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Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett to return for a 6th year

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•01/15/23•

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Michael Barrett #23 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after scoring a touchdown after intercepting a pass against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the third quarter of a game at SHI Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan defeated Rutgers 52-17. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett has been weighing his decision whether to go pro or return to U-M for some time. Head coach Jim Harbaugh made it clear to him following a blowout win over Ohio State in November he wanted him back.

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The coach, in fact, did it publicly during the postgame press conference, turning to Barrett during the postgame press conference and noting he’d love to have him back for a sixth season.

Barrett had decided to oblige and will return to Michigan for a sixth season.

During the season, Barrett admitted he was considering a return but worried about overstaying his welcome.

“I’ve had a lot of conversations. I’m not sure yet,” Barrett said before the OSU game. “The factors would just be to up my draft stock, to put better and more tape on film at the inside backer [spot]. I feel like I don’t have as much film starting inside. I feel like that’s one factor.

“I don’t want to be too old, though, if that makes sense. I feel like I’ve been here too long. I don’t want everybody looking at me like an old man around here — I’m joking, but that’s one thing that’s kind of been on the back of my mind.”

Barrett notched career highs across the board this year, including single game totals. He notched 11 tackles at Ohio State, including 6 assisted tackles, 2 big interceptions at Rutgers and 2 pass break-ups.

The Georgia native appeared in 49 games and has made 20 starts at the linebacker position, having started his career at the hybrid linebacker/safety viper position.

Michigan will also look to Nikhai Hill-Green and Nebraska transfer Ernest Hausmann to compete for the spot next to junior-to-be Junior Colson in the middle.

Watch for more on this development in the days to come …

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