ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Though much of the transfer hype on offense is behind either wideout Donaven McCulley or running back Justice Haynes, there’s a later addition who could end up playing quite a significant role with the Michigan Wolverines this season.
The one wide receiver who has accumulated the most yards in a season of any on the roster is Anthony Simpson, the UMass transfer who originally started his career at Arizona. Simpson dealt with injury last year and only appeared in two games, but the year before, he ended up outperforming former Wolverine George Johnson III (who led UMass in receiving in 2022) with 57 catches for 792 yards and three touchdowns. That season, his offensive coordinator was none other than current Michigan tight ends coach Steve Casula.
WolverinesWire asked Casula on Monday about what Simpson brings to the table and what he’s seen from the fifth-year receiver now that he’s with the Wolverines.
“Simp plays incredibly hard, like incredible effort. But his greatest skill set to me is like ball in hand and like the way he runs,” Casula said. “We always joke he almost runs kind of angry. You know, he’s not a little guy by any means, but he plays bigger than his size. He has really come on here in the last seven days or so. So I love Anthony, very happy that he’s here. I get to see him every day. He and I have a close relationship, and he’s going to help us, certainly.
At 5-foot-11, 186 pounds, Simpson is almost certainly a slot in Chip Lindsey’s offense, battling with fall camp standout Semaj Morgan. Even so, he’ll likely see the field early and often, despite the competition at the position.
Casula says that he’s seen some differences from his time at UMass to Ann Arbor, but most of all he’s noticed a much more mature player who is acclimating well to his new surroundings.
“Does he look different? Yeah, older,” Casula said. “Certain things — his game’s evolved. Probably, he’s faster than when I coached him in 2023. He’s done well. He’s taken to Coach Bell and Soup’s coaching and our program in general.”
Fans will likely get a chance to see Simpson in action for the first time on August 30, when the Wolverines host New Mexico for the 2025 season opener at The Big House.
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