Report: Michigan football retaining two fifth-year players in 2021

Both fifth-year seniors, Michigan football is retaining two key starters heading into 2021, per a report.

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Everyone always talks about attrition when it comes to Michigan football, but seldom does retention gather similar narratives for the Wolverines. And it turns out, the maize and blue have both heading into 2021.

Yes, there were some key losses, both via the NFL draft and via transfer. Linebacker Cam McGrone and offensive tackle Jalen Mayfield are early draft entrants, while Zach Charbonnet and Luiji Vilain have opted to seek better fortunes at other schools. But Aidan Hutchinson, the star defensive end and team captain announced a return in 2021, and he’s apparently not the only one coming back.

According to MLive’s Aaron McMann, Michigan football is getting back two key defensive players in 2021, as fifth-year linebacker Josh Ross and defensive tackle Donovan Jeter are set to return to Ann Arbor this fall.

Two key defensive players are expected back for Michigan football this fall, sources tell MLive, providing much-needed experience and leadership to a unit ravaged by injury this past fall.

Defensive tackle Donovan Jeter and linebacker Josh Ross are both planning to return to the Wolverines for the 2021 season, utilizing an extra year of eligibility provided by the COVID-19 abbreviated schedule this past fall.

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This is big for a Michigan football team that’s low on returning defensive players in the front seven. Both of the aforementioned started games, and while the defense will assuredly look different under new coordinator Mike Macdonald, both players could be linchpins in the overhauled defense.

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