College Football Network recently released their top 100 college football players for the 2024 season, with six Michigan Wolverines players receiving national attention, including two in the top 10.
Which standouts from Ann Arbor were singled out for significant praise ahead of the 2024 college football campaign? Let’s find out!
Which Michigan Players Were Included in the CFN Top 100 College Football Players?
As the only school in FBS with a pair of top 10 players in the rankings, Michigan is primed to remain on the national stage after winning its first college football national championship in 26 seasons.
If the Wolverines are to realize their hopes of joining Georgia (2021-22) as the only repeat champions in the College Football Playoff era, Michigan must do so without 13 players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, the most of any team, and a new program record.
Featuring a pair of top 50 players on the defensive line, Michigan has many pieces in place to be just as good as the unit that allowed an FBS-best 10.4 points per game in 2023.
Here’s what CFN College Football Analyst James Fragoza had to say about Michigan’s best players:
Mason Graham, DT (3rd)
With Kenneth Grant occupying space next to him, Mason Graham often benefits from more 1-on-1s — and he takes advantage. He moves like a man 20 pounds lighter but possesses the heavy hands to club offensive linemen and jolt them backward. His lateral quickness and first-step explosion make him a nightmare to handle against the run.
Will Johnson, CB (8th)
Will Johnson could’ve started in the NFL last season — that’s how good he is. At 6’2″ and 202 pounds, he has all the physical tools to be a shutdown corner, not to mention his easy-to-see intangibles: competitiveness, patience, and high football IQ to recognize route concepts.
Colston Loveland, TE (40th)
Colston Loveland was J.J. McCarthy’s safety net, as the first-round pick often looked the TE’s way on key downs. Tight ends rarely reach their potential at the collegiate level, but Michigan knows how to use their height/weight/speed threat, often lining him up in the slot and allowing him to devour smaller slot defenders and slower linebackers.
Kenneth Grant, DT (45th)
At 6’3″ and nearly 340 pounds, Kenneth Grant is a grizzly bear rushing the passer. He won’t win at an elite rate, but when he does, QBs feel it. His sheer size and knockback power also allow him to plug multiple gaps against the run, and he fits right at home at nose tackle vs. smaller centers.
Full List of Michigan Players Included in the CFN Top 100 College Football Players
- Mason Graham, DT (3rd)
- Will Johnson, CB (8th)
- Colston Loveland, TE (40th)
- Kenneth Grant, DT (45th)
- Jaishawn Barham, LB (81st)
- Donovan Edwards, RB (97th)
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