WATCH: Michigan DT Rayshaun Benny, LB Ernest Hausmann talk preparation for Texas
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan Wolverines football senior defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny and junior linebacker Ernest Hausmann met with the media Tuesday night after practice as the team prepares to take on Texas this weekend. Watch video of Benny in the player at the top of the screen and Hausmann in the embed below. Check out all of The Wolverine’s video content on our YouTube channel.
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Benny was asked if he and his Michigan teammates are excited for the matchup with the Longhorns, who check in No. 3 in both major polls. The Wolverines are 10th in the AP poll.
“We all are. Big opportunity,” Benny said. “Every game is a big game. The next game is always the biggest one, but we’re all excited, because we know the opportunity that’s ahead of us. Trying not to treat it like a different game. It’s a pillar game. Everything we do on a daily basis, and that’s just what’s going to lead us to victory.”
Michigan is nearly a touchdown underdog, but Benny isn’t surprised or particularly concerned with that projection.
“We see the media, everything,” Benny said. “Everybody has their own perspective on us as a team, but we got our own perspective — and we believe in ourselves. That’s all that matters.”
The Michigan defense is in its first season under coordinator Wink Martindale, who players including Benny have spoken highly of.
“Probably personality,” Benny said of the differences Martindale brings to Michigan. “Him coming from the NFL, he’s used to being around older guys. So he’s able to joke around with us, have like a cool vibe to him. I’d probably say that’s the biggest difference.”
Benny suffered a serious leg injury in the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl but rehabbed his way back and got healthy ahead of 2024 fall camp. He played well in the season opener, notching a sack and 2 tackles for loss.
“Honestly, from the beginning, because I put in a lot of work to get back to where I’m at now,” the Michigan defender said of when he knew he’d be healthy enough to play. “It was pretty much like as we got closer to the season and got closer to August and camp was coming, we came up with a plan. That’s pretty much when I got to believing. And once camp came, I was on the go. And then I felt it and I felt great. I knew.”
Hausmann, meanwhile, discussed what excites him the most about Michigan’s matchup with Texas.
“Just the opportunity we have. It’s a top 10 matchup,” Hausmann, a Nebraska transfer, said. “Here at Michigan, we strive, we live for moments like these, to have a top-10 opponent come in to our house, The Big House. We play our best in moments like these, so we’re excited.
“It’s very awesome. Last year, it took a little later in the season to play a top-10 opponent like this. So I’m really excited for this.”
