On Thursday, new Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore spoke with the media now that spring ball is underway. The Wolverines are going to look a little different when they take the field this fall with so many starters leaving the program to head to the NFL. Moore and his new staff will need some of the younger and inexperienced players to make a jump in 2024 if Michigan will continue its dominating ways.
Moore was asked if there were any players standing out that didn’t see a ton of playing time in 2023. He first mentioned a couple of cornerbacks — the Wolverines will need to find two new starters with Josh Wallace and Mike Sainristil gone.
“There’s a couple guys,” Moore stated. “Start on defense, the two guys, and I called them out yesterday, DJ Waller who played a little bit last year, he’s been awesome. He’s been super impressive, super long, super athletic. Think he’s going to be a phenomenal player. Jyaire Hill — we call him ‘Sug’ — he made two good plays yesterday. He’s been awesome.”
Waller appeared in 11 games as a true freshman and he recorded 12 tackles. He wasn’t a starter, but the Wolverines were able to get him into game action quite a bit. Hill, on the other hand, was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school, but didn’t see as much game action as Waller. Hill appeared in four games at defensive back and recorded eight tackles and 1.5 TFLs in 2023. Both are contending to become starters in ’24.
Moore continued naming a couple of defensive linemen that are standing out in spring.
“There’s a countless number of guys who have really stood out,” continued Moore. “The guys you would think, Colston [Loveland], the Mason’s [Graham], the Donovan’s [Edwards], all those guys. Quarterbacks are all competing and playing at a high level. Those two young guys, it was pretty cool to see those young guys flourish. Those guys got some playing time but cool to see. The other guy, TJ Guy is one who has had a really good first few days. Enow Etta, super excited about him and what he can do. I reserve judgment to the offensive line like I always did until pads come on, they get mad at me for that but that’s OK.”
Michigan did lose Jaylen Harrell, Braiden McGregor, Kris Jenkins, and Cam Goode from the great ’23 defensive line. The Wolverines should have a fearsome front four this upcoming season, but as we’ve all seen — depth is huge in college football.
TJ Guy has been with Michigan since 2021 and has been biding his time to get on the field. He did appear in 11 games last season. Guy tallied 10 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and had one sack. With both Derrick Moore and Josaiah Stewart making up the starting Edge group — Guy could be in line for extra run in 2024.
Enow Etta came to Michigan last year as a true freshman and a four-star recruit. He played in three games and made one tackle. Etta is massive standing at 6-foot-5, 295-pounds and has the athletic ability to get off the line quickly.
You will be able to watch these young Wolverines during the spring game on April 20.
