Joel Klatt Names Three 'Standouts' From Michigan Wolverines Spring Game

Fox college football analyst Joel Klatt reported from the sideline of this second nationally televised Spring Game on Saturday when the Michigan Wolverines returned to the Big House for the first time since defeating arch-rivals Ohio State in November. This time, Sherrone Moore is the official head coach, former quarterback J.J. McCarthy is heading to the NFL Draft, and Michigan’s defense aims to remain among the best in the country.

Klatt spent the entire contest up close and personal with the Michigan players and named three ‘standout’ players that impressed him on Saturday. Klatt approached these selections as players you might not know right now, but you likely will by the time the season rolls around.

TJ Guy- Edge rusher:

Purdue Boilermakers running back Devin Mockobee (45) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Michael Barrett (23) and defensive end TJ Guy (42) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

TJ Guy earned playing time in Michigan’s crowded outside linebacker room that flashed experience up and down the depth chart. With the departure of Braiden McGregor and Jaylen Harrell, there will be more snaps for Guy even though he’s still expected to play within a rotational system.

“TJ Guy in rotation is going to be important. Now, is he going to be asked to be in a star leading role, get ten sacks? No, but if he’s a guy who can have production, can be on the field in critical moments against big opponents, that’s going to help them be a better defense overall,” Klatt said on Tuesday’s episode of The Joel Klatt Show.

Zeke Berry- Nickelback:

Michigan Wolverines defensive back Zeke Berry (10) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It’s going to be tough to replace nickelback Mike Sainristil but the Wolverines might have it in converted safety Zeke Berry. Klatt said it’s easy to envision Berry taking over that nickel role after the way he flew around the field during the Spring Game.

“Zeke Berry made a lot of plays on that defense on Saturday and he’s a guy they’ll be looking to to really be productive next year,” he said.

Marlin Klein- Tight end:

Michigan Wolverines tight end Marlin Klein (17) catches the ball in warm ups before the game against the UNLV Rebels at Michigan Stadium. David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Everyone knows about one of the best tight ends in college football ahead of next season Colston Loveland, but the Wolverines typically have multiple effective tight end options. Klatt the German international Marlin Klein could be a solid No. 2 tight end option particularly due to his unusual speed.

“Marlin Klein is a guy who played a lot of soccer in his youth and is fairly new to football so, again, he’s perfect for this development structure that Michigan has. He grew up in Germany and he’s fast. He had four catches on Saturday. Didn’t really get out, but they say he might be one of the fastest players on the team,” Klatt said. “If you could flex out Colston Loveland and a guy that can run 4.4-4.35 in a tight end body like Marlin Klein, that’s dangerous.”