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Rayshaun Benny officially announces his return to Michigan

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•about 9 hours•

Balas_Wolverine

Michigan Wolverines football defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny posted 27 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, in 2023. (Photo by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Michigan Wolverines football defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny posted 27 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, in 2023. (Photo by Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Michigan defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny was “absolutely” the anchor of the defensive line in the ReliaQuest Bowl win, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said going in, and he played well. Benny led a defensive line that dominated much of the game even without starters Kenneth Grant, Mason Graham, and Josiah Stewart, and his return for 2025 was a priority.

Several sources have told us he was planning a return, but it was on his terms to announce it. He did that today, Jan. 17, in a social media announcement.

Benny has played in 39 games at Michigan and notched 71 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and three pass deflections, having started three games. He played in 10 games and made 28 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two pass deflections this year playing behind Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham, stalwarts in the lineup the last two years.

Defensive line coach Lou Esposito said this fall he wanted both Benny and edge Derrick Moore back for one more season. Both have now said they’re planning to return.

“Absolutely. Those are guys that are great players for us, great playmakers,” he said. “We don’t really have like, hey, this is the No. 1 guy [in terms of who they want to retain]. We have above the line, and all those guys are above the line. Any of the guys that have played for us, that have been successful and would benefit them one way or the other, we’re gonna try to help them make that decision. But you’d love to have those guys back.”

Esposito, Michigan’s first-year defensive line coach, noted that while both Moore and Benny don’t have the gaudiest numbers, they’ve been extremely effective.

“Benny, every time he’s out there, he’s making plays,” he said. “He’s productive. He’s tough, he’s physical. I think he plays with an unbelievable emotion. He’s a high-energy guy.”

Now, it’s his turn to shine. Watch for more on this development in the hours and days to come.

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