Michigan football has secured a commitment from C.J. Charleston, a wide receiver previously with Youngstown State, via the Transfer Portal.
Charleston, who spent five seasons with the Penguins, including a redshirt year in 2019 and a medical redshirt in 2022, showcased his skills in 2023 by starting in all 13 games, recording 33 receptions for 503 yards and four touchdowns. His consistent performance included catches in 12 games.
Michigan extended an offer to the Gates Mills, Ohio native on April 29, just three days after Charleston entered the Transfer Portal. Set to join as a graduate transfer, Charleston announced his commitment via social media on Wednesday afternoon.
Interestingly, Charleston has connections to Michigan through Josh Sinagoga, the current U-M offensive analyst who previously coached at Youngstown State. Additionally, Charleston has faced off against Michigan’s major rivals, contributing catches against Ohio State and Michigan State in 2023 and 2021, respectively.
Michigan’s Offensive Coordinator Kirk Campbell had hinted at the program’s intentions to pursue wide receivers in the Transfer Portal, citing the need for depth due to potential injuries.
Despite securing Charleston, Michigan’s wide receiver corps remains relatively thin, especially with last year’s leading receivers, Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson, no longer with the team. Returning receivers Semaj Morgan and Tyler Morris will shoulder much of the responsibility, while rising talents like Fred Moore and Kendrick Bell showed promise in the Spring Game.
The offense is expected to be dynamic, with Campbell emphasizing the explosiveness of the players and his role in maximizing their potential.
On Tuesday, The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb predicted Michigan’s successful recruitment of C.J. Charleston.
