ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- While Michigan football had a standout true freshman wide receiver in Andrew Marsh a year ago, JJ Buchanan was breaking out at Utah. Yes, Marsh ended up leading all Wolverines receivers while Buchanan placed third, but early returns in fall camp are that Buchanan is taking a big step forward. On the heels of a solid first year, where he switched from tight end to receiver somewhere around Week 3, Buchanan had 26 catches for 427 yards and five touchdowns. And from the looks of it, he's taking things a step further in fall camp, challenging to be potentially the top target for the maize and blue. His position coach, Micah Simon, says that a lot of what happened last year has helped propel him this year, given his familiarity with Kyle Whittingham, Jason Beck, and Simon himself. "One, just brings a familiarity with the offense, obviously," Simon said. "Being in it last year. And then he just brings a strong presence. He's really worked on his leadership, which is one of the things I challenged him with is obviously, he's a true sophomore. He's 19 years old. But he played a bunch of snaps last year, and he has that experience. And he's made a lot of plays thus far in spring and camp right now where guys look up to him. So just bringing that leadership and showing how things should be done. "And in the receiver room, we talk about less drama, more work. And that's exactly who that kid is. I mean, you never have to worry about anything with him. He's just all ball. He takes care of his classes. He's great off the field. And that's -- obviously, he's a good player. But that's what else he brings to the room, which is awesome."
Whittingham had said of Buchanan that he's borderline unguardable in fall camp, and it appears he's catching just about everything in sight. Simon concurs, noting that if they have a veritable 50-50 ball threat, it would likely be Buchanan -- or even true freshman Travis Johnson -- who would be that type of player for the Wolverines. "JJ is the first one that comes to mind," Simon said of 50-50 ball pass catchers. "He has that same basketball background in high school. And that was his knack last year at the other place. So he stands out in that area. But Travis stands out in that area as well. You know, these basketball guys." Fans will get the opportunity to see Buchanan in action on September 5 when Michigan football hosts Western Michigan at The Big House. This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Why JJ Buchanan is turning heads at Michigan football fall camp