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Mason Graham impressing, provides intel on Drake Nugent, frosh DTs, more

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•08/17/23•

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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Sophomore defensive tackle Mason Graham proved to be one of the most underrated recruits in the country last year with his impact as a true freshman on the Michigan defensive line. The former wrestler was the most impactful true frosh defensive tackle the Wolverines have had in their storied history, and he’s elevated his game. 

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Michigan defensive line coach Mike Elston called Graham a “unicorn” earlier this year, noting he knew after one practice last year he had something special. Our spotters said Graham was all over the field in Saturday’s scrimmage at Michigan Stadium, and it’s clear he’s only getting better. He said there was one area he was truly focused on this summer.

“Personally, I think I’ve gotten better on my pass rush,” Graham said Wednesday. “Collectively, as a d-line, that was our main goal this year … taking that step in the pass rush, creating more tackles for loss, more negative plays for the offense to put us in a better position. Pass rush is something especially I think I focused more on.

“… My goal this year is to go even beyond last year …  that was my freshman year. I’m a little more experienced now with all the snaps I’ve gotten last year. I’m trying to be more of an impact [player] this year.”

It appears he’s on his way, but he’s not alone. Senior Kris Jenkins has been “obsessive” about it, his coaches and teammates have said, knowing he can make a huge impact as an interior pass rusher. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter cited Rayshaun Benny as one of the most improved after spring, and sophomore Kenneth Grant is a manchild. He’ll be getting plenty of reps. All told, they expect to be just as stout against the run but even more disruptive to opposing quarterbacks … and they have the personnel to do it.

Graham provides intel on Drake Nugent, freshmen DTs

Stanford transfer Drake Nugent has big shoes to fill at center with Olu Oluwatimi having moved on to the NFL, but he’s been impressing. He’s built differently than Oluwatimi, Graham noted — smaller and more compact but he’s powerful. Graham and Nugent have already had their share of battles in camp, and onlookers say it’s been fun to watch. 

“We’ve been battling it out in fall camp,” Graham said. “He’s one of the top offensive linemen coming into this year. It’s always good going against those top guys. Drake is a smaller guy but very stout, strong. He’s more of a quicker guy, too, so he’ll get on you pretty fast. It’s quick change up for a lot of blocks, getting on it right away, how to react to those things. He can get under me a little easier than maybe more guys could, but he drives his feet on contact. He’s a good guy just to go against every day.”

The freshmen defensive tackles, meanwhile, still have a lot to learn, but head coach Jim Harbaugh said Tuesday he was extremely impressed with them in the early going. Cameron Brandt, Brooks Bahr, and Trey Pierce are learning quickly, Graham said. He’s anxious to see if any of them can help with some snaps as soon as this year. 

“Trey is doing a great job more in the run game,” Graham said. “He’s a stout guy, can take on blocks, get off blocks. Brooks is more of like a longer guy, but same with him. He has some developing to do, but very high potential for making plays. Cam Brandt was one of those top end guys, one of the standout freshmen that has opened many people’s eyes.”

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