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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The middle of Michigan’s defense is nearly unrecognizable from a few years ago — or even last year.
While Cam McGrone returns at middle linebacker, he didn’t play in 2018. Similarly, Josh Ross, who started at the position at the outset of 2019, missed the majority of the year with an injury, thus redshirting after having split time at WILL with Devin Gil in 2018.
Now, Gil is gone — having transferred to USF — as is the three-year starter at VIPER in Khaleke Hudson. It’ll be up to Ross to get, not only back into form, but to take a step forward as a full-time starter, along with new VIPER Michael Barrett, who’s been waiting in the wings for some time.
We know who will be the first out of the gates, but what about some of the others who could come in? We anticipate that second-year LB Anthony Solomon could see the field early, as a player who burned his redshirt in 2019, mostly on special teams. Michigan also brought in some impressive recruits, like Kalel Mullings and Osman Savage. But when asked who’s been impressing him most of the players who have yet to see the field, Ross named Savage’s teammate at Baltimore (MD) St. Frances Academy as the one who’s caught his eye.
“One of the guys that most impressed me is a freshman and he plays my position – Nikhai Hill-Green,” Ross said. “He’s a great, great guy. Great player. Still learning, but one thing I can say about him is he’s very instinctive. He’s very smart and he’s gonna be a good player for Michigan in the future for sure. He’s a great dude.”
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Hill-Green enrolled early, but with COVID-19 canceling spring ball the week before it was set to begin, he’s yet to put on the pads. But there’s another new face who’s worn the pads and has been known for his penchant for hitting.
Albeit on the offensive side.
Ben VanSumeren, the former fullback out of Essexville (MI) Garber, has been known in Ann Arbor as something of a workout warrior, an absolute specimen when it comes to his off-the-field persona.
Likened often to teammate Ben Mason, as Michigan has shifted away (mostly) from fullback on offense, VanSumeren got some play at tailback before making a full-minded switch back to linebacker, where he used to also play at the high school-level.
Ross is enthusiastic about his prowess on that side of the field, noting how instinctive he is at getting to the ball, along with the strength that comes from essentially living in the weight room.
“He’s acclimated very well,” Ross said. “Ben Van is one of those guys – another guy – hardworking guy. Big weight room guy. That guy is so strong – you wouldn’t even understand how strong that dude is. The speed he brings, the intensity he brings, the hard work on the field – just running to the ball, always around the ball, just getting there, never stops. He’s gonna have our defense moving at a positive direction this year for sure. He’s a great player.”
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