Tag: Jaishawn Barham

What Sherrone Moore has seen from Jaishawn Barham since he came to Michigan

He’s going to be a stud for #Michigan this year. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — One of the key components to Michigan football’s recent run in both the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff has been outstanding linebacker play.

Though the Wolverines have had serviceable — and sometimes great — linebackers in the past decade, it was only in the past three years that the corps as a whole has played at an elite level. Thus, it’s no surprise that with Junior Colson, Mike Barrett and Ernest Hausmann last year the maize and blue won the national championship.

The first two are gone to the NFL, but the Wolverines still have Hausmann, and they brought in Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham in December to start opposite him.

We got our first glimpse of Hausmann in the spring game on Saturday, and while he didn’t show up often in the stat sheet, anyone paying attention could see just how disruptive he can be. There are murmurs that Michigan feels it perhaps got a first-round type of talent in the former freshman All-American and three-time All-Big Ten player.

On Monday, WolverinesWire asked Sherrone Moore what he’s seen from Barham this spring and he’s appreciated not only the play on the field, but the workmanship he’s had behind the scenes which is helping him earn the respect of his teammates.

“Instinctual, physical, violent, fast — everything you want in a linebacker,” Moore said. “As quiet as can be, just goes about his business the right way, just how we like the transfers that come in here. They just come in, assimilate themselves in the culture and keep attacking.

“So he’s been outstanding, and just I can’t wait to see what he does.”

With Barham’s attitude entering his third year being one of leading by example, it harkens back to when players like Olu Oluwatimi joined and managed to galvanize the entire team around him. When you have what Michigan currently has — a strong, player-led culture — in order to become a leader, you have to show you can abide by that culture through your work ethic.

It appears Barham is doing just that, which should pay dividends for the maize and blue this fall.

247Sports: Michigan football LB among nation’s ‘most ferocious’

An incredible addition to this new-look team! #GoBlue

Michigan football fans got well acquainted with former Nebraska linebacker Ernest Hausmann last year when he started laying licks on running backs. Though used in a reserve role, it was clear that he was the heir apparent to that being left behind by Junior Colson and Mike Barrett.

But there’s another linebacker that fans aren’t quite as familiar with who should fit in nicely next to Hausmann.

This offseason, the Wolverines managed to secure former Maryland linebacker Jaishawn Barham — who happens to be the last person to have intercepted a J.J. McCarthy pass in college. Though he hasn’t yet played a down for the maize and blue, he’s already getting accolades for his prowess in making the big hit.

247Sports’ Brad Crawford put together a list of the ’10 most ferocious linebackers’ entering 2024, and Barham came in ranked No. 4 in the country.

2023 numbers: 37 tackles (3 TFL)

The Barham file: The top-rated linebacker in the portal this cycle, Jaishawn Barham left Maryland for Michigan and 247Sports’ Clint Brewster called his arrival in Ann Arbor the “perfect fit” for both parties.

“Barham is an impressive looking specimen in the middle of the defense and he was freshman All-American in 2022,” Brewster told The Michigan Insider. “Production dipped a little bit this season but there’s a ton to like about his game. He’s a physical presence in the run game, but also does an excellent job on blitzes. He’s long, fast, and physical. The thing that really stands out for me is how well he moves laterally at that size and how he navigates through traffic. He’s got the arm length and strength to disengage and doesn’t get blocked easily. Michigan is a perfect spot for his talent and they will maximize his game. He’s a candidate to have a huge breakout year.”

The blitz part is big given that new Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is known to be a heavy blitzer. If utilized as expected, fans will get to know and love Barham in a hurry, especially considering how well he fits into the system.

In 2022, Barham was third on Maryland’s defense in tackles (58) while being first in tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (4). As noted, his production waned in 2023, but with new life in Ann Arbor, he’s poised for a rebound year. And if 247Sports is right, it could be one that garners him national attention — not just local.

Why new Michigan LB Jaishawn Barham is the perfect fit for Wink Martindale

He’s fitting in really well for #Michigan. #GoBlue

New Michigan transfer linebacker Jaishawn Barham might know the future or just be really lucky. Either way, the kid has landed in the perfect spot after transferring from Maryland.

