Cam Goode talks Michigan breakout, emerging DL contributors to watch
The Michigan Wolverines have put together one of the best run defenses in the country thanks to the play of its interior linemen. The U-M “run wall” ranks 12th nationally in stopping the run and has a deep array of contributors up front.
Chief among them is graduate Cam Goode, who was a bit player last season before emerging into a large role this year. After transferring in during the spring of 2022, Goode had to wait his turn but was really looking forward to joining what Michigan ordered.
“I was really looking forward to the atmosphere, what I was getting myself into, the team accepting me,” Goode told the media on Monday afternoon. “I didn’t know if my mindset was good enough to be here. I wanted to challenge myself and to come to a school that could challenge me on and off the field. So when I came here and I saw that everybody was honed in on winning and going to the NFL after they finish their career, I knew it was a dream come true. And I kind of fell in right in my place.
“My teammates accepted me, and I was very humbled because they saw something in me and they let me know that I do have a chance to accomplish all these goals. Looking back at it, I made the greatest decision I could ever make. And sometimes we don’t get immediate results, but staying through the process and trusting my coaches, I’m seeing the results and I’m talking to you guys about it.
Goode appeared in nine games last season for Michigan, making eight total tackles. This season, Goode has been more prominent in the defensive line rotation and has twice shared Defensive Player of the Week honors for how he played against Bowling Green and Minnesota.
“I see me waiting and me being patient has come to fruition,” Goode said. “I’m very proud of my process of just staying down through the hard times and keep on working with Coach Herb and Coach Elston to sharpen my pencil and become the person I am today. I’m just blessed to be here right now.”
Goode weighs in on emerging Michigan contributors
Goode was a player who had to position himself for an opportunity and wait, but others have now slid into a standby role. Michigan’s next wave of potential rotation pieces was named by Goode.
“Trey Pierce, he’s a young guy that’s going to be great and reminds me a lot of myself, real twitchy,” Goode said. “He’s on the smaller side. He possesses a lot of power and a lot of knowledge at a young age. For somebody to be on the bus, going to those games and playing in those games. I’m very happy for him because it’s no deed getting on the bus or even being a part of the travel squad.
“Also Reece Attebury. He’s somebody who’s transitioned from the OL to the DL. And from the first day he got there, he’s showing that he’s gonna be a problem. He got on that bus being an offensive guard during camp and then transitioning. I’m so proud of Reece and his work ethic. He just puts his head down and he goes.”
Goode and his Michigan defensive linemates are back in action on Saturday afternoon at home in a date with the Indiana Hoosiers. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET from Michigan Stadium.
