The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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D E F E N S I V E L I N E M E N THE WOLVERINE 2025 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 87 think, "I'm in the rotation, I'm going to play, but I'm not going to be counted on like some of these other guys,'" Esposito noted. "Now, all of a sudden, the rug's pulled out and we're depending on you. Those guys really stepped up — Ike and Trey Pierce and Enow really did a good job. "Add some of those other guys into the mix, especially on edge, with Dom Nich- ols getting in there and doing a great job. Now you add Tré and Mr. Payne in, and it's been pretty solid all spring for us. "We will be more coming in waves, rather than we're going to ride these guys out and let them play as long as they can, then put you in for a little bit." Sherrone Moore concurred, with re- gard to the expectation of a deep and fearsome front. "I feel like there are 10 guys that can play," Moore said, following Michigan's spring game. "The guy that stood out to- day was Dom Nichols. Every day, it's try- ing to figure out ways to block him and TJ and Derrick and Cam Brandt. It's a group of guys that have been fun to watch evaluate and push each other." Benny's decision to return for a final season certainly bolstered Michigan's up-front fortunes. He shared Defensive Player of the Week honors in the biggest week of all, making a pair of tackles and breaking up a pass in the win over Ohio State in Columbus. On the season, he made 11 game appearances with 29 tack- les, 1.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, a pair of pass breakups and 4 quarterback hurries. The veteran overcame a preseason in- jury and midseason sickness to deliver a preview of coming attractions during the Wolverines' big finish to the season. "When he came back for the bowl game, you saw him shine," Esposito said. "Even in the Ohio State game, you saw him shine. "He was down in weight, and now he's back up. When you come back off an ankle injury, the first time you plant you think, 'Yeah, it's good." It's more of a confidence thing." Payne, whom Esposito refers to as "Mr. Payne" (or is it Mr. Pain, with regard to op- ponents?), played in a dozen games with Alabama last season, starting one. He made 14 tackles, including half of a TFL, and re- covered a fumble. He served as part of a deep D-line rotation at 'Bama and should have no trouble adjusting to Michigan's. Williams transferred in from Clemson, where he accumulated 14 tackles with a pair of sacks, 3 TFLs and a pair of pass breakups QUICK FACTS Position Coach: Lou Esposito (2nd year at U-M) Returning Starter: Derrick Moore (12 career starts) Departing Starters: Mason Graham (27), Kenneth Grant (17), Josaiah Stewart (11) Projected New Starters: Rayshaun Benny (3), TJ Guy (3), Tré Williams (4 at Clemson) Top Reserves: Cameron Brandt, Dominic Nichols, Damon Payne Jr. (1 at Alabama), Trey Pierce (1) Newcomers: Julius Holly, Bobby Kanka, Nate Marshall, Travis Moten, Benny Pat- terson Moved In: Payne, Williams Moved Out: Kechaun Bennett, Breeon Ish- mail, Aymeric Koumba, Alessandro Loren- zetti, Owen Wafle Rookie Impact: Marshall Most Improved Player: Guy Best Pro Prospect: Moore Rayshaun Benny Likes What He Sees Rayshaun Benny could have sought his fortunes in the NFL this coming season. Instead, he chose a path with a door flung wide open from those who did leave. Certainly, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant took up much of the ink regarding the Wolverines' fearsome interior defensive line last season. Now that they've secured spots in the opening baker's dozen of the NFL Draft, Benny figures he and others will step forward forcefully. He's a grad student now, one ready to graduate into bigger and better contributions. "I try to set the tone and be the leader in the room," Benny noted. "I'm one of the few returners, and I'm just trying to lead everybody in the right way and get them to feed off my confidence, so they can build their confidence. "We all want to win and get drafted." Benny insists there's plenty of reason for confidence, despite some big departures. He even seeks to calm the concerns of Michigan fans who might fret about a post-Graham/Grant defensive line. "Don't worry," Benny said with a smile. "We know we lost two great players. A lot of players leave, and I've been here to see it. What I've also seen is we've been able to rebuild. We're doing it again." He's absolutely convinced the Wolverines will feature enough talented depth to again stonewall the opposition in waves. "If I had to compare, I'd say it's like '23, the year we won the natty," Benny offered. "That year, I remember us being very deep on the D-line, and that helped us create that long run we had. That's what we did again. We've reloaded, and we're deep — three levels deep." That's OK with everybody, Benny assured. Because they want to win, and win big. "Teams know ultimately, if you've got a bunch of playmakers, why not get them out on the field? The D-linemen, we are best when we're fresh." — John Borton Graduate defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny (who will wear No. 55 this season) played in 11 games with two starts, totaling 29 tackles with 3.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and 2 pass breakups in 2024. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL