Projecting Michigan football’s depth chart for defense, special teams - MLive.com

Two weeks ago, we unveiled our projected depth chart for Michigan’s offense entering spring practice.

Now it’s time for the defense and special teams, a pair of position groups the Wolverines need dramatic improvement out of if they want to compete in the Big Ten’s highly competitive East Division this fall.

In 2020, Michigan’s defense ranked 12th in the Big Ten in points allowed per game (34.5) and yards allowed (434.4), a drastic difference from where it was in previous years. And the struggles were spread across the defense. The Wolverines struggled to generate pass rush and get pressure from their linebackers, really affecting their defensive backs’ ability to cover receivers one-on-one. The deficiencies up front had a significant trickle-down effect to the rest of the defense, headed up by then-coordinator Don Brown. Brown has since been dismissed and replaced by 33-year-old Mike Macdonald, who comes to Michigan after seven seasons on the Baltimore Ravens’ staff as an assistant.

Macdonald has said the Wolverines will be “multiple” in their schemes, indicating different looks could be coming.

But for our sake, until we get something definitive, we’re going to stick with a traditional 4-3 front and four defensive backs with our projections. Those could always change (and probably will), and we’ll make note of how things could look if Macdonald does feature a heavy 3-4 front or five defensive backs.

Defensive line

End: 1. Aidan Hutchinson, 2. Julius Welschof

Tackle: 1. Christopher Hinton, 2. Mazi Smith

Tackle: 1. Donovan Jeter, 2. Jess Speight

End: 1. Taylor Upshaw, Jaylen Harrell

Others: Braiden McGregor, Joey George (walk on), Jack Stewart, Mike Morris, Phillip Paea, Kris Jenkins, Gabe Newburg

Michigan is dangerously thin up front, with many of the “others” having no or limited collegiate experience. Which signals to me that a three-man front is probably the plan here, with Hutchinson, Hinton and Jeter. Harrell fits more of the edge rusher profile anyway, and the Wolverines could utilize Upshaw in situational looks. That would help disguise the lack of depth and experience along the defensive line, exacerbated in recent years by a downturn in recruiting. Still, Hutchinson is an all-Big Ten defender and Hinton, a former five-star recruit, is only getting better. They just need to keep those two and Jeter healthy while working to bring along some of the younger guys like McGregor, Jenkins and Newburg. Of note: Jack Stewart moved from the defensive line this offseason, helping bolster the inside.

More: Michigan has pieces up front. Can the DL stay healthy?

Michigan linebackers Josh Ross (12) and Adam Shibley (45) tackle Penn State running back Keyvone Lee (24) in the second quarter of their Big Ten football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, November 28, 2020. Penn State won the game, 27-17. Michigan is now 2-4 on the season. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Linebacker

Weak side: 1. David Ojabo, 2. William Mohan

Inside: 1. Josh Ross, 2. Nikhai Hill-Green

Outside: 1. Michael Barrett, 2. Anthony Solomon

Others: Junior Colson, Kalel Mullings, Joey Velasquez, Nolan Knight (walk on), Edward Warinner (walk on), Kalel Mullings, Cornell Wheeler, Jerome Nichols (walk on)

Another position group where Michigan is thin, both in experience and available bodies. Especially if the Wolverines play with four linebackers regularly. Josh Ross and Michael Barrett are certainties to start (we think), while David Ojabo, William Mohan, Anthony Solomon and Nikhai Hill-Green all appear to be next in line. The configuration here will be key, too, with Ross likely ending up inside and Barrett filling some role as an outside linebacker. That leaves the third spot mystery, but we gave it to Ojabo for now. A lot of youth and inexperience in the group, setting the stage for what should be an interesting year with the linebackers. There’s talent there, no question about it, but how quickly will the group be able to pick things up and adjust to a new scheme and potentially more responsibility?

More: Michigan has decisions to make at linebacker

Secondary

Cornerback: 1. Vincent Gray, 2. D.J. Turner

Safety: 1. Daxton Hill, 2. Hunter Reynolds

Safety: 1. Brad Hawkins, 2. Makari Paige

Cornerback: 1. Gemon Green, 2. Jalen Perry

Others: Andre Seldon, R.J. Moten, Sammy Faustin, Eamonn Dennis, Quinten Johnson, Keshaun Harris (walk on), George Johnson, Darion Green-Warren, Jordan Morant, German Green, Caden Kolesar (walk on), Joshua Luther (walk on)

The deepest of the defensive position groups, Michigan returns all four starters from a season ago — including talented safeties Daxton Hill and Brad Hawkins. Those two are sure-fire starters, based on skill and experience alone. The cornerbacks are a bit more of a mystery given the struggles that Gray and Green went through a season ago, but they did show signs of life as the season progressed and have the most experience at the position. Plus, as we’ve heard several times already from head coach Jim Harbaugh himself, Gray is the best cover corner on the team. However, I’d expect the new-look coaching staff to open the competition up a bit to guys like D.J. Turner, Jalen Perry and Andre Seldon, who could push for a role as a fifth defensive back. Which brings us back to the scheme question and how Michigan might look this fall. Don’t rule out a 3-3-5 look at times, with the Wolverines utilizing a nickel defender to help sure up things against elite passing teams. Slowing fast-paced teams down will be key, both in coverage and with turnovers, so a fifth defensive back makes sense. Who it will be, or what it looks like, remains to be seen.

More: Michigan’s secondary could benefit from change in defensive scheme

Michigan kicker Jake Moody (13) kicks a field goal in the third quarter of their Big Ten football game against Penn State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, November 28, 2020. Penn State won the game, 27-17. Michigan is now 2-4 on the season. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

Special teams

Punter: 1. Brad Robbins, 2. Karl Kerska (walk on)

Kicker: 1. Jake Moody, 2. Karl Kerska (walk on)

Long snapper: 1. William Wagner OR Greg Tarr

Punt returner: 1. Giles Jackson, 2. Mike Sainristil OR Blake Corum

Kick returner: 1. Giles Jackson, 2. Blake Corum OR Mike Sainristil

Others: Cole Hussung (kicker), Izaak Gerkis (punter)

The departure of kicker Quinn Nordin and punter Will Hart has opened things up for Michigan’s kicking game, which utilized a head-scratching rotation the past two years when it came field-goal attempts. This year, expect junior Jake Moody (17-24, 71% on field goals) to handle kickoffs and field goals, clearing the way for him to find a rhythm and develop some confidence. Senior Brad Robbins is back and will assume punting duties. I’d expect Michigan to continue using Giles Jackson in the return game, given his breakaway speed and two touchdown returns in as many years.

Subscribe on:

Read more on Michigan football:

Michigan’s new QBs coach now fourth highest-paid assistant on staff

NFL draft analyst thinks Michigan played Kwity Paye out of position

Michigan AD willing to be patient with Jim Harbaugh, but ‘we need to win’

U-M plans to have fans at football games this fall

Mike Macdonald diving in head first on recruiting trail

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"football" - Google News
March 11, 2021 at 07:16PM
https://ift.tt/3etdDWl

Projecting Michigan football’s depth chart for defense, special teams - MLive.com
"football" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2ST7s35
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update

Bagikan Berita Ini