Predicting the Michigan Wolverines' Defense Two Deep Depth Chart amid fall camp for 2024 college football season
The Michigan defense did lose a few pieces to the NFL Draft this spring, but they were such a deep unit there were only a few key positions to reload. The Wolverines defense should be what carries them again in 2024 after an incredible national championship run last year.It's time to predict the two deep […]
The Michigan defense did lose a few pieces to the NFL Draft this spring, but they were such a deep unit there were only a few key positions to reload. The Wolverines defense should be what carries them again in 2024 after an incredible national championship run last year.
It's time to predict the two deep depth chart as the new season is just weeks away to see which playmakers are going to be stepping up for the Wolverines and new head coach Sherrone Moore this year.
2024 Michigan Two Deep on Defense
Defensive Line & Edge Defenders
EDGE – Derrick Moore
EDGE – TJ Guy
DL – Kenneth Grant
DL – Rayshaun Benny
DL – Mason Graham
DL – Trey Pierce
EDGE – Josaiah Stewart
EDGE – Cameron Brandt
Last season Michigan had six defensive front players tally somewhere between 400 and 475 snaps on the season. They were all about leaning into keeping each and every special talent fresh so they could bring the heat on as many downs as possible. We can expect something similar, but the exact rotation may take a few weeks to settle this fall.
Despite losing Kris Jenkins, Braiden McGregor, and Jaylen Harrell to the NFL this year the defensive front for Michigan is perhaps even deeper. Derrick Moore, Kenneth Grant, Mason Graham, and Josaiah Stewart should play the biggest roles, but the next four or five will be crucial as well. Rayshaun Benny and TJ Guy look like the leaders to be the "next man up" at defensive tackle and edge, but there's fierce competition behind and alongside them.
Three potential Michigan Wolverines breakout players for the 2024 college football season
Michigan needs some breakout players to emerge in 2024
Linebackers
MLB – Jaishawn Barham
MLB – Jaydon Hood
WILL – Ernest Hausmann
WILL – Jimmy Rolder
After losing game-changing talent Junior Colson to the NFL Draft this spring, Michigan needed to bring in a stud to replace him. Jaishawn Barham, a former fringe five star linebacker recruit, joins the Wolverines after transferring from Maryland. He's likely the only transfer to earn a true starting role for the Maize and Blue this year.
At over 6'3", nearly 250 pounds Barham looks like an old school linebacker, but plays with the speed and athleticism of a modern multiple off-ball defender. He'll be the quarterback of the defense who plays nearly every down alongside veteran Ernest Hausmann. If either linebacker misses time the Wolverines could be in trouble with Jaydon Hood and Jimmy Rolder lacking experience. If healthy though, the linebacker tandem will be elite for Michigan.
Defensive Backs
CB – Will Johnson
CB – Aamir Hall
SS – Makari Paige
SS – Wesley Walker
FS – Quinten Johnson
FS – Jaden Mangham
CB – Jyaire Hill
CB – Ricky Johnson OR Keshaun Harris
Nickel – Ja'Den McBurrows
Nickel – Zeke Berry
Will Johnson will lock down one half of the field like he always does, but beyond that Michigan's secondary is going to have quite a few questions. Makari Paige brings strong experience at safety, Ja'Den McBurrows likely replaces Mike Sainristil at nickel, but there's going to be fierce competition among backs up and new starters at the other safety and cornerback spot thanks to the bevy of transfers who landed in Ann Arbor this off-season.
Jyaire Hill has reportedly done enough to impress as a potential breakout player since the spring. Quinten Johnson was actually quite consistent on his 300+ snaps a year ago too. But Jaden Mangham, Wesley Walker, Aamir Hall, and Ricky Johnson all transferred in hoping for starting spots. This group is the one to monitor throughout the remainder of fall camp.
Michigan Wolverines and Sherrone Moore are going to have to lean on completely revamped defensive secondary
Michigan is replacing a ton of experience in their secondary
Be looking for more Michigan Wolverines coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
If you want to look back on just how dominant Will Johnson was in 2023 check out his highlights in the video below!
