2019 Michigan Football Season Preview: Five Offensive Breakout Candidates

The 2019 Michigan football season camp has kicked off and the players have gone into the “submarine”. With camp here and the season right around the corner, here are some offensive names to watch throughout camp that are candidates to breakout in Josh Gattis’ new up-tempo offense:

1. RB Zach Charbonnet

BOBBY CURTIS/Acorn Newspapers
Photo Credit: BOBBY CURTIS/Acorn Newspapers

Yup, the true freshmen is my top pick. He has star written all over him and with the top two running backs gone from last season, the opening is there. He’s been getting rave reviews from offseason conditioning and though Christian Turner and Tru Wilson will be tough competition and will get their reps, I could see Charbonnet not only getting the majority of the touches but putting up big numbers and becoming a known name in the college football world early on in the season.

2. WR Mike Sainristil

Photo Credit: Patrick Barron/MGoBlog

The true freshmen that got the most on the field noise during spring ball may be the favorite to start at slot receiver on August 31st. He’ll have to fight off Ronnie Bell but the electric playmaker has shown to be a perfect fit for the Josh Gattis offense. I won’t be surprised to see him become a safety valve for Shea Patterson immediately and a homerun threat throughout the season.

3. RT Jalen Mayfield

Photo Credit: Kirthmon F. Dozier/Detroit Free Press

The offensive line will be the strongest Michigan has had in years but not every position is locked up just yet. There is a big competition at right tackle between Mayfield and Andrew Stueber. Stueber has the experience but Mayfield has had impressive offseason gains and looks to have a higher ceiling. Both will get playing time but I see the redshirt freshmen locking down the spot by Big Ten play, and becoming a standout on a top-flight line.

4. RB Christian Turner

Photo Credit: Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Running back will be the main position battle that everyone will be watching throughout camp. Karan Higdon and Chris Evans are gone and Tru Wilson is the leading returning rusher (364 yards on 62 carries). While Wilson is going to be a main component of the offense, Turner has been getting all the hype since last bowl practice. He’s built to carry the load and flashed that talent in the bowl game. Safe money is on him being the #1 guy against Middle Tennessee State. But will he be able to hold off the #1 guy on this list? Either way, I think there’s room for both to have big seasons.

5. TE Erick All

Photo Credit: Erick All/Twitter
Photo Credit: Erick All/Twitter

Not the most heralded addition to the 2019 class but the early enrollee made plays throughout camp and is making some more noise this summer. Sean McKeon and Nick Eubanks will get the majority of the time but the #3 spot looks up for grabs. Mustapha Muhammad is another solid choice for a breakout player this season and Luke Schoonmaker has the skill set to be a problem in the passing game. But the true freshmen will get his shot. He’s a guy I see making some big plays in the passing game when given the opportunity with the second-team offense.

Other options: OG Nolan Rumler, WR Cornelius Johnson, TE Mustapha Muhammad, OG Chuck Filiaga, RB Hassan Haskins, WR Giles Jackson

Who are your offensive breakout candidates for the 2019 Michigan football season? Let us know in the comment section below!

Photo Credit: Patrick Barron/MGoBlog

Garrett Fishaw