Michigan Wolverines playmakers emerged as foundations of the future in bowl game win over Alabama
The Michigan Wolverines could not have ended their season any better. Three straight wins. A 50-6 splattering of Northwestern. Defeating Ohio State in The Game. Now a bowl victory over Alabama? What an incredible way to head into chapter two of the Sherrone Moore era.Despite Michigan playing without star cornerback Will Johnson, elite tight end […]
The Michigan Wolverines could not have ended their season any better. Three straight wins. A 50-6 splattering of Northwestern. Defeating Ohio State in The Game. Now a bowl victory over Alabama? What an incredible way to head into chapter two of the Sherrone Moore era.
Despite Michigan playing without star cornerback Will Johnson, elite tight end Colston Loveland, and their pair of future first round defensive tackles in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, the Wolverines still managed to defeat Kalen DeBoer and his Alabama Crimson Tide 19-13 in stunning fashion. How did they do it? Some inspiring young playmakers emerged as potential foundational pieces of the Michigan Football future.
Jordan Marshall, Running Back
As soon as fall camp kicked off Jordan Marshall grabbed the attention of his teammates and coaches. He was flashing in practice, soaking up the playbook, impressing on and off the field. Unfortunately he missed much of this season with a lower body injury.
Michigan coaches eased him back into limited action against Northwestern and Ohio State, but he absolutely exploded as the feature back against Alabama, racking up 100 rushing yards in an impressive first career start. Coach Sherrone Moore couldn't help be show his excitement for Marshall's future with Michigan after the game:
"Yeah I think he's got a bright future. [Jordan Marshall] reminds me so much of Blake [Corum]. The way he approaches his business and what he does off the field to take care of his body. But it's also how he runs. He's a physical runner. He can make people miss. He can run you over. And he obviously has that burst…Jordan Marshall's going to be a special back. He's got a lot of ability, but he works really hard."
Marshall looks to be the future at running back for Michigan. He's a special talent, and if you check out his post-game press conference it's clear he's got real leadership potential too:
"We've got to get back to the standard, which is national championships…It starts by–when we get into the off-season and start training–just working. We've got to get back to playing [every] game like we're playing Ohio State this week. And that's what it's going to take. Everybody wrapping around each other to build good culture and just playing ball…It makes me sad that the guys in the [running back] room like [Donovan Edwards] and them not being here. But it's a new leadership role for me, and a new leadership role [and opportunity] for other guys to step up and be 'that guy'…That's what [Donovan Edwards] told me: 'It's your time.' And it's my time. I just want to go out there and prove to the world that I can do this."
Jordan Marshall is certainly already looking like he can be "that guy", succeeding immediately against Alabama in a dominant, physical performance, winning the Reliaquest Player of the Game award. He was so goodthe Big Ten Network immediately released a highlight reel of his incredible breakout game as you can see in their post below.
Michigan fans can expect much more where that came from in seasons to come from Jordan Marshall. But it wasn't just the offensive side of the ball where young playmakers emerged. Two difference-making defenders broke out too.
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Brandyn Hillman, Safety
Brandyn Hillman is just in his second year of college football, but he forced his way onto the field this season as the team's fourth safety for much of the year, ultimately stepping up in a huge way against Alabama.
Hillman tallied four total tackles and a sack of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in Tuesday's Reliaquest Bowl as a huge game-changing playmaker. With multiple veteran safeties departing after this season it's likely Hillman will step into an every down role in 2025 and beyond.
Hillman was a former big time two-way player and four star recruit who came into Michigan with an "athlete" designation because he could have played a number of positions from quarterback, to running back, to any defensive back spot. It's clear he's a foundational piece of Michigan's future in the secondary now.
Cameron Brandt, Edge Defender
Cameron Brandt, just like Hillman, is a second-year star who has hinted at phenomenal potential all season long logging over 250 snaps prior to Michigan's bowl game against Alabama. And he too had a breakout game on Tuesday.
Brandt not only sacked Jalen Milroe, but he racked up three total tackles, and recovered one of the team's two fumbles that set up the victory for Michigan. He was already the fourth edge defender this season. It's likely Brandt becomes a star edge rusher next season. At 6'4", 265 pounds, he utilizes his size, bend, and burst to post strong pass rush win rates for a second year player. We can likely expect him to only improve from here.
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