See, when Barham committed to Michigan he had no way of knowing Jesse Minter would be leaving and Wink Martindale would join the Wolverines and call the defense. In the grand scheme of things, the difference between Minter and Martindale isn’t extreme. Both run the same basic system, but Martindale blitzes the absolute snot out of his linebackers while Minter is a tad more conservative.

That is where Barnham fits like the last piece of a puzzle. Barham was a top 120 recruit in the 2022 cycle. He was heralded for his size (listed at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds at Maryland) and ability to play outside or inside.

At Maryland, Barham played mostly as a traditional middle linebacker but also utilized heavily as a blitzer. He even lined up as an edge defender on occasion. He’s no Micah Parsons, but with seven sacks to his name through two seasons of football, he understands how to get to the quarterback.

Martindale is famous for a particular defensive front that involves using three defensive linemen to cover up both guards and the center while sitting two edge defenders just outside of the tackles. Barham’s versatility as an edge-linebacker hybrid means that Michigan can run this front without substituting from their base personnel. Kenneth Grant will hulk over the center, Mason Graham and Derrick Moore will work the guards, and Josaiah Stewart and Barham will be the edge defenders.

This alignment would leave Ernest Hausmann as the lone linebacker, but he is more than capable of shifting through traffic and making a tackle in a crowd.

Being able to shift into this formation without substituting is a huge tactical advantage. As many Wolverine fans are aware, Ohio State invested a lot of resources into the run game this offseason and will likely attack on the ground more effectively than in seasons past. If the Buckeyes start to move the ball against the traditional 4-2-5 package, Michigan can adjust its run-stopping front without needing to hustle any players off the field. That plays as a terrific counter to what is usually an advantage in the offense’s favor.

Where ESPN ranks Michigan football transfer portal commit Jaishawn Barham

Such an underrated talent. #GoBlue

There are thousands of players in the transfer portal, despite it not having been open for very long. Such is the case with free agency coming to college football.

Michigan football has lost three to the portal thus far in walk-ons Leon Franklin and Sam Staruch as well as second-year scholarship running back CJ Stokes. The Wolverines, however, have been a sniper the past two years, hunting for the best fits, and they got a certified baller in former Maryland linebacker Jaishawn Barham.

Barham will be starting his third year in Ann Arbor and he very well could be starting if incumbent Junior Colson departs for the NFL. ESPN thinks quite highly of the former Terps standout, ranking him No. 59 overall while also having high praise for his capabilities.

Via Tom VanHaaren: (subscription required)

59. Jaishawn Barham, LB

Transferring to: Michigan | Transferring from: Maryland

HT: 6-3 | WT: 230 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Barham was an ESPN 300 recruit in the 2022 class and a big recruiting win for Maryland. He was an in-state prospect who started in 12 games as a true freshman in 2022. He had 58 total tackles and led the team with 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He played in 11 games this season and ranked seventh on the team in total tackles with 37. He also had three sacks and three tackles for loss and should get quite a bit of interest in the portal. He’s an explosive and productive defensive player with multiple years of eligibility left who could fit with most defenses.

How he fits at Michigan: The Wolverines had success this past season bringing in a Big Ten linebacker transfer with Ernest Hausmann, who transferred in from Nebraska. Michigan has linebacker Michael Barrett leaving after this season and could see Junior Colson leave for the NFL. Getting Barham helps add depth, experience and someone who can help in the pass rush within the linebacking corps for next season and beyond.

We’ll see who else the Wolverines bring in. There are indications that Michigan football has reached out to former five-star cornerback Domani Jackson from USC and that he’s choosing between the Wolverines and Alabama — though that remains unclear. Western Kentucky cornerback Upton Stout is trending to the maize and blue and there are others, such as Wake Forest wide receiver Jahmal Banks, who appear to have a strong reciprocal interest in playing in Ann Arbor.

