The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1202829
28 THE WOLVERINE FEBRUARY 2020 StatuS Of SchOlarShip playerS GRADUATED: Michael Danna TRANSFERRED: Michael Dwumfour (Rutgers) ELIGIBILITY REMAINING (YEARS): Carlo Kemp (1) Kwity Paye (1) Aidan Hutchinson (2) Donovan Jeter (2) Phillip Paea (2) Jess Speight (2)* Luiji Vilain (2) Chris Hinton (3) Taylor Upshaw (3) Julius Welschof (3) Mike Morris (4) Gabe Newburg (4) David Ojabo (4) Mazi Smith (4) * Former walk-on 2020 PLAYER TO WATCH CHRIS HINTON The freshman didn't play a lot this year — most first-year defensive tackles don't — but those who have seen him practice say he has great potential and will thrive as early as next season when he learns how to play a bit lower. That's tough to do when you're 6-4, 303 pounds, but he made strides this season on his way to a 10-tackle campaign. He played his best game against Ohio State, recording a half tackle for loss among his six stops, and saw extensive action against Alabama when Kemp couldn't go. Hinton has the frame to add more good weight and should be a key contributor on next year's interior defensive line. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL DefenSive line OVERALL GRADE This group overachieved at times and was exposed at others, the latter particularly evident in the regular-season finale against Ohio State. The Buck- eyes could get four yards a pop by firing off the line of scrimmage just about anytime they wanted, and while the run de- fense certainly wasn't all the line's fault — outside linebackers lost contain on some of run- ning back JK Dobbins' biggest runs — OSU ran for 264 yards, including Dobbins' 211 on 6.8 yards per carry. Redshirt junior Carlo Kemp was asked to do a lot at nose tackle, and he busted his butt, but there were times he was simply overmatched. Redshirt junior tackle Michael Dwumfour's injury was costly, preventing him from playing three games (including a big one at Wisconsin), and the Wolverines just weren't deep enough on the interior. Hutchinson and Paye had very good seasons, and more will be expected of them next year. U-M needs to develop depth behind them, however, and quickly. It wouldn't surprise to see head coach Jim Harbaugh look for help in the transfer portal. NUMBERS TO KNOW During an eight-game stretch from Sept. 28 through Nov. 23, Michigan's defensive line helped limit opposing rushing attacks to an average of just 69 yards per contest, yielding a total of only five rushing touchdowns during that span. Four of the eight foes were held to 55 rushing yards or fewer, highlighted by the Maize and Blue limiting Iowa to just one yard on the ground Oct. 5. Seven of U-M's eight opponents during the aforementioned stretch were also held to 2.8 yards per carry or less. B- MVP SOPHOMORE END AIDAN HUTCHINSON Hutchinson shared the team's Richard Katcher Award for best defensive lineman or outside line- backer with junior Kwity Paye, and he deserved all the accolades he received. He was a relentless worker and finished fourth on the team with 68 tackles. He also compiled 10 tackles for loss (third on the squad), 4.5 sacks (fourth), four quarterback hurries (tied for third), six passes broken up (second) and two forced fumbles (tied for first), including one that sealed the Army victory in September on the game's last play. The third-team All-Big Ten selection has the motor of his fa- ther (former All-American de- fensive tackle Chris Hutchin- son) but much more size, and he'll be one of the lead- ers on defense next season. He put up 10 tackles in a pair of games this year (Army and Ohio State) and added nine in a loss to Wisconsin. Aidan Hutchinson