By Christopher Breiler Sports Illustrated Michigan Wolverines news
Once again, it was a total team effort for the Michigan Wolverines in 2023 – and the result was another perfect 13-0 regular season record with a third straight Big Ten Championship. Earlier this season, coach Jim Harbaugh coined the term “we-fense” to describe the way his guys play unselfish football, prioritizing team success over individual accolades.
As a result, there is no shortage of Wolverines who have had a major impact on Michigan’s success this season.
On both offense and defense, the depth of this roster has allowed Harbaugh to build a deep rotation with guys more than capable of making big plays.With that said, here are the guys who statistically led the way for Michigan during the regular season.
JJ McCarthy, QB Christopher Breiler Photo: Christopher Breiler Although he didn’t post eye-popping numbers in 2023, the junior quarterback was once again extremely effective through the air.
In fact, McCarthy ranks No. 2 nationally in completion percentage at .742 and No. 1 in the Big Ten Conference in efficiency (170.3).
He’s also thrown 19 touchdowns this season (good for 4th in the conference) against just four interceptions.
McCarthy has arguably been the best quarterback in the conference this season, which is why he was recently voted first-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten Quarterback of the Year by coaches and media .
Blake Corum, Christopher Breiler Christopher BreilerLeads Michigan in: attempts (218), rushing yards (1,028), rushing touchdowns (24)Once again, Blake Corum was one of the best running backs in the Big Ten this season.
He is currently No. 2 in the conference with 1,028 rushing yards, and his 24 rushing touchdowns (a new single-season record for the Wolverines) lead the nation. What’s even more impressive is that Corum is the only FBS player to score a touchdown in every game in the 2023 season.
The two-time Big Ten running back of the year is just one point away from passing former UM running back Anthony “A-Train” Thomas and tying for first place all-time for career rushing touchdowns.Cornelius Johnson, WR Christopher Breiler Christopher Breiler Leads Michigan in: receiving yards (662), receiving touchdowns (11)Roman Wilson has had a strong start to 2023 for the Wolverines.
At one point, the senior led all receivers nationally in touchdowns and looked like he could be headed for a record-setting season at Michigan.
Wilson’s production has cooled a bit lately, allowing 73 yards and a touchdown on five receptions in his last four games. However, that lack of production is more a result of Michigan’s offensive style of play than anything Wilson does (or doesn’t do).
After the win over Ohio State, Wilson indicated he was still undecided about a potential NFL pick after this season. Considering all the problems he can cause for a secondary opponent, I’m sure all Michigan fans would be happy to see No. 1 spend another season in Ann Arbor.
Junior Colson, L.B Christopher Breiler Photo: Christopher BreilerLeads Michigan in: forced fumbles (3)Mike Barrett now has one more football game than any other Wolverine in program history.
The veteran linebacker is second on the team in tackles (52) and leads the Wolverines in forced fumbles (3).
A two-way player in high school, Barrett’s athleticism allowed him to become a versatile defender at the collegiate level, capable of causing big problems for opposing offenses.
Christopher Breiler Photo: Christopher Breiler Leads Michigan in: Sacks (6.5), tackles for loss (8.0) Jaylen Harrell was expected to take a big step forward as a senior, and that’s exactly what he did.
The 6-4, 242-pound edge rusher has hit the quarterback more than any other Wolverine this season and leads the team in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (8.0).
Harrell was also responsible for setting up the hit on Buckeye QB Kyle McCord, which ultimately led to a bad throw and interception by Rod Moore to seal the game.
His consistent play during the 2023 season earned him an honorable mention All-Big Ten defensive team from the coaches and media.
Mike Sainristil, DBLeads Michigan in: Interceptions (5), Pick Sixes (2), Pass Breakups (6)What can we say about Mike Sainristil that hasn’t already been said? The former wide receiver turned defensive star (and team captain) has developed a habit of always being in the right place at the right time.
That’s why he currently leads the Wolverines in steals (6) and has been responsible for two pick-six plays. He is also tied with Jaylen Harrell for second on the team in forced fumbles (2). Copyright ABG-SI LLC.
