The Michigan Wolverines have boasted one of the nation's best defenses year over the last few seasons. The Wolverines led all schools in players drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, putting three defensive prospects in the top 100 picks (DL Kris Jenkins, DB Mike Sainristil, and LB Junior Colson).
Michigan has to replace several starters on the defensive side of the ball. While this turnover might point to some drop-off occurring, several young players have stepped up to the plate and could be the Wolverines' next budding defensive stars.
EDGEs Lugard Edokpayi & Dominic Nichols
The buzz around freshman Lugard Edokpayi has been constant all offseason. He was one of the prizes of Michigan's 2024 recruiting class as a top-15 edge rusher in the class.
The 6'7 pass rusher is dripping with potential, and the coaching staff has raved about his upside and ability. This week, Michigan defensive line Lou Esposito continued that praise, his excitement visible.
"He is an absolute athletic freak. A year in the weight room and he’s going to be like… he’s 225, 230 right now. He’s going to be 255 pounds and look exactly the same because he’s 6-7 and super, super long. He has a great knack for using his length. He still makes some freshman mistakes, like he’s running by the quarterback. But the thing that I appreciate about him is when you talk to him, he doesn’t make the same mistake over again, which is great."
Not to be outdone, fellow freshman Dominic Nichols has also impressed the coaching staff with his athleticism and pass-rush ability. Coach Esposito praised him as well this week, citing his "natural pass-rush ability" and his "ability to create pressures".
Nichols also caught the attention of teammate and alternate team captain Josaiah Stewart.
"Dom Nichols for sure. Just raw, raw talent. Just has some high school instincts in him. some freshman stuff. But he’s incredibly talented. I’m excited to see him in a few years."
DT Enow Etta
The duo of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant are well-known and talented, but there's another talented building block sitting right behind them in Enow Etta.
Related: Former NFL executive calls one Michigan Wolverines' position the 'best in college football' ahead of 2024 season
Sherrone Moore shared that Etta has bulked up to 308 pounds, but "looks like he's 270".
A former four-star out of Texas, Etta was a Two-time District Defensive Player of the Year for Covenant Christian Academy. Last season, Etta played just nine snaps on defense in three games, but amazingly lined up at four different alignments in those snaps.
It seems likely he'll continue being a versatile player the Wolverines can deploy at various spots and capitalize on his athleticism.
SAF Brandyn Hillman
A 2023 four-star recruit and the #5 player in Virginia, safety Brandyn Hillman played quarterback, defensive back, and punter (yes, really) in his high school career, earning All-District honors at all three positions.
Now fully focused at defensive back, Hillman's athletic potential is on full display, and it has the full attention of the coaching staff.
Moore remarked on Hillman's athletic ability, calling him "Daxton Hill-like" in his ability as a mover, blitzer, and coverage player.
Hillman has seen time with the first team in the offseason and could be in line to start with Rod Moore's injury.
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