For at least the fourth time since the end of the 2017 regular season, Jim Harbaugh has lost a Michigan player to transfer.
The latest to leave Ann Arbor is Ian Bunting, with the tight end announcing on Instagram that he has decided to part ways with the football program. Bunting, who’s leaving the Wolverines as a graduate transfer, stated that he’s already been given a release from his U-M scholarship.
“This place will always be a special one for me and it has been the experience of a lifetime,” Bunting wrote. “Michigan has given me the opportunity to grow not only as an athlete and a student, but as a man.”This has been a very difficult decision, but I have decided to forgo my 5th year at the University of Michigan in order to play football and earn a graduate degree elsewhere. I have obtained my release. To my family, teammates, coaches, Michigan fans, and the University of Michigan, I will forever be thankful for the support you’ve given me over the years here in Ann Arbor. This place will always be a special one for me and it has been the experience of a lifetime. Michigan has given me the opportunity to grow not only as an athlete and a student, but as a man. Thank you, Michigan. #NMWWAWAT
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During his time with the Wolverines, Bunting, a four-star 2014 signee, caught 11 passes for 124 yards. Just one of those receptions and six of the yards came this past season. In 2016, Bunting started the only seven games of his U-M career.
Along with Bunting, quarterbacks Alex Malzone (HERE) and Wilton Speight (maybe?) and wide receiver Drake Harris (HERE) have transferred out in the last couple of months.