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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — One of the big components to spring ball is the current standouts continuing to assert themselves, but perhaps even more, those who haven’t gotten the playing time previously staking their claim months before fall camp.
Those who usually have good springs tend to be the guys who make an impact come fall. Mo Hurst is a solid example of a player that got a ton of hype in April, and it showed on the football field September through December.
Don Brown broke down which players are making that ascension now, going front to back on the defense. And the first player that came to mind for him was one we at WolverinesWire have been projecting to be a player this fall for some time now.
Defensive line
“Start with this Donovan Jeter – I think we’ve got ourselves a real inside guy,” Brown said. “More than that, though – young Mazi Smith is a talent. Obviously, he’s been here for like two days. So he’s not ready to go, but he’s a great kid and a hard worker and will do a great job for us. He’s same position. Bringing him along unbelievably well.”
He continued: “Luiji Vilain has practiced all five practices – arrow’s up. I don’t have to tell you about Kwity Paye, Aidan Hutchinson – that group.”
Linebackers
“At linebacker: Josh Ross, doing a good job,” Brown said. “Devin Gil might be the most improved guy body-wise, speed-wise. He’s gotten through helping this football team by being a steady Eddie classic guy that knows what to do, and now, he’s hard to knock out of there. He’s playing at a high level. He should walk in and give Ben Herbert a kiss right on the lips, because he’s really helped him a lot. I would say him, Cam McGrone, Jordan Anthony. This Michael Barrett, who’s a freshman. I’m seeing good things out of, really, all those guys.”
Defensive backs
“If you said to me, secondary-wise, where you thought you’d be and where you are, it’s two different places. I thought we’d be fighting for our lives at this time. Ambry Thomas is really taking the next step. Leadership-wise, is a good role model for the young guys. This Vincent Gray is gonna be a real guy. Brad Hawkins, J’Marick Woods – both vastly improved, more confident. This Josh Metellus has turned himself into a real player.”
Other standouts
One player that doesn’t fit into an easily defined category is Josh Uche, who technically is a SAM linebacker, but lined up often at defensive end in 2018, and led the team with 7 sacks.
Brown says he’s still a force, and will continue to be moved around the defense.
“Up front, the other guy, too – the Swiss Army Knife is Uche,” Brown said. “He’s 253-pounds. He can play a lot of places – and he will. He’s a fast, explosive guy. Those are things I feel really good about. A number of guys.”
He wasn’t the only one, however. Brown also discussed having Ben Mason on the defensive line, and said he was quite surprised at what he’s been able to do thus far.
“Is that out there? Wow – I didn’t know that was out there,” Brown said. “He’s an animal. Really excited Coach has let us have him to some degree.
“I would say, it would be against my better judgment that this guy could play on the defensive line inside. Freak of nature. Comes off the ball exceptionally well. We can play him at tight end-side defensive end – we call it the anchor. Can’t play the open side, but he can play that three (technique), and there’s a lot less learning there. It’s on your mark, get set and (CLAP) – and they’ve gotta block you!
“We’ll see. He likes it. He’s a tough guy, and he can run!”
We’ll get a better look of all of the above in person on April 6 — with the team’s open practice — and again on April 13, at the annual Spring Game.
Both events will be held at Michigan Stadium.
