during the three-day event April 29-May 1. Last year, Michigan had 10 players drafted -- the second-most in program history. 89 overall to Cleveland BrownsThomas took over a full-time starting role in 2019 but sat out the 2020 season. He finished his three-year Michigan career with 92 tackles and 4 ½ sacks, with 66 tackles and four sacks coming in 2019.

ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay has been high on former Michigan receiver Nico Collins for years. Even though Collins sat out the 2020 season, McShay is still intrigued by the 6-foot-4 wideout ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, which takes place April 29-May 1. While Collins wasn’t able to add any game tape in 2020, he did participate in the Senior Bowl in January. McShay did not include Collins in his two-round mock draft released Thursday but said his size and speed could make him a wildcard. I think he’s gonna be a better pro than he was a college player.

A decision to opt out and take a cash advance from his agent cost Nico Collins the opportunity to play at Michigan in 2020. Collins quickly made the decision, privately, to begin preparing for the NFL draft and signed with Rosenhaus Sports, led by high-profile agent Drew Rosenhaus. Fellow teammate and offensive tackle Jalen Mayfield did — after announcing in August plans to declare for the NFL draft. “Because I opted out, I knew that was my only opportunity to do everything.”In three seasons at Michigan, Collins caught 78 passes for 1,388 yards and 22 touchdowns, with most of his production in 2018 and 2019. As it stands currently, Collins is a projected second or third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, populated by another deep (and talented) receiver class.

Newman is hardly alone among the players trying to shake off the rust after long layoffs leading up to Saturday's Senior Bowl for senior NFL prospects. A number of the Senior Bowl players had shortened seasons or none at all because of the coronavirus pandemic. He was the lone quarterback at the Senior Bowl not made available for post-practice media interviews. But I think he’s done a really good job.”AdThere are number of players at the Senior Bowl returning after a long absences from the field. Darby trained in Las Vegas for the Senior Bowl and the now-canceled combine.

MOBILE, Ala. — If Tuesday was any indication, Chris Evans is primed for a big week at the Senior Bowl. After checking in at a shade under 5-foot-11 and 219 pounds, the do-it-all Evans displayed his motor and willingness to finish plays on Tuesday. Evans played four seasons at Michigan, even though it took him five because of academic issues, and showed a level of versatility that made him difficult to defend. #Michigan RB Chris Evans running routes at Senior Bowl practice. While he didn’t make any highlight-reel plays, the ball was rarely thrown his way during 7-on-7s and live team periods, backing up his strong play in coverage.

MOBILE, Ala. — Appearing in an organized, professional football setting for the first time in over a year, Michigan’s Nico Collins and Ambry Thomas flashed slight differences to their physique during Senior Bowl weigh ins this week. Collins’ 7-feet, 9-inch wingspan should also help him stand out among the group of receivers at the Senior Bowl. — Running back Chris Evans, who might be the most intriguing Michigan player at the Senior Bowl this week, came in at 5 feet, 10 7/8 inches and 219 pounds. That’s the biggest among Michigan’s group of players at the Senior Bowl. — Fullback Ben Mason (6-2 6/8 inches, 256 pounds) matched Collins’ 7-foot, 9-inch wingspan, while long snapper Camaron Cheeseman (6-4 3/8, 237 pounds) put on seven pounds from 2019.

Every year, some of the nation’s best college football players converge down south for a series of practices and one final game. This year, the Senior Bowl will include five players from Michigan, a program known for sending players to Mobile, Ala., and to the next level. ET, NFL Network), a game that has shown to be critical in helping college players get drafted — and boost their stock. More: Mike Hart’s contract with Michigan: Years, salary, signing bonusFB/TE Ben Mason· Draft projection: N/AThis one was one was a no-brainer. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comCB Ambry Thomas· Draft projection: Day 3 (Rounds 4-7)Like Collins, Thomas planned on returning to Michigan for his senior season in 2020.

A third player from Michigan has accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl. Can’t wait for the next step https://t.co/q7FY9zafJD — Ben Mason (@benchmason42) December 22, 2020Mason, a senior, appeared in 45 games over his four-year Michigan tenure, twice earning the team’s “toughest player” award. 1 fullback in the 2021 NFL Draft by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper. “This one was a no-brainer,” wrote Jim Nagy, executive director of the Senior Bowl and former NFL scout. “Trevor Lawrence and Ben Mason might be the only indisputable best players at their respective positions in 2021 draft.

