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Michigan’s Luke Schoonmaker, one of college football’s top tight ends, told ESPN he’s quitting school to call for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Schoonmaker is in fifth grade with one year of qualification left. Multiple NFL scouts told ESPN that he’s planned as a second-round pick because his ability to have a strong impact on both run games and pass-catching threats makes him attractive to NFL teams. .
“coach [Jim] Harbaugh and a number of offensive coaches have given me confidence that I’m ready for the next level and have developed into a complete tight end,” Schoonmaker told ESPN. Start the next level process. With that guidance and the guidance of others, it’s time. ”
The 6-foot-6-inch, 250-pound Schoonmaker has caught 35 balls this year for 418 yards and three touchdowns. The opposing coach recognized his role as Michigan’s essentially sixth offensive lineman, and won the Joe Moore Award for the top offensive line in the country for the second year in a row.
Schoonmaker said he takes great pride in both aspects of the game and appreciates his supporting role in the identity of Michigan’s dominant offensive line. Co-offensive coordinator Sheron Moore moved from tight end coaching two seasons ago.
“I think I have to give Moore and his coach a lot of credit. [Grant] Newsom, my tight end coach,” Schoonmaker said. I think they just set the standard for offensive line rooms and tight end rooms.
Schoonmaker proved to be a formidable matchup for his opponents as he has two threat abilities. One veteran opponents coach called him one of the best tight ends he had faced in his entire coaching career.
“He can beat linebackers, physical safety and defensive backs,” the coach said. “He can do well in the running game. A lot of guys are ‘either or one’ when it comes to the passing game and the running game. The guys who can do both are the best.”
That duality helps Schoonmaker stand out in what promises to be a loaded tight-end draft class. He said he was thrilled to compete with an upcoming class that included Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, Oregon’s Luke Musgrave, Utah’s Dalton Kincaid and Georgia’s Darnell Washington. .
Schoonmaker was plagued with a sprained right shoulder late in the season, but said the injury would heal quickly with rest and he would be all-out for the NFL combine and his pro day.
“The next few months are the most exciting times for me,” said Schoonmaker. “It’s a chance for all of us to come together and fight each other and be different from each other. It’s a chance to show what I can do. I’m really excited.”
Schoonmaker said his ability to be a strong blocker and dynamic downfield pass catcher is something that could set him apart in the draft process. He said he enjoys studying both hole defense and tendency defenders by mastering the blocking aspect of the position.
“What I’m proud of is that we’re always trying to improve on both aspects and develop them every day,” he said. From what I’ve heard, it’s rarely combined, and if I can continue to be a great person at both, it’s only to my advantage.”
Schoonmaker thanked his time at Michigan as the Wolverines made the college football playoffs for the second straight season.
“Honestly, going to Michigan was the best experience I’ve ever had,” he said. “I was part of an amazing family that grew up in the five years I was there. I met amazing coaches and players who felt like fathers and brothers away from home.
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