The coaching staff at Michigan has been taking a cautious approach to managing the ongoing battles within the offensive line. The focus has particularly been on the tackle positions, where two new transfers have entered the scene with impressive track records and credentials.
LaDarius Henderson, formerly with Arizona State, and Myles Hinton, from Stanford, have both showcased their abilities during practice. However, only one tackle, Karsen Barnhart, has managed to earn the commendation of head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Barnhart, a graduate student measuring 6-foot-5 and weighing 316 pounds, expressed his approach modestly, stating, “I’m just sticking to my playing style. Not much has changed, except for the fact that I’m working diligently every day to improve myself and contribute to the team’s success.”
Barnhart is no stranger to playing time on Michigan’s offensive line, as he has participated in 28 games since his freshman year in 2019. Of those, he has started 15 games, with eight at right tackle, five at left tackle, and two at left guard.
Last season, he was referred to as Michigan’s “sixth starter,” stepping in as required and starting the final eight games at right tackle. In the current season’s training camp, most of Barnhart’s efforts have been focused on the left tackle position, where he is competing for a starting role against Henderson.
Barnhart expressed familiarity with the competitive atmosphere, noting, “It all feels natural. I’m glad our group has this healthy competition, and we have more than ten potential starters. Our depth is impressive. History shows that the initial starting five aren’t always the same in Games 12 or 13.”
Barnhart attributes his growth and performance to the challenge presented by Henderson, who started his career as a tackle at Arizona State before moving to the guard position. Additionally, Myles Hinton has posed a strong competition for the right tackle position, giving Trente Jones a run for his money.
Harbaugh recently praised Barnhart for his exceptional performance during camp, describing it as the “best camp so far.” As Michigan approaches the final week of camp before the season opener on September 2 against East Carolina, Barnhart emphasized the mutual motivation within the competition, stating, “We both want to be on the field, which fuels our drive.
Simultaneously, we use each other’s insights to improve. If one of us is faltering, the other steps in to provide guidance. It’s a symbiotic relationship.”
Alongside the battles at the tackle spots, there’s also an ongoing contest for the center position. Drake Nugent, another transfer from Stanford, is challenging Greg Crippen for the starting role.
Both Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore have indicated that this positional competition might extend into the initial games, resulting in varying starting lineups.
Barnhart has expressed his willingness to adapt to this situation, acknowledging, “I’m content with whatever approach we take. If I have to step back and support a teammate who’s performing better, I’m fully committed to that role. I hope for the same camaraderie in return.”
