ANN ARBOR, Mich. — While there are some big competitions for Michigan football starting roles happening right now in fall camp, there are some positions that have essentially been decided. The whole of the defensive line being one unit where we know who will likely take the first snaps, and in some cases, who will come in to relieve them in rotation.
But with the edge rushers, the depth is a little less known than that of the tackles. We know that Rayshaun Benny, Enow Etta, and likely Trey Pierce will get their turns. But on the edge, TJ Guy is probably the most known commodity, but behind him, outside of Schembechler Hall, it’s a bit of a mystery.
While he didn’t initially name any names, Guy spoke about the younger group of EDGEs, noting that there’s a lot of unrealized talent in that room.
“We have a bunch of EDGEs, a bunch of young EDGEs right now,” Guy said. “You guys know the older guys, but after me and Kechaun (Bennett), they were are all underclassmen, and they’re really deep. And everybody has a different skill set, and they’re really all talented in their own way. A lot of them guys are going to bring different things to the defense, but this defense is going to allow them all to flourish, so they’re all going to do good, good things for us.”
One name that insiders, and those who play close attention to insiders, have spoken about is true freshman Dominic Nichols. Nichols was mentioned by head coach Sherrone Moore at the UM Club of Flint golf outing in June as being a potential player this fall, but, of course, as a freshman, he’s still learning the ropes.
Nichols did enroll early, but just as Guy played in his first year — getting a sack on Taulia Tagovailoa in the 2021 Maryland game — he wants to ensure that Nichols is ready for his shot should that come in year one.
“Yeah, Dom can contribute. I stay on him. I stay on him every day,” Guy said. “Everybody’s like, gassing him up kind of because he’s flashing he’s doing good things, but I stay on him, just as a guy like did that for me when I was younger, just so he doesn’t get in place and comfortable. None of that hear good things and relax. He’s got to keep his foot on the pedal.”
Besides Nichols, there are other first and second year players we might see in 2024. Chief among them are Cameron Brandt, Breeon Ishmail, and Lugard Edokpayi.[anyclip-media thumbnail=”undefined” playlistId=”undefined” content=”dW5kZWZpbmVk”][/anyclip-media]