Breaking down Michigan football commit Jaishawn Barham

What a good get for the Wolverines. #GoBlue

Michigan will once again be using the portal to restock ahead of the 2024 campaign. Last year, Michigan landed several starters such as LaDarius Henderson, Drake Nugent, and Josh Wallace, while also picking up some rotational pieces for the future. This portal season looks no different for Michigan as they are raiding college football again for top talent once again.

One of the key defenders likely leaving for the draft is linebacker Junior Colson. Michigan has Ernest Haussmann ready to start, but the second starter and depth are still up in the air. Right now, it looks like Jimmy Rolder will start with Jaydon Hood as the first guy off the bench, but Michigan looks like they want some extra insurance. Enter Barham.

The true sophomore was a top 120 recruit nationally and has played extensively in his two seasons for the Terps recording 96 tackles and seven sacks in his career.

The first thing to like about Barham is his size. He’s pretty tall for an off-ball linebacker at 6-foot-4 four and about 230 pounds. He’s built like an edge defender but can move in coverage like a much smaller player, especially going side to side. His long speed is relatively untested, but linebackers typically require short-distance bursts more often than 40-yard sprints. Barham’s long frame gives him advantageous arm length to engage blockers and get in passing lanes, but he did not show the ability to fully utilize his build on tape.

Barham is very patient when defending the run. Sometimes too patient, even. He loves to take read steps, but rarely triggers downhill to fill a gap with force and seems more comfortable going sideline to sideline. This means that Barham rarely gives up leverage and cutback lanes with over pursuit, but also doesn’t create many plays behind the line of scrimmage. That being said, Barham does show the ability and willingness to attack blockers. He does a good job targeting the outside shoulder of offensive players and getting upfield to keep ball carriers from cutting back inside. Maryland may have been coaching him to react softly to inside runs, so I would expect Michigan to change that philosophy and utilize his athleticism.

The skill is there in coverage. Barham moves very well and can change direction better than most linebackers in college. He can flip his hips and gain depth but also break on the ball well. He didn’t play much man coverage on tight ends at Maryland, but the skills should translate and make him a solid piece in either man or zone coverage. Barham especially excels in mirroring backs out of the backfield, an area that has plagued Michigan recently. He understands how to play top-down and what angle to take to be on the backs hip without drifting upfield and allowing yards after catch.

Maryland occasionally lined Barham up as an edge defender, but I don’t like the fit. He has the build to play a Jaylen Harrell role but lacks the pass-rushing moves and the bend to get home consistently. He can be a good blitz piece from his off-ball spot, but I suggest he sticks there unless a serious injury bug hits the team.

Barham is a huge get. He’s a talented player who might stick around for two years and gives the linebacker position both depth and talent. Assuming Colson leaves for the draft, I could see Barham starting week one next season alongside Ernest Haussmann. Jimmy Rolder and Jaydon Hood will battle to be the first guy off the bench, but I like Barham better than both of them right now.

Michigan football gets a big one in first transfer portal commitment

This is a huge get! #GoBlue

Michigan football has been quiet in the transfer portal thus far this cycle. At this time last year, the Wolverines had names like Ernest Hausmann, LaDarius Henderson, AJ Barner, and Drake Nugent committed.

But the maize and blue had their eyes set on key names in the portal, and ones that could help out right away.

At linebacker, the Wolverines return Hausmann next year, while Junior Colson has a decision to make. Mike Barrett will depart after his sixth year. Thus, Michigan has been targeting former Maryland standout Jaishawn Barham, who visited earlier in the month.

On Wednesday, early signing day, concurrent with four-star EDGE Lugard Edokpayi committing, Barham announced he’ll join the maize and blue.

Barham played high school ball at Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy, formerly coached by former staffer Biff Poggi and former home to Blake Corum and Derrick Moore.

Barham was sixth in tackles for Maryland with 37. He also had three sacks and three QB hurries. He’s listed at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds and has two years of eligibility remaining.

Michigan football trending for top Big Ten transfer target

He would be a really good get for the maize and blue. #GoBlue

Michigan football is looking for linebacker help via the NCAA transfer portal with at least Michael Barrett moving on after this season. The Wolverines brought in one former Big Ten linebacker last year in former Nebraska Cornhusker Ernest Hausmann. Now the maize and blue are potentially looking to land another in-conference player who can roam the middle of the defense.

