The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1444545
BY ANTHONY BROOME DEPARTURES Jess Speight The brother of former Wolverine quarterback Wilton Speight and for- mer walk-on earned a scholarship in 2019, and played in 26 games in his ca- reer with one start. He had one tackle in 2021. Donovan Jeter Jeter finished the 2021 season with 24 tackles and two tackles for loss. He appeared in 36 career games and made four starts at defensive tackle in his time in Ann Arbor. Jordan Whittley The transfer from Oregon State ap- peared in seven games at nose tackle in 2021, but did not record any statistics. Aidan Hutchinson The unanimous All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2021 had a program-record 14 sacks, leading the way for the defense. The future first-rounder finished his college career with 29 starts, 18.5 sacks, 28 tackles for loss and 160 overall stops in 43 games played. Christopher Hinton The tackle was the team's big- gest surprise departure in the early stages of the offsea- son, declaring early for the NFL Draft. He made 18 starts in 31 games and was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection from the coaches and media in 2021. The 6-4, 310-pounder had 32 total tackles and one sack this season. RETURNERS Redshirt junior Taylor Upshaw Upshaw will be counted on to play a larger role in 2022 after announcing his return for a fifth season. He had seven total tackles (3.5 for loss) with 2.5 sacks in 2021. Upshaw has suited up in 24 ca- reer games for the Wolverines. Redshirt junior Julius Welschof The two-time pick for Bruce Feld- man's annual "Freaks" list of the play- ers with the best physical traits in the sport is set to return in 2022 and play a key depth role on the interior defensive line. Welschof appeared in all 14 games in 2021 and finished with 13 total tackles and half a sack. Redshirt sophomore Gabe Newburg After he played in four games dur- ing the 2020 season and notched three tackles, Newburg did not see action in 2021. Redshirt sophomore Mike Morris Morris is projected to play a bigger role next fall. He played in all 14 games in 2021 and made four starts, notching 16 tackles (one for loss) with half a sack, and he also intercepted a pass against Michigan State. DEFENSIVE LINE 2022 LOOK AHEAD 32 THE WOLVERINE FEBRUARY 2022 Redshirt sophomore Mazi Smith T h e a n c h o r o f t h e d e fe n se started every game at defensive tackle. The honorable mention All-Big Ten performer had 37 to- tal tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hits in 2021. The 6-3, 326-pounder has 14 starts under his belt in 21 career games played. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL