It was starting to appear as though the Wolverines might not experience significant attrition until the conclusion of the College Football Playoff. Running back CJ Stokes was the lone Michigan scholarship player to use the site as of Thursday. But when two defensive players placed their names into the portal on Thursday afternoon, that all changed. Cameron Calhoun, a true freshman defensive back, and Joey Velazquez, a senior linebacker, both accessed the gateway.

Ohio native Calhoun made his college commitment to Michigan following the Wolverines’ victory against Ohio State in Columbus two years prior. The youthful corner was acclaimed by coaches, and it surprised them when he entered the doorway. This season, Calhoun made two appearances for Michigan. He was a four-star recruit when he arrived in Ann Arbour. Calhoun joined the Wolverines as an early enrollee last season, giving him an advantage.

Velazquez is a two-sport athlete who has been Michigan’s best baseball player. It’s been harder for him to see the field in Ann Arbour. He arrived at Michigan in 2019 and has been a letterman for three years. Over the previous three seasons, Velazquez has been a member of the Michigan Wolverines for all three Big Ten titles. There are currently two walk-ons and three scholarship players for the Wolverines on the portal.