Mike Morris on Michigan defensive line vs Colorado State: ‘Everybody ate’

Michigan’s defensive line was the team’s strength a year ago. Then they lost their two top pass rushers — two of the best in the entire country. So replicating that success this year has to be an impossible task, right? Well, so far, this year’s group is certainly looks the part.

Against Colorado State in Week 1, the defensive line unit ate, big time. And it wasn’t just a one-man show. A slew of different guys made an impact on the game from the defensive line or EDGE positions. Maybe the Wolverines don’t have the star power of an Aidan Hutchinson, or even a David Ojabo. But for what they lack in one dominant player they make up for with a deep, versatile cast of pieces along the defensive front.

Take it from Mike Morris, a member of that defensive line, who is confident in the depth of his position group. Here were his comments about the DL following that Colorado State win:

“We have so many edges and so many different guys on that d-line who can do great things for this football team. So I talk about it all the time. There’s a lot of guys on the d-line and in the edge room who can play winning football.”

With all those options, Michigan is able to rotate guys in and out more regularly, always having fresh legs available. It’s greatness by committee.

“So we just switched it as much as possible. Give everybody a break. Yeah, we just had like, well, I think eight guys rotating at one point. And everybody ate. So yeah, I feel like we bring a lot of versatility and depth to each and every game.”

Obviously, the Wolverines and their impressive defensive line will test themselves against much tougher foes than Colorado State. But the first performance was encouraging despite the opponent.

The pass rush especially was relentless. The whole defense did well pressuring and sacking the Rams’ quarterback. And that all starts with the defensive line getting that initial push. Which allowed for 10 different defensive players to record half a sack or more. In fact, of the ten sack-getters, none finished with more than one total, while a slew got in for just a half. Goes to what Mike Morris was saying about their depth. That’s a lot of different pass rushers getting home for the Wolverines.