Why Roman Wilson thinks one young receiver will ‘shock a lot of people’ in 2023
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Ronnie Bell has moved to the NFL, so the Michigan football wide receiver program will return in part to 2021, with Cornelius Johnson & Roman Wilson leading. But unlike 2021, there’s a different cast of characters involved behind them.
Fans got a small glimpse of the bumper crop last year, with Tyler Morris and Darrius Clemons — both now entering their second years with the program — getting some late or spot duty in games. Certainly, they’ll be called upon much more this year considering Bell’s departure, as well as Andrel Anthony’s transfer to Oklahoma.
Wilson is working to become more of a leader in Bell’s absence, and there’s one young receiver who has really impressed him this spring: the aforementioned Darrius Clemons.
“When I came in for winter cycle; I’m one of the guys — I’m from Hawaii, so I don’t really go home that often, so I’m always in the building,” Wilson said. “And to see him just like working out by himself, and then we get to the winter cycle, and for him to be as strong as he is in the weight room, it’s pretty shocking. He’s a pretty strong guy. And I think he’s going to shock a lot of people when he gets his opportunities this year.”
Clemons’ emergence is necessary for the passing game to thrive, but some other younger players are stepping up, as well.
Wilson had a lot of praise for the two early enrollees, Fredrick Moore and Semaj Morgan, noting that they aren’t playing like true freshmen in spring practice.
“Fred and Semaj have been a really good addition to our team,” Wilson said. “Being young guys and as far along as they are, I think they’re both really good. Tyler Morris, Darrius, and all the men look great.
“I think the wide receiver room is in pretty good hands. They look good.”
All of this will be on display April 1, when Michigan hosts its annual spring match at The Big House.