The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1273784
AUGUST 2020 THE WOLVERINE 21 ken up, four quarterback hurries and a pair of forced fumbles. In other words, he became a major disrupter up front for coordinator Don Brown's defense. Former Michigan linebacker Josh Uche definitely noticed, telling The Toledo Blade at the NFL Combine he expects to see Hutchinson in the league at some point. "For someone being as young as he is, he's mature," Uche said. "He doesn't act his age. He acts a lot older, like he's been there before. He still has some growing to do, and he's just one hell of a player, man. I think he's going to be a first-round pick when it's all said and done." Hutchinson felt gratified to hear Uche's assessment, but assured The Blade he remains far from a finished product. He's looking to improve, and that involves intense focus on his strength, technique and more. He regretted not getting to hone his skills through the normal spring practice, canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. "I'm a very future-oriented per- son," Hutchinson said. "It was a little disappointing to hear the news at first. But it's just one of those things where everyone is going through it. You've just got to adapt and move on, and no one else is getting the op- portunity to work on their craft in spring ball. I'm just thankful that I'm a junior and I have a lot of football experience under my belt. "I feel for those younger guys, those younger defensive linemen who don't have the opportunity to work on their craft and potentially move up the depth chart." Hutchinson indicates he's learned plenty from his father, Chris, an emergency room doc- tor at Royal Oak's Beaumont Hospital. That venue found itself slammed with coronavi- rus patients for weeks, and the Michigan All-American threw himself into the work, day af- ter day. His son stands ready to do the same, in a vastly different setting. 2. AMBRY THOMAS, SR., CB There's no more high-pressure position on the Michigan de- fense than cornerback, espe- cially given Brown's penchant for tough man-to-man matchups. And when you're the lead corner, you draw the toughest assignments of all. Thomas earned third-team All-Big Ten honors from conference coaches a year ago, after tying for the team lead with three interceptions. He also notched 38 stops, four passes broken up and a pair of fumble recoveries, with an eye on more in his final season. 3. CAMERON MCGRONE, R-SO., LB McGrone exploded onto the scene at middle linebacker last season, fin- ishing fifth on the team in tackles (66) and fourth in tackles for loss (9.5). He also recorded four sacks, five quar- terback hurries, one pass broken up and a forced fumble. The third-year Wolverine once again finds himself in the middle of a Michi- gan defense looking to stand strong while the offense gears up under a new quarterback. He could wind up as the Wolverines' next All-Big Ten linebacker, and was recently named to the watch list for the Butkus Award, which is pre- sented to the nation's top linebacker. 4. KWITY PAYE, SR., DE The other half of Michigan "Salt And Pepper" defensive end combo with Hutchinson, Paye resides solidly among Michigan's top five players for 2020. He became a force for the Wolverines last season and Big Ten coaches noticed, naming him to the second-team all-conference squad. Paye led the team in tackles for loss (12.5) a year ago, while winding up second in sacks (6.5). He registered 50 overall tackles, with three quarterback hurries, a recovered fumble and un- limited motivation coming into 2020 to prove he's ready for the next level. 5. NICO COLLINS, SR., WR Collins ought to deliver in a number of ways in his second season operating in Josh Gattis' offense. One, he should rack up some major numbers, after fin- ishing second on the team last season in catches (37) and receiving yards (729), while leading the Wolverines with seven touchdown grabs. Two, his mere presence will likely open up opportu- nities for other receivers in Michigan's offense. The fourth-year Wolverine remains U-M's best deep threat, the most likely to go up and over defenders to snare a jump ball, and a major comfort zone for whoever wins the QB job. Collins has worn No. 4 throughout his career, but appears ready to don the coveted No. 1 for his final season in a winged helmet. He recently made an Instagram post featuring a photograph of him wearing the No. 1, a number worn by a host of top U-M wideouts. Braylon Edwards, Anthony Carter, David Terrell and Derrick Alexander all wore the number for the Wolverines. The 6-4, 222-pounder looks to be next up. He's also on the preseason watch list for the 2020 Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the nation's top wide receiver. Head coach Jim Harbaugh summed up last season what sort of impact Col- lins can exert. "If there are two guys covering one, now they're playing with nine," Har- baugh said. "That's big. [Hall of Fame wideout] Randy Moss had that kind of effect. You know when a receiver draws attention, he draws double coverage a lot. "But you recognize that and it helps your running game, too. Because now our receivers are occupying two de- fenders. But he's got a knack for it. He's as good as I've seen in a long time with going up and making the contested catch at its highest point." PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL