The Michigan Insider

In a recruiting-centric episode, Lorenz and Shaw open by breaking down top-20 recruit and 2021 quarterback J.J. McCarthy's commitment to Michigan. They look at his game, what can be gleaned from his sophomore season performance, why the Wolverines were fine taking his pledge so early and what it can mean for the 2021.

Shaw and Lorenz also look at Michigan's 2020 class, including why things have been quiet in the commitment department, some top targets with visits or decision dates looming, other names to keep in mind and a little bit on what the 2020 class could look like.

Finally, Shaw closes with an interview with 247Sports Director of Scouting Barton Simmons, as they dig into the national perspective of McCarthy's game and what it means for Michigan.

We open the show discussing Michigan's annual offseason foreign trip, which is heading to South Africa this year after trips to Italy and France. We break down why South Africa made it on the list, how David Turnley gives the Wolverines a unique look at the country and more benefits to the trip.

We also look the trip from the fans' perspective, addressing the vocal minority against the trip, why the trip is a good idea and the impact that the trip has on recruits, players, parents and others.

Then, we turn to some 2020 recruiting updates, looking at how and why Michigan could be turning up the heat on the class after it's trip and some prospects to keep an eye on for visits.

Focusing solely on the NFL Draft, Lorenz and Shaw break down the fits of Michigan's five NFL Draft picks (Devin Bush Jr., Rashan Gary, Chase Winovich, David Long and Zach Gentry) and how we forecast their early NFL futures. We also break down what the haul means for a continuing trend of talent development under Jim Harbaugh and whether or not it makes a difference with recruits.

Then, after looking at the seven Wolverines who landed undrafted free agent opportunities, we break down Michigan's potential NFL Draft picks in 2020, dissecting players at every position and sifting through the list of potential first-round picks.

In a football-focused episode, we first answer a series of questions from listeners, looking at defensive players who need to step up, why Michigan's cornerback recruiting isn't the problem some think it is and unpacking some of Don Brown's comments about his defense following Spring practices.

Then, we review some key storylines from the spring, first looking at players who improved their stock the most this spring, We look at key players who made the most of their opportunities, what kind of role such players could have in the fall, who else could be due to step up and how to interpret information that comes out of spring practices.

Finally, we close by ranking Michigan's 10 position groups, comparing our list to a similar list we put out before spring practice began, dissecting hwo and why some groups rose in the rankings and why others fell.

In a basketball-focused episode, Shaw and Lorenz look at Jordan Poole's seemingly inevitable decision to turn pro, and react to Poole's father's comments citing that the Wolverines' system put Poole in suboptimal position. We also weigh in with our thoughts on Poole's decision, including some analysis at how the college basketball landscape has changed for players who aren't drafted.

Then, we look at Michigan's lone remaining draft decision — Ignas Brazdeikis — and break down the likelihood it is that he returns. We also look at the rest of Michigan's returning players and what the departures mean for them.

Finally, we close by looking at Justin Pierce, Franz Wagner, Lester Quinones, Nah'Shon Hyland and other potential recruiting targets that Michigan could turn to, along with who the Wolverines are most likely to get.

After breaking down Spring Game takeaways in the previous episode, Lorenz and Shaw field football-related questions from listeners. The discuss what Ben VanSumeren's redshirt freshman season could look like at running back and H-back, how Michigan has seemingly gotten over its decade-long depth problem, what to make of Michigan's 9.5 over-under win total projection and the Wolverines' schedule, how position roles might change under Josh Gattis and more.

Then, they break down the breaking news of cornerback Myles Sims' decision to enter his name into the transfer portal, and what that says about the Wolverines' cornerback position right now and moving forward.

Finally, Shaw and Lorenz look at the latest in recruiting, discussing a recent 2020 decommitment, how and why Michigan is getting a lot of players to visit this spring, the state of the Wolverines' 2020 recruiting class and more.

We discuss five lasting thoughts from the Michigan football team's Spring Game.

First, we break down just how different Michigan's offense looked in the scrimmage portions of the event, from no-huddle looks to increased speed to changed routes and play selection. Shaw also looks at what players had to say about the offense's changes afterward. We also break down Michigan's passing proficiency, and debate whether those were coverage woes, skilled receivers, both or neither.

Then, we turn to the defensive side of things, dissecting why we think Michigan's defensive line could be better and deeper than initially forecasted. The conversation transitioned into a look at what we both believe to be the Wolverines' deepest team in over a decade, how Michigan got there and what kind of impact that can have.

Finally, the we discuss how the Spring Game was considered a success in our eyes, freshmen standouts and some other topics to keep in mind heading into the summer.

Ahead of Saturday's Spring Game, open and free to the public, Shaw opens the show answering a few football-related questions, then dives into 10 things he'll be watching in the Spring Game. 

The list included:

-Looking at players who have switched positions, such as Ben Mason.

-Freshmen like Mike Sainristil who made an early impact.

-New starters to keep an eye on in the defensive secondary and along the defensive line

-Players returning to action from injuries

-Players who are still injured

-A shaky running backs situation

-Other position battles to watch

-What's going on at special teams

-Plenty of other, smaller things to watch.

Continuing our shorter, more frequent format, Shaw breaks down the ins and outs of Michigan's three players who have declared early for the NBA Draft. 

He dissects the factors going behind the decision to test the waters, and what will convince Charles Matthews, Jordan Poole and Ignas Brazdeikis to either decide to stay in the draft pool past the May 29 deadline or not. He also discusses fan perspectives, and how fans can acclimate to the changing NBA decision landscape.

Then, he breaks down where the Wolverines can turn to next, investigating the recruitment of three remaining 2019 targets, an early peak at potential graduate transfers and who on the current team can help fill the void the potential departures might leave.

Switching to a shorter, twice-weekly podcast format, our show is solely focused on our spring preview of the Michigan football team’s defense.Starting up front and working backwards, we look at each position on the Wolverines’ defense and the key questions surrounding each group. 

On the defensive line, we look at Michigan’s defensive end depth and discuss who could or should emerge as top-level talent. Inside, we wonder if the Wolverines will be able to rotate enough game-ready tackles, what happens if injuries strike and even discuss potential schematic changes to be made.

Moving on to linebackers, we break down how Michigan can go about the unenviable task of replacing Devin Bush Jr., what Khaleke Hudson can do differently this season and some new contributors. In the secondary, we look at the progress and potential of Ambry Thomas, who else has stepped up at cornerback, safety candidates and where Daxton Hill might fit in. We close looking at Michigan’s battles at kicker and in the return game.