Michigan football: Interior line is taking off under Mike Elston

The Michigan defense appears to be on the way to yet another huge season under Jesse Minter, possibly better than either of the last two. They could be one of the nation’s best units if the Wolverines get some improvement in the pass rush, an area of emphasis under defensive line coach Mike Elston this spring. 

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The focus has paid off. Several guys made huge jumps in their ability to get to the quarterback, Elston told Jon Jansen on the In the Trenches podcast. He expects it to pay off for them and the team, starting with senior Kris Jenkins. Jenkins told us in June he was approaching 300 pounds and he plans to play at 305 or 310, now projected by some as a first round pick. 

“The ceiling is so high for Kris, much like [former DT and Dallas first round pick] Mazi [Smith],” Elston, starting his second year at Michigan, said. “Kris has right now taken on an incredible leadership role with the young guys, and it’s a talented position across the board from Kris to Mason Graham to Rayshaun Benny to Kenneth Grant, Cam Goode. There are five guys right now coming out of spring that can play winning, championship-level football, which we’re excited about.”

All of them had tremendous spring sessions at Michigan, he said, and will be asked to contribute. Jenkins is a “technician” and a great candidate to be a captain in 2023. He’ll represent the Wolverines in Indianapolis at 2023 Big Ten Media Days July 26-27.

“He’s so talented,” Elston continued. “He’s really great at defeating a block whether it’s a single bock, double team, a power scoop, whatever. What he’s really worked on in spring and summer is pass rush. We want to keep him on the field on third down, want him to be a dynamic third down pass rusher, which is only going to help his career moving forward. That’s really what he’s been focused on.”

Graham, meanwhile, was probably the best true freshman defensive tackle in the history of the program with his contributions last year. Elston said he didn’t want to use the term “unicorn” given how much talent was in the room, but everybody knew from day one of practice last year he was “different.” The coach gave kudos to Graham’s high school’s coaching staff for his development.

“He was well trained, used his hands well … as much as I’d like to take credit for everything that he did really well last fall, certainly lot of credit goes to his high school coaches and how they trained him,” the Michigan assistant said. “From day one, he was able to come in and function and block destruct at a very good level.

“He’s smart, aggressive … you teach him one thing, say one thing to him, he fixes it. Guys love it because he’s blue collar, puts his head down and he works, and you can count on him. He fits right in and started last year in our base package next to Mazi and Kris. You wouldn’t know if you watched the film that he was a freshman given how he was playing.”

Michigan sophomore Grant, meanwhile, is a “freak.” He’s got an extremely high ceiling, Elston said, is long and athletic at 350 pounds. He’ll play more this year and has a chance to be an elite run stuffer, eager like Graham to improve. 

“He can run and never gets tired. You watch the spring game from this year, he’s out there every single play, and the first play looked like the last play,” Elston said. “The amount of effort and versatility … I’m super excited for both those young guys. Coach [Jim] Harbaugh and the staff before I got here, they recruited those two guys. They did a great job of evaluating them and bringing them in. They’re going to be future stars for us.”

Michigan junior Benny is one who has come the farthest in the spring, Elston said. He started making plays by the end of last year. Now, he’s in position to be a significant contributor. 
“I love Ray. He’s one of guys I’ve built an incredible connection with,” Elston said. “We have a great relationship. He trusts me, I trust him … he’s got an incredibly high ceiling. When I first got here, he had some emotional immaturity maybe you’d call it, up and down. He’d be one guy one day, another the next. He was young. 

“But he’s made the greatest improvement in that area of any young guy I’ve coached. He’s consistent, accountable. He can do all the jobs. He can play championship level football. You’re going to see him a lot this fall; he makes play after play. Just some guys are always around the ball, getting off blocks. He’s one of those guys that does not stay blocked, and he’s got a pass rush ability about him that’s pretty special. I’m excited for Rayshaun.”

Graduate Cam Goode, too, had a great spring and has come on strong. He didn’t play a lot last year at Michigan but will be in the rotation as the fifth guy at tackle. He can play a lot of positions on the line, Elston said, and continues to improve. 

“The area I challenge Cam is pass rush,” Elston said. “I believe he’ll do that [well] this fall. You’re going to see a lot of Cam, as well. Those five guys right there are going to be the foundation of what we’re building at the defensive tackle position.”

One that could prove to be as deep and talented as any Michigan has seen in a long, long time.