The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1490206
34 THE WOLVERINE FEBRUARY 2023 34 THE WOLVERINE FEBRUARY 2023 2023 LOOK AHEAD BY ANTHONY BROOME RETURNING STARTERS Senior Kris Jenkins He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, recording 54 total tackles (fifth on the team), 3.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks in 14 games in 2022 at defen- sive tackle. He earned four U-M Defen- sive Player of the Week honors, for per- formances against UConn, Penn State, Michigan State and at Iowa. Senior Jaylen Harrell Harrell played in 13 games this season at edge with 30 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss (second on the team behind only Mike Morris' 11) and 3.5 sacks. He was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media. Sophomore Mason Graham A Pro Football Focus Freshman All- American, Graham suited up in all 14 contests in U-M's base de- fense, racking up 27 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. OTHER RETURNERS Graduate Cam Goode A transfer from Central Florida last offseason, Goode played in nine games as a reserve for U-M in 2022. He finished the year with 8 total tackles and 1 tackle for loss. Senior Braiden McGregor McGregor played in 14 games this season, finishing with 17 total tackles, 5 tack- les for loss and 2.5 sacks off the edge. He made three starts when Mike Morris was out with injury and will contend for a starting role in 2023. Junior Rayshaun Benny He appeared in 12 contests in 2022 with 13 tackles in a reserve defensive tackle role. He may be in line for an expanded place in the rotation next season. Junior T.J. Guy A reserve edge defender, he played in 10 games this season, recording 4 total tackles. Junior Ike Iwunnah He has not seen game action in his first two seasons in Ann Arbor. Junior Tyler McLaurin A special teamer and scout team par- ticipant, he played in four games during the 2022 season. Junior Kechaun Bennett He has not recorded a stat in two sea- sons with the Wolverines, but played in three nonconference games this past year. Sophomore Derrick Moore He played in all 14 games in 2022 as a true freshman, recording 8 total tack- les, including 7 solo stops, and a pair of sacks. He could be in line for a much- expanded role next season. Sophomore Kenneth Grant The 6-foot-3, 356-pounder could be the heir apparent to Mazi Smith at the nose tackle spot. He played in all 14 games and finished with 8 tackles in his debut season. NEWCOMERS Junior Josaiah Stewart The Coastal Carolina transfer tied for the team lead with 41 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries and a blocked kick. He was a second-team All-Sun Belt honoree. Freshman Enow Etta The highest-ranked signee of the 2023 class, Etta is a four-star prospect and the No. 119 overall player in the na- tion. Freshman Roderick (Trey) Pierce III The three-star prospect ranks No. 498 in the 2023 cycle out of Brother Rice High in Chicago. Freshman Brooks Bahr The Wilmette, Ill., native is a three- star recruit and the No. 761 player in the country. Freshman Aymeric Koumba The international prospect from France is expected to be a project at edge. He is a three-star signee, ranking No. 952 in the class. 2023 ANALYSIS Michigan's defensive line will un- dergo a bit of a change next season with stalwarts Mike Morris and Mazi Smith moving on to the NFL and Eyabi Okie to the transfer portal. While there is plenty of production returning, the Wolverines have to find a way to re- place two players who were arguably the heartbeat of the U-M defense. Smith's replacement could be the easiest to project. Kenneth Grant, one of Jim Harbaugh's "gifts from the foot- ball gods," has the size and athleticism to be a force at nose tackle, and he likely will get the first crack at the job. Morris' replacement is a little less certain given his ability to rush from both the edge and interior. Derrick Moore seems like a logical candidate to step into that role, while Braiden McGregor, Jaylen Harrell and Coastal Carolina transfer Josaiah Stewart make up the rest of the pass rush ro- tation. This position group still has a shot at being one of the strengths of the roster in 2023. — Anthony Broome DEFENSIVE LINE PHOTO BY CHAD WEAVER