This spring, the Michigan Wolverines are in search of their next starting quarterback, aiming to maintain the championship-winning standard associated with the maize and blue.
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Among the contenders garnering significant attention are Alex Orji and Jayden Denegal. While Orji’s potential contributions have been previously discussed, the spotlight now turns to Denegal, the redshirt sophomore who has caught the eye of the new offensive coordinator early in the spring season.
Hailing from Apple Valley, California, Denegal arrived alongside Orji in the 2022 recruiting class. While Orji was recognized for his dual-threat capabilities, Denegal has always been identified as more of a traditional pocket passer.
He boasted impressive high school statistics, amassing over 4,600 passing yards and 69 touchdowns, with a senior season completion rate of 69.1%. These achievements earned him a three-star ranking by 247Sports, placing him as the 19th quarterback in his class.
Following a redshirt year, Denegal made a brief appearance in the 2022 victory over UConn, before gaining more game time in 2023. However, his significant opportunity didn’t arrive until Michigan’s win over Nebraska, where he showcased his skills by orchestrating a scoring drive, culminating in his first career touchdown pass.
Denegal concluded the season with promising stats, completing 4 out of 5 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing 10 rushing yards on four carries.
While Orji is renowned for his athleticism, Denegal has become a focal point in Ann Arbor, earning praise from the new offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, Kirk Campbell, for his remarkable improvement and potential.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, Denegal possesses the ideal physical attributes for a quarterback, complemented by his ability to incorporate running elements into his game. While not as dynamic as some predecessors, Denegal presents a formidable threat on the ground.
Despite Orji’s prowess in running the ball, Denegal is noted for his accuracy, identified by Sherrone Moore as a taller, more pocket-oriented passer.
However, areas of improvement remain, particularly in footwork and decision-making under pressure, crucial for navigating the challenges posed by top collegiate defenses.
The ongoing spring practices, culminating in the spring game on April 20th, will provide further insight into the evolving quarterback competition and Denegal’s quest to secure the starting role.
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