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The No. 1 sign that the 2020 season is nigh came on Monday with the announcement that the Wolverines were given clearance to return to campus and that voluntary workouts would begin in earnest next week.
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That said, the players now have to start working on getting into veritable football shape, especially given that there was no spring ball and the season begins with a road trip to PAC-12 power Washington.
While the freshmen work to get acclimated and those in position battles prepare to stake their claim, what about the blue chips, the players who are anticipated to be standouts? Naturally, at a school like Michigan, some are going to be among the best in the country, further evidenced by the maize and blue having three first-round picks in the past two NFL drafts.
But it’s not just the draft eligible players who could be standouts. While redshirt sophomore right tackle Jalen Mayfield is a popular choice to be among the nation’s top players and a potential first-round draft choice in 2021, in Athlon Sports’ preview of anticipated breakout players, they have a second-year Wolverine in mind on the defensive side of the ball.
Dax Hill, DB, Michigan
Hill made an instant impact in his first season with the Wolverines. The Oklahoma native played in all 13 games, recording 36 tackles (three for a loss), one interception and three pass breakups. Hill’s speed and overall coverage ability will be a huge asset for a Michigan secondary looking to replace cornerback Lavert Hill and safety Josh Metellus.
A former five-star, big things are expected of Hill in his second year. He got his feet wet in 2019, and even got some starting experience in the final three games with Brad Hawkins sidelined with injury.
Now with Metellus drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and Hawkins healthy, the standout safety is anticipated to be among the best safeties in the country.
It all starts Sept. 5 when Michigan travels to Seattle to take on the Huskies.
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