Jim Harbaugh updates Michigan linebacker position after two weeks
If there’s one area of concern about this loaded Michigan team, linebacker depth could be it. The Wolverines have some experienced talent here but not a lot of depth for such an important position heading into the 2022 season.
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Still, On3.com ranks the Wolverines’ unit No. 10 nationally in the preseason. Sophomore Junior Colson is the headliner, while Nikhai Hill-Green, Michael Barrett, Kalel Mullings, and Joey Velazquez are all vying for time.
From On3:
The standout: Junior Colson
The buzz: Colson, who was born in Haiti, has All-America potential. He flows well from sideline-to-sideline and plays with a nasty disposition. Part-time starter Nikhai Hill-Green also is back, and he and Colson should form an effective combo. Michael Barrett, who was a part-time starter in 2020, should see a lot of time, too.
Colson is so talented that he’ll be moved all over the field this year, including areas in which he can generate pressure up front. He has the frame and the strength as one of Michigan’s most physically imposing linemen in recent memory
“I’m getting more opportunities to rush the quarterback. That’s a part of my game,” Colson said. “I love rushing; I love getting back there. I’ve just got to keep bringing it. You’ll see me this year.
“We’ve had some great pass rushers thus far in camp. We’ve just gotta keep building — especially at the linebacker position … We didn’t bring a lot last year so this year, so this year we’ve got to bring a lot of pressure.”
Especially with Michigan ends Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo having moved on to the pros. There are several edge rushers vying to replace them, but some of the best athletes this year are in the middle. The coaches are poised to use them.
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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been pleased with his group overall. Colson is the headliner, of course, but the others are playing well.
“Nikhai Hill-Green — extremely good,” Harbaugh said. “Mike Barrett — extremely good. The two freshmen have been really good, Jimmy Rolder and Deuce Spurlock. You’ve got Joey Velazquez, [too]. There are quite a few numbers there.
“I knew about Nikhai and Junior, and they’ve been what we thought they would be. They’ve been really good, and so has Mike Barrett. But I’ve been really happy with the two young linebackers — the two inside guys. We recruited the right guys. We got the right guys for that position. There’s a good chance they’ll be playing quite a bit of football this fall.”
Both on special teams and potentially in games, as well. They’ll need them all to repeat as champions, but Harbaugh is pleased with the talent. The front seven has a chance to be the Big Ten’s best if the linebackers pan out, and they appear to be on their way.
