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Pete ThamelGAME
of Michigan Luke Schoonmakerone of the top tight finishes in college football, told ESPN that he’s leaving the school to announce his participation in the 2023 NFL draft.
Schoonmaker is a fifth-year senior with one qualifying year remaining. Multiple NFL scouts told ESPN that he is expected to be the second-round pick, as his ability has a dramatic impact on both the running game and acting as a tie. threatening to catch the pass makes him attractive to NFL teams.
“Coach (Jim) Harbaugh and a lot of offensive coaches gave me confidence that I was ready for the next level and I developed into a tight finish,” Schoonmaker told ESPN. “I’m at the point where I can now begin the process for the next level. With that guidance and the guidance of others, it’s time.”
At 6-foot-6, weighing 250 pounds, Schoonmaker has caught 35 balls this year from 418 yards and three touchdowns. Opposition coaches have credited his role as essentially the sixth offensive lineman for Michigan, the team that won the Joe Moore Award for the second year in a row as the offensive line. top of the country.
Schoonmaker said he takes great pride in both aspects of the game and he appreciates his supporting role in Michigan’s dominant offensive line identity. Michigan offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore moved in from coach in charge two seasons ago, which adds to the symmetry in Schoonmaker’s role.
“I think I have to give a lot of credit to Coach Moore and Coach (Grant) Newsome, my problems coach,” Schoonmaker said. “All of these guys have really developed me. I think they’re just setting the standard for a tight front and back line — selfless, playing together and for each other and playing the old fashioned game.”
Schoonmaker has proven to be a nasty opponent because of his dual threat abilities. A veteran opponent coach has called him one of the tightest endings he has faced in his entire coaching career.
The coach said: “He can get past a full-back, physically safe guys or defensive defenders. “He can also work on the running game. A lot of people ‘or or’ about the game pass and run the game. The best are the ones who can do both.”
That duality should help Schooonmaker stand out in what promises to be a loaded tight-ended draft layer. He’s excited to be competing against a slated class that includes Notre Dame’s Michael MayerOregon State Luke Musgraveof Utah Dalton Kincaid and Georgia Darnell Washington.
Schoonmaker sprained his right shoulder at the end of the season, but he says the injury will heal with rest and he will be fully committed to the NFL Combine and his professional day.
“The next few months are the most exciting for me,” Schoonmaker said. “It’s an opportunity for all of us to get together and confront each other and do different things together. It’s a chance for me to show what I can do. I’m really excited. excited for that.”
Schoonmaker admits that his ability to be a strong saver and his ability to catch a pass in the dynamic downline is what was likely to stop him during the draft. He says he enjoys both studying defenders’ defensive holes and tendencies, as well as mastering the blocking aspects of the position.
“What I am extremely proud of is always trying to be better in both aspects and growing them every day,” he said. “Both are important factors for this position. From what I’ve heard from many people, it’s very rare to combine that. If I can continue to be that person to excel at both, it’s very rare. two, it only benefits me.”
Schoonmaker expressed his appreciation for his time at Michigan, as the Wolverines entered the College Football Qualifiers for consecutive seasons. They finished with a 25-3 record over the past two years.
“Honestly, going to Michigan was the best experience I’ve ever had,” he said. “I’m part of a wonderful family that has grown in the 5 years I’ve been there. I’ve met great coaches and players who feel like the fathers and brothers away from home that I will have for the rest of his life.”
