WR CJ Charleston is committed to Michigan

Less than a week ago, former Youngstown State wide receiver CJ Charleston officially entered the transfer portal and it didn't take long for him to realize that his football future would be best spent at Michigan.

Charleston, listed at 6-0 and 190 pounds, had a decent 2023 season for the Penguins before entering the portal, recording 33 receptions for 503 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. However, Charleston was Youngstown State's third option in terms of downfield targets last season, so he may be looking to play a larger share of the passing game.

So Charleston officially joined the portal on April 26, and Michigan wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy made an offer just three days later. After biding his time for a few days, Charleston decided to commit to Michigan this afternoon, strengthening the Wolverines' position in the time of need that Brandon outlined earlier today.

As a member of the YSU squad, Charleston has experienced many ups and downs over the past five years. In 2021, Charleston started a few games and showed promise before seeing a big burst of pace a year later. During fall camp for the 2022 season, Charleston suffered a torn Achilles tendon and endured a difficult recovery process, but he eventually returned to form and was a reliable contributor for Youngstown State last season.

Before attending YSU, Charleston was a dominant running back, wide receiver and cornerback for his high school team and also won state titles in track, long jump and 4×100-meter relay. So Charleston is a plus athlete with the speed and strength to make plays in space, which is reportedly a focus for coach Bellamy, according to 2026 WR recruit Jaylen Pile.

“He likes wide receivers to be spread out and able to play multiple positions on offense,” Pile said Wolverine Digest of Bellamy's vision. “He said he might put me back in the backfield, do a little handoff or something like that — quickness in space and giving them the opportunity to create plays. That’s what he’s all about.”

READ MORE: Big transfer Vlad Goldin commits to Michigan, Dusty May

Charleston would be the Wolverines' eighth scholarship player on the roster this season, but U-M's best pass-catching option might be tight end Colston Loveland. Expect the reliable UM tight end to lead Michigan in receiving in 2024 even with the addition of Charleston.

What do you think of Michigan's latest acquisition through the transfer portal? Is Charleston addressing wide receiver depth adequately for the 2024 season? Let us know and follow @EricJRutter, @mlounsberry_SI and @BSB_Wolverine on Twitter for more Michigan Athletics updates at Wolverine Digest.