Runyan Jr. is one of four games rotating at the left and right tackle spots in camp.
ANN ARBOR — Jon Runyan Jr. finds himself in familiar territory this preseason.
The redshirt junior offensive lineman and son of former Michigan tackle Jon Runayn enters fall camp competing for a starting gig.
Last year, Runyan was taking reps at guard and tackle as part of the Michigan coaching staff’s effort to try and put the best five linemen on the field. Now things are simplified and Runyan only has to focus on one spot.
“I was able to focus on my technique,” the 6-foot-5,310-pound Runyan told reporters on Monday. “Not too worried about playing guard and tackle and having to change up my technique playing on the interior — then moving out to play tackle.”
Runyan says he is one of four players rotating at right and left tackle this fall, an effort by new offensive line coach Ed Warinner to find the two best options to play outside.
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The interior of Michigan’s offensive line is largely set — with Ben Bredeson expected to start at left guard, Cesar Ruiz at center and Michael Onwenu at right guard, though Stephen Spanellis is believed to be pushing both Ruiz and Onwenu for time.
“Trying to figure ourselves out right now,” Runyan said. “Develop an identity. See who is the best fit on the left and right side. I’m trying to do my best and compete with the other guys who are in there.”
Joining Runyan at tackle, he says, is fifth-year senior Juwann Bushell-Beatty, redshirt junior Nolan Ulizio, who started the first five games of 2017 at right tackle, and true freshman Jalen Mayfield.
Bushell-Beatty and Runyan — who started the Outback Bowl at right tackle — are believed to be the favorites for the left and right tackle spots, respectively. But that’s also contingent on both staying healthy and putting together a complete fall camp.
“Jon Runyan had a tremendous spring,” Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said last month at Big Ten media days. “Going to need him to be that right tackle and consistently do what he’s been doing.
“Stay healthy this camp. Not have any setbacks and just go be a good, solid right tackle.”
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Not only has Runyan been able to settle in at tackle, but like his other teammates on the line, his head isn’t spinning. Warinner helped simplify the calls at the line of scrimmage this spring, which has carried over to the summer and fall.
Players say they have a better grasp of what is going around them — and are playing more cohesively as a result.
“Not too many calls going on,” Runyan said. “Not too many pre-snap adjustments. If there are, usually our center can make them on the fly. The tackles can make heads-up calls, too.
“Really, you can get up, get on the ball and run a play. We know what to do to adjust. Really, everything is picking up fast. This is honestly the best the offensive line has been — the offense has been — and this is my fourth year here.”
