The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1523593
THE WOLVERINE 2024 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 33 1. DEFENSIVE LINE Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant are arguably the best defensive tackle duo in the country, with both projected as potential first-round picks in next year's NFL Draft. They're the best two we can remember being on the field at Michigan … and we've been around a while. Surprisingly, On3 rated Michigan No. 2 in its top 10 defensive line/edge unit rankings, behind Ohio State. Senior Rayshaun Benny is the third man in, and he's expected to be back to 100 percent after breaking his leg in the Rose Bowl. Junior Derrick Moore and senior Josaiah Stewart provide an outstanding 1-2 punch on the edges, while senior TJ Guy appears set for a breakout year. He had a great spring. 2. Defensive Backs Junior cornerback Will Johnson is an All-American, but who will emerge on the opposite side? The Wolverines lost DJ Waller Jr. to Kentucky, but sophomore Jyaire Hill has all the tools to be an outstanding cornerback. He just needs the reps. Losing junior safety Keon Sabb (portal, Alabama) and senior safety Rod Moore (knee injury) were huge blows, but graduate safety Makari Paige has played a lot of football at Michigan. He stepped up with a great spring. Junior Zeke Berry is one to watch at nickel, a great athlete who will now get his shot. The Wolverines reloaded with plenty of portal help here, too. 3. Running Backs Senior Donovan Edwards has shown he has big-play potential, having done it on the biggest stages. Now, he needs to prove he can be an every-down back in the Blake Corum mold. He's added strength and pounds to his frame in preparation. Senior Kalel Mullings opened some eyes last year with a few of his runs — the former linebacker showed nice vision and power — while sophomore Benjamin Hall is a Corum favorite. Those three and true frosh Jordan Marshall (keep an eye on this guy) make for a strong room. 4. Linebackers Junior Colson and Michael Barrett are now in the NFL, and they leave big shoes to fill. At the same time, junior Ernest Hausmann made a great impression last year, finishing third on the team with 46 tackles in a reserve role, and Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham has all the tools to be a star. Depth is the issue here, and junior Jimmy Rolder will be asked to take on a bigger role this fall after missing much of last year with injury. This is a top-heavy group. 5. Tight Ends Speaking of top heavy … it's junior All-America candidate Colston Loveland and then everyone else in the tight end room. Some project him as a first-round NFL Draft pick, and it's clear he's gifted. He should be targeted even more this year, and Sherrone Moore has said as much. Senior Max Bredeson played a huge role as a blocking back en route to the championship and should get reps as an in-line tight end this year. Junior Marlin Klein might be the most athletic guy in the room. He'll have to step up in the No. 3 role. Top Five Strongest Position Groups Senior Josaiah Stewart (left) and junior classmates Kenneth Grant (center), Mason Graham (right) and Derrick Moore (not pictured), combined for 17 sacks a year ago and will be the leaders of the D-line this season. PHOTO BY GABRIELLA CERITANO