The Michigan football team has added some depth to its recently depleted defensive line.
Mike Danna, a first-team all-Mid-American Conference defensive end in 2018 while at Central Michigan, announced Tuesday that he is transferring to Michigan.
“Here I come,” Danna wrote in the announcement on Twitter, above edited graphics of him in a Michigan uniform wearing the No. 7 jersey. “Truly a blessing #GoBlue”
Danna, a Detroit native, was listed at 6 feet, 2 inches and 257 pounds last season at CMU, where he is expected to graduate this spring. That would make him a graduate transfer to Michigan this summer, allowing him an immediate opportunity to play this fall.
With the Chippewas, Danna played in 38 games (starting 16 of those) and amassed 151 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 15 sacks. His junior season was particularly good, despite CMU’s 1-11 record: 66 tackles, including a team-high 15 for a loss, 9 1/2 sacks, a pass deflection, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
He was named CMU’s most valuable player on defense, a unit that ranked a respectable second in the MAC and 36th nationally. Danna graduated from Warren’s De La Salle Collegiate High School, where he was a three-star prospect in the 2015 recruiting class according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Assuming Danna’s planned transfer goes through, he is expected to compete for immediate playing time at defensive end for Michigan. The Wolverines return Kwity Paye, who started four games at defensive end in 2018, and a list of other players with limited-to-no collegiate experienced.
Freshman Aidan Hutchinson, who played in all 13 games last season, is considered to be the next in line for playing time at end. Josh Uche is also expected to see more time coming off the edge.
The move comes as Michigan lost its two starters at end, Chase Winovich and Rashan Gary. Winovich had expiring eligibility, while Gary opted for the NFL draft. The line is rather thin inside as well, at least with proven, experienced players, after tackle Aubrey Solomon transferred to Tennessee in December.