Michigan football: 5 Wolverines poised for breakout seasons in 2020

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 30: Giles Jackson #15 looks to run back a kickoff during the second half of a college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. The Ohio State Buckeyes won the game 56-27 over the Michigan Wolverines. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /

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Michigan football (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Michigan football breakout candidate No. 3: Nick Eubanks, TE

Whether it was Jake Butt or a litany of others, one position where the Wolverines have consistently produced in recent years is with their tight ends. And after seeing an increased role over every season in the past three years in Ann Arbor, it could be time for Nick Eubanks to firmly establish himself as the next player in that line.

At 6-foot-5, 256 pounds, you know that Eubanks has the ability to be a physically imposing force. He’s progressed as a blocker throughout his college career and should be a hefty contributor when it comes to opening up holes in the rushing attack. However, where he could make big strides is in terms of his ability as a pass-catcher after flashing some really nice potential in the 2019 season.

Over seven games in his first two seasons on the field, Eubanks had 10 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown, showing a little bit of his talent. However, the big-bodied pass-catcher had a nice season last year, even amidst a crowded group at wide receiver. Eubanks finished the campaign with 25 receptions for 243 yards and four touchdowns.

Entering the 2020 season, though, Eubanks has the opportunity to present himself as a matchup nightmare. The big tight end can rack up a ton of the targets vacated by big-time departures at wide receiver and be a safety-valve for either McCaffrey or Milton. In any case, expect him to top at least 40 receptions this year and firmly entrench himself as one of college football’s best tight ends.

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