Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart on 'raw talent' from freshmen, expected pass rush rotation
ANN ARBOR – Michigan Wolverines senior EDGE rusher Josaiah Stewart is expected to go from contributor to tone-setter for the team this season as he works himself into a more prominent role in 2024.
Stewart is expected to man one of the starting EDGE roles when the season opens on Saturday night against Fresno State, along with junior Derrick Moore. After coming over from Coastal Carolina ahead of the 2023 season, he has finally come into his own as a leader at Michigan.
“I feel more relaxed,” Stewart said on Tuesday night. “Just coming in last year, learning the defense first, first year in the big Ten, just kind of getting my feet wet. But now, I’m comfortable. I got this great group of guys around me. I’m excited to get out there.”
Stewart and Moore combined for 10.5 sacks last season in rotational roles behind Braiden McGregor and Jaylen Harrell. Now they are filling the lead-dog and veteran roles in the rotation, and Stewart believes they complement each other well.
“I feel like we complement each other well,” Stewart said. “Just our tools are different, the way we pass rush is different, the way we play is different and whatever that may be, whatever we’re asked to do by our DC, we’re gonna do it at a high level.”
Stepping into the rotational roles are senior TJ Guy and sophomore Cameron Brandt, who ascended this offseason to a point where they are considered starting-caliber players for Michigan. Given the amount of rotation expected, we should see plenty of them.
“Just his focus and how he’s approaching the game [have improved],” Stewart said on Guy. “Like he knows that he’s basically a one on this defense and he’s been proving it this spring and camp and he’s really shown that.
“Cam Brandt had a great spring and a great camp. He’s kind of solidified himself as one of the top edgers, edge rushers in the room. So, I’m excited to see him play.”
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There could be another passing of the baton after this season to some of the young pass rushers that just entered the program, or an injury here or there could open the door for others. Stewart sees a few Michigan freshmen that could push for time in the future.
“Dom Nichols for sure,” he said. “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… [Lugard has] crazy length. He uses it well. he’s 6-8 or something like that. And he’s just phenomenal. Freakish athlete. His length is for real. His long arms. He uses it all well.”
Stewart weighs in on Michigan coaches
As Michigan prepares for its first game under Sherrone Moore as the full-time head coach, Stewart says the preparation has not been all that different compared to the past.
“It’s been great,” Stewart said. “Nothing has changed much, but he’s excited, he’s pushing us hard. We’re getting after it. Nothing has changed in terms of our approach to game planning. We’re attacking every day.”
Earlier in Tuesday night’s media availability, junior defensive tackle Mason Graham commented on coordinator Wink Martindale and his “no filter” approach to the game. The Michigan EDGE backed up his teammate’s claim.
“It’s pretty, pretty accurate,” Stewart said. “Wink says it how it is. I feel like that’s probably one of those [NFL] aspects, over there, there’s no sugarcoating anything. He’s pretty blunt about his opinions. We’re all pretty grown and we know what it’s like at the next level as well. So it’s kind of preparing us for that as well.”