Nico Collins decided not to play the 2020 college football season, but he’ll still get a shot to impress NFL scouts before the draft next spring. Collins has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl on Jan. 30, 2021, in Mobile, Ala., a multi-day event that showcases some of the top senior college prospects in the country. As a sophomore in 2018, Collins caught 38 passes for a team-high 632 yards and six touchdowns. But the Big Ten’s decision to postpone fall sports in August convinced Collins to reconsider his decision. "That was heartbreaking for me because I wasn’t sure when the next time (Michigan would play).

It was a news-filled week for Michigan’s football team heading into its 2020 season opener at No. Here are five things we learned this week heading into Saturday’s prime time matchup. “I came back for my senior season,” Collins said on the “The Adam Schefter Podcast.” "Everything was going smooth until this virus outbreak. We’re going to need the entire football team. Get Wolverine Confidential texts straight to your phone from our Michigan football writers.

Milton’s arm strength and size make him a unique talent, one who could certainly flip the fortunes of Michigan’s offense. He’s going to have to be selective when and where he’s throwing the football. He has big-play potential, and I think that’s what excites Michigan football fans the most. But I do think there’s something to getting Milton comfortable early on. For subscribers: Projecting Michigan football’s depth chart vs. Minnesota, 2.0Q: Do you think Michigan will play 9 games this year?

Had the Big Ten not initially canceled the 2020 football season in August, wide receiver Nico Collins would still be with the Michigan football team. Instead, he will watch the Wolverines' season opener at Minnesota (7:30 p.m., ABC) on Saturday from Pensacola, Florida, where he is training for the 2021 NFL Draft. Collins, Michigan’s second-leading receiver in 2019, opted out of the 2020 season last month and made his first public comments about his decision Tuesday during an appearance on “The Adam Schefter Podcast.”“I came back for my senior season,” Collins said. By the time reports began to surface last month about the Big Ten planning to reinstate the season, Collins said he already had made up his mind. I just made the right decision.

Michigan’s football team isn’t ready to close the door on a potential return, but receiver Nico Collins won’t be suiting up this week for the Wolverines. “But I know he’s not currently on the team.”Michigan recently updated its roster to reflect changes, including Collins' decision not to play in 2020. QB update: Joe Milton in line to start Michigan’s opener at MinnesotaCollins has not granted any public interviews since late-December, before Michigan played Alabama in the Citrus Bowl, and never returned messages from MLive. “We’ve done nothing but support him 100 percent and obviously the same we support him, we support all of our players here. If Collins was to change his mind and return, he would likely need approval from the NCAA first.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football’s star wide receiver, Nico Collins, is “not currently on the team,” head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed Monday. MORE: 12 takeaways from Jim Harbaugh’s press conference“Nico is not participating in football right now, and I don’t have a crystal ball as to if his mind would change or not, but he’s not currently on the team,” Harbaugh said. Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins at the 2018 Outback Bowl between Michigan and South Carolina on Jan. 1, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. (Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)In 2019, Collins 37 passes for 729 yards and seven touchdowns. LATEST: Michigan vs. Michigan State will kick off at noon on HalloweenCollins, at 6-foot-4, was an excellent compliment to Michigan’s growing crop of smaller, faster receivers.

TRANSFER NEWS: Charles Thomas enters transfer portal as future linebacker room gets crowded“They have been through a lot,” Harbaugh said. I feel really good about them in terms of competitiveness, and oneness -- probably the most important thing. “A lot of really good leaders, a lot of guys who are really invested and a lot of guys who really like each other,” Harbaugh said. “(Nordin)'s in a real competitive battle with (Jake) Moody, who’s also doing a really good job, so it’s still playing out,” Harbaugh said. I feel the talent is really good, and I think they’ll all eventually see action, but those are really tight battles."

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan has been good, not great, under coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye said the team is under the radar and has taken a lot of punches from people. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has said more than once that he wants Harbaugh to lead the Wolverines until he chooses to retire from coaching. Heading into his sixth season, though, Harbaugh has just two years left on a deal that pays him about $7 million per season. The Wolverines host rival Michigan State and its new coach, Mel Tucker, in their second game.

