The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1545685
LINEBACKERS THE WOLVERINE 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 101 Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, another sophomore, is on the rise after only appearing in seven games last fall, with 4 tackles. He was ranked as the No. 28 prospect nationally by Rivals in 2025 and brings tremendous upside potential. PHOTO BY TY KORNBLUE ❱ ❱ X-FACTOR X-FACTOR The top two linebackers coming out of spring camp appear to be sophomore Chase Taylor and senior Troy Bowles, but a versatile weapon could be waiting in the wings in sophomore NATHANIEL OWUSU-BOATENG. The former four-star recruit should have opportunities to affect the lineup as a versatile weapon capable of blitzing, dropping into coverage and coming downhill and making plays. He is a hybrid talent who should be a nice chess piece in Jay Hill's defense. "I knew the defense pretty well. I played linebacker in it before," he noted. "It was nice to come in already knowing the defense. It's a very complex defense and takes a long time to learn it. But the linebackers get a lot of freedom to switch up the fronts, do stuff with the D-line, put us in position to make plays." Finally, Alford, a nephew of Michi- gan running backs coach Tony Al- fo rd , s p e n t t h re e sea so n s a t U ta h State (2022-24) and one at BYU (2025) b e fo re t ra n s fe r r i n g to M i c h i ga n . He appeared in 28 games (10 at BYU) with five starts at linebacker, notching 62 tackles, including 5.5 for loss with 1 sack. Alford didn't start a game for the Cou- gars but did play enough to notch 21 tack- les, including 2 for loss with 1 sack, last season. Injuries have set him back — he redshirted after one snap due to injury in 2023 and played only four games due to injury in 2024 — but he has some abil- ity. Not a high-end athletic player, and a guy who some say still looks like the converted running back he is, he has high IQ and will get the most out of his ability. "I like this group of linebackers," Hill said. "We've just got to let them play. They just need to play football." They'll get their chance this fall, and an opportunity to prove they aren't the weak link on the defense many might surmise due to their lack of experience. ❑ QUICK FACTS Position Coach: Alex Whittingham (1st year at U-M) Returning Starters: None Departing Starters: Ernest Hausmann (23 career starts at U-M, 7 at Nebraska), Jimmy Rolder (10), Cole Sullivan (3) Projected New Starters: Troy Bowles, Chase Taylor, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng Top Reserves: Nathaniel Staehling (13 at North Dakota State), Aisea Moa (1 at BYU), Max Alford (5 at Utah State) Newcomers: Kaden Catchings, Markel Dab- ney, Aden Reeder Moved In: Staehling, Moa, Alford, Christian Pierce Moved Out: Sullivan (Oklahoma), Jaydon Hood (Georgia State) Rookie Impact: None Most Improved Player: Taylor Best Pro Prospect: Bowles