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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan got some good news two weeks ago, when traveling to Maryland, for the first time since Week Four at Wisconsin, linebacker Josh Ross was healthy and available to play.
The middle linebacker was heralded this offseason as a player who could play at a Devin Bush Jr.-type level, but early-season injuries kept him off the field for the most part. Even in Week Two, he didn’t play more than half the game, and only got limited run in Madison two weeks later.
But in College Park, Ross not only traveled, but he suited up, ready to take on the Terrapins, though he didn’t make his way onto the field beyond pregame warmups.
So, where is he in his availability? Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh shared that intel on Monday, as well as expectations for him moving forward.
“He’s back – he’s prepared and ready to play,” Harbaugh said. “Our plan with Josh is to play in one more game. He hasn’t redshirted so far and with the time that he’s already missed, hopefully we’ll have the luxury of only playing him in one more game and getting him an extra year. That would give him two more after this season. That’s our hope that we’ll be able to do that.”
With Cam McGrone stepping into the starting MIKE LB role against Rutgers and not letting it go due to a stellar level of play, it does create something of a quality problem for the Wolverines, with two high-level players who play the same position.
But, given the intention to redshirt Ross, Harbaugh said nothing is changing for McGrone, and that, instead, they’re more looking for one particular opportunity to get the in-state product back on the field this season.
And the team is hoping to keep it limited to just that one game, as to preserve future eligibility.
“Cam’s starting, but Josh is being prepared to play,” Harbaugh said. “When we feel like (he’s) most needed. One of the two inside backers wouldn’t be able to start or finish the game – preparing him for when we need him the most. Trying to get that one game to be the game that he would play in.”
Ross’ return does add extra insurance, not just at McGrone’s spot, but also at WILL linebacker, where senior Jordan Glasgow has shined this season.
Last season, while Ross wasn’t the starter, he did get what seemed to be the bulk of the minutes at WILL, platooning with Devin Gil, who has seemingly been relegated mostly to special teams this season, with Glasgow’s breakout year.
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