With it becoming less likely senior cornerback Ambry Thomas and senior receiver Nico Collins play for Michigan this season, the depth at both those positions would take a big hit. So who would be in line for a larger role if Thomas and Collins both leave for the NFL? MLive’s Ryan Zuke, Andrew Kahn and Aaron McMann discuss on this week’s episode of the Wolverine Confidential podcast. Get Wolverine Confidential texts straight to your phone from our Michigan football writers. 23Get ready to see U-M’s speedy freshmen receivers in 2020How Michigan’s offensive line is guarding against COVID-19 spread

Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis wasn’t hesitant to play his trio of true freshmen receivers in 2019, even with an experienced group around them. “I think the level they’re at right now as freshmen is probably as high as any freshmen that I’ve ever been around. They’re going to play for us. They’re going to play a lot of football for Michigan and they’re gonna make some plays for us. They’re going to be real good for us.”Get Wolverine Confidential texts straight to your phone from our Michigan football writers.

With the football season just a month away, we assess Michigan’s offense following a conversation with offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. We start with quarterback: Will Joe Milton or Cade McNamara get the start at Minnesota on Oct. 24? We also discuss the wide receivers (10:08), including Nico Collins. We also talk about the importance of next week’s full pad practices and assess the stable of running backs (16:20). Stories mentioned in episode:Don’t rule Cade McNamara out of Michigan’s QB race just yetThe mystery surrounding Michigan WR Nico CollinsWith or without Nico Collins, Michigan’s Josh Gattis loves his receiver roomWolverine recruiting report: How dead period could affect MichiganWhat Michigan is getting in new tight end commit Marlin Klein

Michigan made its first public acknowledgement of quarterback Dylan McCaffrey’s planned departure on Wednesday, with its chief play caller wishing him well. “We support all of our players, and we support whatever decision they make,” Gattis said. “(I’m) obviously focusing on the guys we have on our roster, but we love and support Dylan. McCaffrey, a senior who redshirted his freshman season in 2017, has two years of eligibility remaining. “Just the same with Dylan or Nico, or whatever it may be, we fully support (them),” Gattis said.

When Josh Gattis was hired as Michigan’s offensive coordinator before the 2019 season, he inherited an experienced receiver room led by Nico Collins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tarik Black. At 6-foot-3, Johnson would likely step in into Collins' role as an outside deep threat if he doesn’t return. “I’m really excited about Mikey and CJ (Cornelius),” said Gattis, who previously coached at Penn State and Alabama. Both of them are blessed with a tremendous skill set.”Jackson’s speed and athleticism could be a sparkplug for Michigan’s offense. Now this offseason is about how we can make him a complete receiver, which he’s really accepted the role and accepted the responsibilities.

Nico Collins declared in January that he had “unfinished business” to take care of in college, paving the way for his return to Michigan in 2020. “Nico was here earlier on, when we were doing things,” Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis told reporters on Wednesday. “Nico’s got a bright future in football,” Gattis, who also serves as Michigan’s receivers coach, said. "He’s going to play football for a very long time moving forward here. “It’s really uncertain times right now.”Even if Collins wanted to return to Michigan to play in 2020, it’s unclear whether he’d be allowed to.

Wide receiver attritionIt looks like the Wolverines will be without three of their top four wide receivers from a year ago. That trio, which highlighted the team’s top-five 2017 recruiting class, combined for 96 catches, 1,490 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns last season. So what would the receiving corps look like if Collins isn’t in the picture? NewcomersNo matter who comes and goes, Michigan is always going to bring in new playmakers at the wide receiver position. They don’t all need to be better than Collins, Peoples-Jones and Black.

Michigan center Cesar Ruiz says hes forgoing his senior season and entering the NFL draft. Ruiz announced his intentions in a statement on social media Friday. Since the day I touched a football I knew I wanted to play in the National Football League, Ruiz said. Its always been my dream, and now I am ready to make my dream a reality.Michigan wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones is skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins is staying in school for his senior season.

