The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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THE WOLVERINE 2025 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 33 Top Five Strongest Position Groups 1. Defensive Line — Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant are off to the NFL, but the Wolverines have reloaded here and have outstanding depth both inside and on the edge. Graduate student Rayshaun Benny has played a lot and should be the anchor on the interior, while Clem- son transfer Tré Williams was an "impact player" in spring ball, per his coaches. Junior Trey Pierce and Alabama transfer Damon Payne, among others, will factor into the rotation. The edges, meanwhile, should be outstanding. Head coach Sherrone Moore said in April he'd challenge anyone to find a better room than senior Derrick Moore and grad T.J. Guy, sophomore Dominic Nich- ols, and junior Cam Brandt. The pass rushers made life hard on the offensive tackles in the spring and are expected to do the same on Saturdays this fall. 2. Linebackers — Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale surprised some when he said dur- ing the Big Ten Network broadcast of the spring game he expected to tailor the defense more to the linebackers this year. Last year was all about the defensive line — as it should have been, he noted — but he was so impressed with his inside and outside linebackers this spring, he's decided they should be more of a focal point. There's no certainty how that looks (more blitzes, etc.?), but they love the top three of seniors Ernest Hausmann, Jaishawn Barham and junior Jimmy Rolder. There's developing depth there, too, starting with sophomore Cole Sullivan. 3. Running Backs — Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards are now in the NFL, but the 1-2 punch of sophomore Jordan Mar- shall and Alabama transfer Justice Haynes should assure a strong year again for the running back room. Marshall's 100-yard game in the ReliaQuest Bowl win over Alabama was no fluke, and Haynes had an outstanding spring, per coaches. Both backs should play a major role in 2025, though a No. 3 needs to emerge, and the Wolverines have a number of can- didates there. 4. Secondary — Much of this group's success is going to depend on graduate student Rod Moore's return to health. Can he get back to full strength by the fall after just starting to run in May (following last year's knee surgery)? Junior cornerback Jyaire Hill has great potential, and senior Zeke Berry has proven he can play anywhere in the secondary. The defense could use another proven corner, but they have shown they can win with Berry playing there, too. They'll need guys like sopho- more Mason Curtis to step up at safety. 5. Tight Ends — Grad student Max Bredeson is one of the underrated players on this team, a brutal lead blocker who provides the toughness element on every snap. Stats don't begin to measure his value. Senior Marlin Klein shows development and potential — he's extremely ath- letic and has more to give after last year's 108-yard season — and sophomore Hogan Hansen has the makings of a great pass-catching tight end. There's depth here, too, in guys like juniors Zack Marshall, Deakon Tonielli and spring game star Jalen Hoffman. Top Five Players To Watch Michigan has depth at several positions, in- cluding veterans who have been waiting their turn. Here are five who can have breakout sea- sons in maize and blue. 1. Sophomore right tackle Andrew Sprague Head coach Sherrone Moore named Sprague one of three likely starters coming out of spring, and it's no surprise. He played well in his first start, a 19-13 win over Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, and he has the size and footwork to be a good one. Pro Football Focus graded him 63.3 overall and 63.2 in run blocking in his one start, both tops among linemen. 2. Sophomore tight end Hogan Hansen This still figures to be a tight end-friendly offense under new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, and Hansen has incredible pass catching skills. The 6-5, 236-pounder was the team's Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, catching 7 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. Expect a breakout year ahead. 3. Sophomore safety Mason Curtis The lanky sophomore safety moves extremely well for a guy measuring 6-5, 200 pounds, and there's a lot expected of him this season. He was the team's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 after notching 8 tackles and an intercep - tion, and he's also versatile enough to play nickel. That's impressive for a player his size. 4. Sophomore defensive end Dominic Nichols Moore started singing Nichols' praises as a pass rusher last year when the edge first arrived on campus. He's since elevated his game and is one of four Michigan ends the coach claimed were "as good as any in the country" as a group. His performance in the spring game opened eyes. He spent a lot of time in the opposing backfield. 5. Sophomore linebacker Cole Sullivan The linebacker group is deep, but Sullivan is going to earn some snaps. He had a great spring and can be used in many ways, including as a pass rusher. He should also continue to be a fac- tor in the third phase, having earned the team's Special Teams Rookie of the Year nod a year ago. Sophomore edge Dominic Nichols (3 tackles in 5 games played) was named the team's Scout Player of the Year on defense last season and is poised for a breakout role this fall. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL