<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=211VVE_0vEZJOFG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=211VVE_0vEZJOFG00" width="1200" height="628" >Behind the Uniform is The Michigan Insider's new long form video series featuring high school, college, and professional athletes going beyond the typical surface level Q&amp;As, and engaging in deeper conversations about what makes them tick on and off the field. Whether through sit-downs at our new video set in Ann Arbor, or on location with the subjects, 'BTU' will meet them where they're most comfortable and more likely to open up.In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 2 - we feature junior defensive tackle, Mason Graham. One of the centerpieces of the Michigan defense, Graham talks at length about how this year's unit is responding to adversity, disrespect and developing younger players to take over larger roles. Graham also discusses how he prepared for an increased workload this season with tailored workouts and a focus on nutrition. He also spends time detailing how he has had to navigate through the new world of NIL - in part by visiting The University of Michigan Credit Union for their financial literacy session - prioritizing time to spend with family, and going through his thought process after former Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh, and others left for their NFL coaching opportunities.To view the episode in its entirety press play on the embed at the bottom of this story. In the following transcript excerpt, Graham discusses his likely snap-count threshold this season.Sam Webb: "So, you mentioned something a minute ago… you said you had to contribute more snaps. I know that's what you want to do. That's what you're used to doing. You played every snap in high school. But there's this line for even great players where you can play at your best for a certain number of snaps, and then you want to rotate. You don't want to play 60 (snaps). Maybe you do. (laughter) But I'm curious, what, do you know what that line is for you?"Mason Graham: "I don't really know what that line is. I'm sure I'm going to find out what that is. But these past few seasons, I haven't really played (a huge number of snaps). Last year towards the end of the year, Washington and Alabama, I was playing about 40 to 50 snaps a game. But last year earlier in the season I was only playing 25-30 snaps. It's not a lot of opportunities. But I know I'm going to have to play more this year. I'm going to have to have more snaps. Same with KG. And we're going to do our best to get the young guys on the same page as us. Because we want them to play. We want them to contribute. We want them to be a part of this team. We want them to be great players after we're gone, because someone's going to have to replace us. Just like we replaced other people like Mazi and Kris. So, it's just an unending circulation."Sam Webb: "So, if you had an ideal snap count though… because you said you've got to find the line. What you were doing at the end versus Bama and Washington, where it's like 40 to 50, does that sound like a sweet spot to you?"Mason Graham: "I don't know if there is. I don't know if there's a line when we get into those games like Texas. Then I don't really care about what the line is. I just want to win the game. If I have to play every snap on defense, that's what I'm going to do. I might be tired, but that's what it's going to take to win. So, it's not really on my mind. That's out of my mind what my line is."Sam Webb: "So, Gio and Colston ace you guys all the time so they have a unique perspective. They said something that I thought was interesting. 'We won a national championship last year… we had a great defense last year. Our defense could be better this year.' I was like, 'come on, man!' They were like, 'no, our defense could be better this year.' You're on that defense. So, give me your take. Because I can be satisfied with, 'we're going to be just as good as we were last year.' Because just as good as you were last year is National Champions. So that's a good answer. But better? How can you guys be better than you were last year?"Mason Graham: "I feel like there's always ways to find ways to get better. But I feel like our front four is really what kind of runs the defense. And our front seven in general, we've got guys like, Jaishawn Barham… we just got him out of Maryland. He's a really good player. I think he's going to go crazy for us this year just being in our defense. Guys that have shown flashes, but really haven't been in the spotlight (like) Josiah Stewart and Derek Moore, I feel like those guys are going to have a great season working along with me and KG. I feel we all kind of work as one. We all have our different strengths and weaknesses. And, specifically on the inside, me and KG work off each other. And I feel those guys work off each other as well just with their different traits and abilities. But I feel we've had a lot of development and a lot of the younger guys are starting to step up and make flashes. And we're going to need those guys to make some plays and be there in those big games. I feel our defense definitely has the chance to be better than we were last year."<div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m_dzkIaEZ_w?si=032-xC5J0rLJu9zd" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div>Table of contents00:00 Introduction01:12 Golden Limousine Golden Ticket Promo03:56 Welcoming Mason Graham to the show04:46 Ascending from an unheralded prospect to the best DT in college football06:12 Starting fast as a freshman, taking it to another level in year 207:33 on Graham &amp; Grant playing big in showcase games, like the Rose Bowl10:05 on Graham &amp; the D-line feeling they were winning the LOS battle against Alabama11:18 on the game play against Penix/Washington in the National Championship game13:42 on winning the National Championship and the coaching changes after17:13 Graham on Coach Herbert leaving/future of strength and conditioning program18:36 NIL program at Michigan before vs. after the National Championship19:34 Financial Literacy Bootcamp with U of M Credit Union Playbook for Prosperity31:35 Mason Graham preparing new season after winning the National Championship35:12 on prioritizing family time and finding a balance35:40 on how many snaps per game he thinks is the right number for him37:52 on Gio's comment that this defense might be better than last year's defense39:53 on Jaishawn Barham and what he means to the defense41:23 on the depth along the defensive front43:44 on his trip to the ESPY's and showing off his style45:00 on Graham stepping up as a player but also as a leader of the team47:27 show close and Golden Ticket PromoNot a VIP subscriber to The Michigan Insider? <a href="https://247sports.com/college/michigan/UserSubscription/New/?promo=JOIN">Sign up</a> and get access to everything TMI has to offer on all things Michigan and access to the No. 1 site covering the Wolverines.Want the latest news on Michigan delivered right to your email? <a href="https://247sports.com/college/michigan/Article/michigan-wolverines-football-basketball-covid-19-newsletter-151480426/">Subscribe to The Michigan Insider newsletter here</a>. 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Behind the Uniform with Mason Graham - Our defense has a chance to be better than last year

Behind the Uniform is The Michigan Insider's new long form video series featuring high school, college, and professional athletes going beyond the typical surface level Q&As, and engaging in deeper conversations about what makes them tick on and off the field. Whether through sit-downs at our new video set in Ann Arbor, or on location with the subjects, 'BTU' will meet them where they're most comfortable and more likely to open up.

Behind the Uniform with Mason Graham - Our defense has a chance to be better than last year

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