Shea Patterson needed almost two full seasons to find his groove at Michigan. Patterson threw for 366 yards and five touchdowns, leading the 12th-ranked Wolverines to their fourth straight victory 39-14 over Indiana on Saturday. Theyve got size and a lot of speed to go along with that, Indiana coach Tom Allen said. Collins tacked on the final score on a 19-yard catch with 1:39 left in the third to make it 39-14. Indiana: Makes the short trip to rival Purdue with visions of winning back the Old Oaken Bucket for the first time in three years.

Peoples-Jones dropped the first two passes thrown his direction. Collins dropped a pass on a crossing route that would have been a big play. But his receivers dropped the ball. The numbers are fine considering the inconsistency of the offense, but these receivers are supposed to be extraordinary. After their worst game as a unit, they've got half a season to live up to the hype.

Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins (4) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Shea Patterson (2) during the second quarter of an NCAA football game against Middle Tennessee in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Sure, the offense was being worked in all offseason, but it wasn't truly tested until the first game against Middle Tennessee State. While breaking in a new offense, Michigan was simultaneously preparing for two polar opposite offenses in the first two weeks. Army brought a triple-option attack into Ann Arbor just a week later and only threw four passes. Michigan had been preparing for that one specific game since the spring, all while breaking in a new offense.

Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines passes the ball against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Michigan Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)We won't learn anything the next two weeks as Michigan prepares for Wisconsin. While breaking in a new offense, Michigan was simultaneously preparing for two polar opposite offenses in the first two weeks. Army brought a triple-option attack into Ann Arbor just a week later and only threw four passes. Michigan had been preparing for that one specific game since the spring, all while breaking in a new offense.

(AP Photo/Tony Ding)ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Michigan football team is looking to head into the bye week undefeated this weekend as it hosts an upset-minded Army team in Ann Arbor. Any lingering upset hopes rest on the shoulders of the triple-option offense, which will target the weakness of Michigan's defense: the interior defensive line. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh argues a call during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson (2) runs past Middle Tennessee linebacker Chris Melton (32) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. The Wolverines will get an early bye week after the Army game to prepare for the start of conference play.

Sure, Michigan beat Middle Tennessee State pretty handily, outgained the Blue Raiders by 150 yards and was never in danger of losing the game. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)In the end, Middle Tennessee scored just three touchdowns -- two after Michigan turnovers and one against the second-string defense. Middle Tennessee StateMichigan didn't look as impressive as the likes of Penn State and Maryland, both of which scored 79 points. Middle Tennessee has finished with a winning record four years in a row. Michigan State managed just 303 total yards against what was a porous Tulsa defense last year.

That means Michigan's best player could come from just about anywhere. Last season, Devin Bush, Chase Winovich and David Long were clearly among the team's best players. There's no guarantee Runyan will even be the best player on Michigan's veteran offensive line, but whoever is will be in consideration for the team's best player. By the end of the year, it wouldn't be a surprise if he's one of the team's best defenders. DE Aidan HutchinsonLast season: 15 tackles, 1.5 tackles for lossIf Paye doesn't end up as Michigan's best edge rusher, it might be Aidan Hutchinson.

(Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Michigan football team is expected to have a much more dangerous offense this season under Josh Gattis, and depth at wide receiver is one of its greatest weapons. Donovan Peoples-Jones catches a touchdown against SMU on Sept. 15, 2018, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Of his six touchdown catches, three came against rivals Ohio State and Michigan State. Bell is sandwiched between the three talented juniors and three incoming freshmen, but he won't be forgotten in Gattis' offense, which will take advantage of his speed and elusiveness. True freshmenJim Harbaugh landed a trio of talented pass catchers, though they come with much less fanfare that Peoples-Jones, Collins and Black.

Here's a prediction of what the stats could look like for Michigan's top five wide receivers this season. 1 wide receiver in the 2017 recruiting class, and while he's been a good weapon for the Wolverines, he hasn't been a superstar. Tarik Black2019 stats: Four catches for 35 yardsMichigan football wide receiver Tarik Black makes a catch against Cincinnati (Joe Robbins/Getty Images). 595 player overallMichigan wide receiver Mike Sainristil during his recruiting process (Photo: Mike Sainristil/@MikeSainristil)It feels risky predicting a true freshman to be the No. As an early enrollee, Sainristil has an advantage over a pair of four-star wide receiver commits, Giles Jackson and Cornelius Johnson.