Michigan football depth chart entering fall camp: Defense, special teams

The Michigan Wolverines football defense is loaded and expected to be the strength of the team in 2024, despite losing seven starters to the NFL. Fall camp is underway with the team looking ahead to the Aug. 31 opener against Fresno State .

Now, it’s time to examine our projected depth chart for the defense heading into fall camp. This projection takes into account injuries, but includes players that we expect to be healthy by the time the season comes around. This isn’t a prediction on where things will be in fall camp or at the beginning of the season, but rather a look at where we believe things stand now.

MICHIGAN DEPTH CHART PROJECTION: Offense

Defensive line

The competitive waters will be hot on the interior of the defensive line, with plenty of contenders to earn roles in the two-deep behind Graham and Grant and alongside Benny. Pierce and Benny missed time in the spring, giving Etta more opportunities. Iwunnah had a huge summer, per defensive coordinator Wink Martindale , and despite him not having played any snaps in games to this point in his career, we can’t rule out the possibility that he earns some run.

EDGE is wide open behind the starters. Guy clearly seems to be the third player there, with a bunch of players competing to join him in the two-deep. Coming out of spring, Brandt and two veterans — McLaurin and Bennett — appeared to be ahead. But more young EDGEs will have something to say about that. Head coach Sherrone Moore said Dominic Nichols is “probably” the freshman he’s most excited about following his big spring game performance. Sophomores Aymeric Koumba and Breeon Ishmail have also drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike.

Linebacker

Hausmann and Barham are the clear top two on the Michigan linebacker depth chart. Rolder, as long as he stays healthy, which has been a challenge, would be the third, in our mind. Hood and Pollard are likely the next two up — Moore said Pollard has gotten bigger and had a good offseason — with Sullivan being the wildcard.

Defensive back

Hill enters fall camp as the top man on the depth chart at corner, but Hall, a transfer from Albany, and others will push him. Johnson transferred into Michigan from UNLV and should also be in the mix as a depth player.

Berry is the favorite at nickel, but McBurrows is in competition, as well. Berry can also play safety, while McBurrows can see time at corner.

Paige is locked in as a starter, but Johnson, Walker and Mangham are top contenders to start alongside him. In addition, we believe all three will play key roles. Hillman is a wildcard and could push.

Special teams

Zvada transferred in from Arkansas State, where he was the Red Wolves’ top kicker the last two seasons. He’s overwhelmingly favored to be Michigan’s placekicker, ahead of Samaha. Doman is locked in at punter and holder. The return job battles could be interesting, since the Wolverines repped several different players back there this offseason — including Will Johnson — but Morgan looks like the No. 1 guy coming in at both spots for now.

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