Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder has been 'super frustrated' by injuries throughout career, but 'all good now'
Even though Michigan Wolverines football junior linebacker Jimmy Rolder has been coming off the bench, position coach Brian Jean-Mary described him as another “starter” alongside classmates Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham.
The problem for Rolder since arriving at Michigan hasn’t been his talent, but he’s had issues with staying healthy. He was hurt to begin the 2023 season, leading to the Orland Park, Ill., native redshirting after being an impact freshman in 2022. Rolder has been healthy and ascending this season, but he did miss the Washington game with an undisclosed injury.
“It’s been super frustrating, but always gotta remain positive,” Rolder said. “When I get out there, just take my opportunity and run with it — and I think that’s what I’m gonna continue to do this year. Hopefully stay healthy.”
Rolder said his injuries have been “just little stuff, but [I’m] all good now.”
Rolder has contributed 17 tackles, including 1.5 behind the line of scrimmage, and a quarterback hurry in six games, logging 115 defensive snaps, the 17th-most on the team.
“Just confidence and consistency,” Rolder said of what’s fueled his emergence. “Just getting better every day. Just going out there and being consistent every day.”
Being in and out of the lineup at times throughout his career could lead to its fair share of challenges, but the 6-foot-2, 240-pounder has taken it in stride and continued to stay engaged even when he’s out.
“Mental preparation throughout the week so my confidence doesn’t slip and just build confidence with the coaches so they know I can go out there and make plays.” Rolder said.
The Chicago Marist product explained his personal goals for the rest of the season.
“Going out there and being the best version of myself, playing consistent and confident out there, and playing the Michigan brand of defense,” Rolder said.
Michigan’s linebackers have improved throughout the season after some early struggles. Hausmann (45) and Barham (37) are the team’s top two tacklers, and their jobs are made easier by the elite defensive line in front of them. Junior defensive tackles Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham are regarded as one of the top duos nationally. They don’t just make plays themselves but also eat up blocks to free up the linebackers.
“They make it a 1,000 times easier,” Rolder said of the linebackers’ jobs. “Those guys are awesome up front.
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“Taking on double teams, using their hands. Those guys do it the best, better than anyone else in the country. That’s why they have the success they have, because they play the game the right way.”
Michigan’s defense allowed only 267 total yards in a 21-7 loss to Illinois, and outside of a fake punt (on which most of the starting defense was not on the field) the unit only gave up 47 total yards in the second half. The Wolverines were coming off a bye, and that group made some improvements with the extra time to rest and prepare.
“We just focused on the fundamentals, getting back to the fundamentals and doing what we do best,” Rolder, who posted 2 tackles including a half-stop for loss, said. “I think it translated well.”
Michigan has in-state foe Michigan State up next, and the Wolverines are ready for the challenge, looking to avoid being upset.
“The goal is to be 1-0 after this game,” Rolder noted. “Big game, need to bring our best and that’s about it.
“Everyone is just doing their best, working hard. Everyone is super motivated this week, especially. We’re putting the past behind us and looking on to the game.”
