Unsung position room quickly becoming the strong backbone of resurgent Michigan Wolverines’ defense
The Michigan Wolverines’ defense has turned a weakness into a strength thanks to the recent breakout of Cole Sullivan at linebacker
Throughout the offseason, the talk of the Michigan Wolverines was all around their elite defensive line. Led by a returning star in Derrick Moore alongside improving players in Rayshaun Benny, TJ Guy and transfers Damon Payne and Tre Williams, that room was expected to carry a Michigan defense that suffered departures for the NFL at every level.
The Wolverines’ defensive line has been productive, there’s no doubting that, but the key to unlocking their recent defensive success has been shuffling around a different room at linebacker. When they made the decision to move Jaishawn Barham from linebacker to edge rusher full-time in Week 4, the coaching staff recognized that Barham was better suited in that attacking style of role, and that they finally had the depth to pull off this kind of move.
Now, thanks to big time plays from Ernest Hausmann, Jimmy Rolder, and Cole Sullivan, Michigan’s linebacker play is in a much better place than it was this time last year, and this room has played a key role in their dominant performances in back-to-back weeks. It’s fair to say that Cole Sullivan’s breakout has been the most encouraging part of the Wolverines’ season defensively, and the linebacker leads the team with three interceptions.
Michigan’s linebacker room will have to continue strong play
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows in this room, however, and the depth of Michigan’s linebackers will be tested this week against Purdue. Cole Sullivan, Michigan’s most promising ‘backer, left the game against Michigan State last week with an undisclosed injury. Jimmy Rolder played the entire game against the Spartans, but a sudden injury popped up out of nowhere, and he might miss this week’s game as well.
However, the Wolverines have the talent to absorb these kind of injuries, thanks to the investment and development of their depth. Georgia transfer Troy Bowles, as well as freshmen Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Chase Taylor, are set to play bigger roles this week and auditioning to earn more playing time moving forward.
Bowles spoke earlier this week about the freshmen and how impressed he is with how serious this group attacks their preparation.
“I see (the freshmen) taking reps more seriously, taking meetings more seriously,” Bowles said. “Obviously seeing Jimmy and Cole go down, it’s a real possibility that you could play, so you better get all your stuff (in line). They’ve been doing that these past couple weeks. The way they prepare is not something I’ve seen before, so I’m just taking notes, taking up after that in that regard.”
Michigan’s freshman duo at linebacker is a group they are excited about. Owusu-Boateng, the brother of Cleveland Browns’ star linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, was a four-star freak athlete hailing from the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, and the Wolverines secured his commitment over the Georgia Bulldogs, Ohio State Buckeyes, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Florida Gators, and Miami Hurricanes.
In the case of Taylor, he wasn’t viewed nearly as highly as a recruit, catching fire late in the process. Just a three-star who was the 64th-overall recruit from the state of Georgia, Taylor’s recruiting didn’t take off until his final season, when he received a slew of offers from USC, Clemson, and LSU within a month-long span. However, Michigan was early to his process, and ended up securing his commitment.
Head coach Sherrone Moore raved about the two of them throughout camp, calling Taylor “beyond his years” and Owusu-Boateng a “superstar”. We’ll get to see them fully unleashed this week with both Sullivan and Rolder likely sidelined, and the future might have finally arrived. If Michigan wants to continue their win streak and pull off the upset over Ohio State, this linebacker room will have to continue its strong play all year, and they seem ready to answer the call.
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