If you missed it, I already predicted what the Michigan football offense would look like in 2024 — the post Spring Game edition.
As of this writing, Michigan has lost three players to the transfer portal and two of them are on the defensive side of the football. The loses of DJ Waller Jr. and Jeremiah Beasley might sting a little — especially Waller who, by all accounts, had a potential starting role.
Even with the ongoing transfer portal saga, I’m going to do my best to predict what the Wolverines’ defense will look like when they take the field Week 1 against Fresno State.
Defensive Line:
Starters: Derrick Moore, Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Josiah Stewart
Backups: TJ Guy, Enow Etta, Rayshaun Benny, Cam Brandt
In the hunt: Kechaun Bennett, Trey Pierce, Ike Iwunnah, Aymeric Koumba
Michigan should once again have on of the best defensive lines in all of football. The starting four, as long as they stay healthy, will terrorize opposing QBs and between Grant and Graham — stuff ball carriers.
A year ago, the Wolverines had so much depth on the line. Michigan had Kris Jenkins, Braiden McGregor, Cam Goode, and Jaylen Harrell who all rotated with the projected starting four this year — scary depth. While the depth is bound to go down after losing four players to the NFL, Michigan still feels good with what it has. The Wolverines have feelers out there in the portal to maybe bring in another D-Lineman for depth, but if not, the Wolverines will lean on the likes of TJ Guy, Rayshaun Benny, and Enow Etta. The maize and blue really like what the young and upcoming players like Cam Brandt and Trey Pierce have done this spring.
Linebackers:
Starters(2): Ernest Hausmann, Jaishawn Barham
Backups: Jimmy Rolder, Jaydon Hood
In the hunt: Christian Boivin, Cole Sullivan, Semaj Bridgeman, Micah Pollard
Once again, Michigan shouldn’t miss a beat in terms of linebackers. The Wolverines do have to replace two All-Big Ten linebackers in Junior Colson and Michael Barrett, but the rich get richer at this position. Ernest Hausmann has a year of experience in the Michigan defense and he was a significant part of the Wolverines defense a year ago. Jaishawn Barham comes over from Maryland where he was one of the most decorated defensive players the Terps have had the past two seasons. Barham looks the part and should wreak havoc under Wink Martindale.
Who will be that third LB this season? That’s the main question. My money is on Jimmy Rolder who is entering his third year with the Wolverines. Jaydon Hood is entering his fourth season, but he’s played one less game than Rolder while playing one more season. I’ve heard Rolder’s name mentioned quite a bit during spring practice and while both players may be close to one another right now, I believe Rolder will get the nod at the end of the day.
Cornerbacks:
Starters: Will Johnson, Jyaire Hill, Ja’Den McBurrows (nickel)
Backups: Kody Jones, Myles Pollard, Zeke Berry (nickel)
In the hunt: Keschaun Harris, Jo’Ziah Edmond, Jeremiah Lowe
The loss of both Amorion Walker (pre spring), Cam Calhoun (pre spring), and DJ Waller Jr. (recent) definitely hurts the cornerbacks room for depth purposes. On top of losing three potential contributors this season, Michigan lost two starters from last year in Josh Wallace and Mike Sainristil. But as coaches always say ‘next man up’.
Michigan loves what it has in the young guys to play alongside Will Johnson. Jyaire Hill, Ja’Den McBurrows, and Zeke Berry will all play and contribute this season. We were hearing a lot about Waller as well, but something triggered him to transfer away.
I believe Hill is locked into a starting role. McBurrows and Berry will compete for the nickel spot and as of now, I think McBurrows will win. He was Sainristil’s backup last year in the nickel, but don’t get me wrong, Berry will play and probably play a ton.
Depth is a little concerning here. Guys like Myles Pollard and Kody Jones have been in the system but neither have played much in Ann Arbor. Michigan will either trust those guys to be ready or maybe hit up the portal to bring in some experience.
Safeties:
Starters: Makari Paige, Rod Moore (when healthy), Quinten Johnson
Backups: Brandyn Hillman, Jacob Oden
In the hunt: Zeke Berry
There isn’t any sugarcoating the loss of Rod Moore. One of the top safeties in the nation is hurt and it’s not known when he will be back. There is some belief that he will be back before the season is over and if he is, that’s an added bonus to the safeties room.
With Keon Sabb bolting to Alabama, it was a big relief to Michigan fans when Quinten Johnson announced he would be back for another season. Pairing him up with Makari Paige will build a formidable duo in the back of the defense.
But once again, depth is a touch concerning. Brandyn Hillman is entering his second year with the program and he has all the tools to become a starter at Michigan. The expectation is that he will rotate in at safety. Freshman Jacob Oden is likely No. 4 on the depth chart, but the Wolverines have the ability to play a guy like Zeke Berry at safety as well.
