2022 Michigan Football Previews: Defense
Michigan was elite defensively last season, but they enter 2022 without a lot of what made that defense what it was. Regardless, the Wolverines have been a defensive minded program throughout the Harbaugh era, and despite a seemingly mediocre defense on paper, the Wolverines could surprise defensively this season due to their experience, depth, and elite defensive coaching.
Secondary
Notable Losses:
S Dax Hill
S Brad Hawkins
CB Vincent Gray
Notable Acquisitions:
NB Mike Sainristil (SR)
CB Will Johnson (FR, #3 CB)
S Keon Sabb (FR, #9 S)
S Zeke Berry (FR, #13 S)
While Michigan's secondary lost some big pieces, like much of the defense, they retained some key pieces heading into 2022. RJ Moten could be Michigan's best defensive player this season. He's able to play multiple positions and flies to the ball. Last year, Moten lined up all over the field and I expect new DC Jesse Minter to do the same with him this year. The incoming freshmen are also intriguing. Five-star freshman Will Johnson has been talked about among fans for years. He's a big outside corner that scouts say has a unique combination of size, athleticism, ball skills, and intelligence. If you haven't already, I'd recommend watching some YouTube clips of Johnson playing seven-on-seven. Guy is a stud and should make an immediate impact. Other incoming freshmen, such as Keon Sabb and Zeke Berry, should provide some nice depth. Mike Sainristil's transition from receiver to corner has Michigan fans polarized, but I like it. The receiver room is crowded and the departure of Dax leaves the slot corner position, one that he lined up in quite frequently, wide open. Sainristil's quickness and experience playing the position in high school should fill that hole nicely. Senior corners DJ Tuner and Gemon Green, along with Moten, bring their Big Ten championship experience back to Ann Arbor, and redshirt freshman corner Rod Moore, who made a name for himself last year, looks to take another big step.
Grade Heading Into 2022: B
Linebackers
Notable Losses:
ILB Josh Ross
Notable Acquisitions:
ILB Jimmy Rolder (FR, #21 LB)
While the loss of Josh Ross, a five-year player and last year's leading tackler, certainly hurts, Michigan actually sports a nice linebacker core heading into 2022. The Wolverines return sophomore Junior Colson and junior Nikhai Hill-Green, the team's fourth and fifth leading tacklers respectively. Colson had a breakout freshman campaign last season on an elite defense and should be a staple of Michigan's defense for the foreseeable future. Michael Barrett, Michigan's golden child during the first couple of games in 2020, also returns for a graduate season and looks to reestablish himself as a versatile defensive piece. Depth and experience are the name of the game for Michigan's linebackers this year, and if Colson continues to emerge, this could be a very underrated group.
Grade Heading Into 2022: B
Defensive Line
Notable Losses:
DE Aidan Hutchinson
EDGE David Ojabo
DT Chris Hinton
Notable Acquisitions
EDGE Derrick Moore (FR, #8 DL)
DT Cam Goode (RS SR/TR) (UCF)
DT Mason Graham (FR, #32 DL)
DT Kenneth Grant (FR, #59 DL)
There's no denying it: Michigan lost some massive starpower on the defensive line this summer. Hutchinson and Ojabo were arguably the best pass rushing duo in the country last season, and if Ojabo didn't get injured before the NFL Draft, he probably would've gone top 10. Despite this, Michigan, like the rest of the defense, returns a pretty solid unit. Seniors Mike Morris and Mazi Smith (who's been raved about all offseason) should see a jolt in opportunity with all of the departures. Michigan also brought in UCF Transfer Cam Goode and some solid freshmen. The starpower is gone, and by no means will this unit be as dominant as they were last year, but there's enough there for this line to not be a weakness.
Grade Heading Into 2022: C