One of the best players at Maryland, Jaishawn Barham got an offer from Michigan football after entering the transfer portal and quickly visited Ann Arbor to see if it could be a fit. Hailing originally from Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy (Blake Corum and Derrick Moore’s school), Barham is rated a four-star by the 247Sports transfer portal rankings. And now he’s starting to get predictions that he’ll end up a Wolverine.

Barham got a prediction from The Michigan Insider’s Steve Lorenz on Wednesday and another from 247Sports national reporter Matt Zenitz late on Thursday, both indicating that Michigan will be his school of choice.

Wherever he decides to go, Barham will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Should the maize and blue reel in the Terps linebacker, it would pair him with Hausmann, junior Jimmy Rolder, and senior Jaydon Hood, assuming that those who are already in the program do not, themselves, transfer. The next step would then be to find a coach to replace Chris Partridge, who was fired in November by the program.

Does Michigan football have Sainristil, Colson replacements on campus now?

#Michigan needs to land these guys! #GoBlue

Michigan currently has 26 commits in the 2024 high school recruiting class, and seems to be pretty much wrapped up except one or two targets still on the board.

With the youngsters essentially done early, Michigan has turned its full recruiting efforts to portal targets. Last year, the Wolverines landed nine transfers and used seven as starters or heavy rotational pieces. This year, Michigan will be once again looking to pick and choose in order to replace some key players likely departing for the draft after the 2023 campaign wraps up.

Michigan has stayed relatively quiet about its recruiting efforts, but sources have confirmed that two of the top players in the portal are currently on campus and one has even received a prediction to the Wolverines on another site.

The first player on campus in Western Kentucky defensive back Upton Stout. Stout is likely looking to replace Mike Sainristil as the team nickel back and should slide in as a starter on the inside. He recently posted to Instagram that he was in Ann Arbor, so it’s clear the staff has a chance to land him. Stout played in seven games this year and recorded 29 tackles, one interception, and eight passes defensed. He has played four years of college football for two teams (North Texas, Western Kentucky) and has 114 tackles, five interceptions, and 14 passes defensed in his career. Stout is currently the third-ranked cornerback in the portal according to the 247Sports portal rankings.

The second transfer target is Maryland linebacker Jaishawn Barham, who is on campus as well according to Josh Henschke of The Maize & Blue Review.

Barham just finished his true sophomore season for the Terps, but is somehow ranked in the mid-eighties on 247Sports. Barham was the 119th player nationally in the class of 2021 and played alongside Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. Barham recorded 37 tackles, three sacks, and one interception (on J.J. McCarthy) in 10 games this season. Barham has 96 tackles, seven sacks, and one interception in his career. The 6-foot-four, 233-pound linebacker will likely be called on to start next to Ernest Hausmann next season with Junior Colson possibly declaring for the draft. As a true sophomore, Barham has just two years of eligibility remaining and is a likely candidate to remain at Michigan for two seasons as opposed to being a one-year portal rental.

Landing either Barham or Stout would be a massive win, and fix a likely need on the defense next season. There are no timelines for either player to make a decision, but Barham was predicted to Michigan by Steve Lorenz of The Michigan Insider. Keep a lookout as transfer decisions tend to happen quickly.

Michigan football gets prediction for former starter transfer in-conference

He would be a huge get for #Michigan! #GoBlue

Sometimes the grass isn’t just greener somewhere else, you know where the grass is the greenest.

Michigan football got several key contributors via the transfer portal last year from neighboring Big Ten schools. It started with linebacker Ernest Hausmann coming aboard via Nebraska before tight end AJ Barner and quarterback Jack Tuttle defected to Ann Arbor from Indiana. Could another Big Ten starter make their way to the maize and blue?

According to a prediction from 247Sports’ Steve Lorenz, that could be the case.

Having played with Black Corum and Derrick Moore at Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy, Jaishawn Barham chose the local school and played for the Terps. A former four-star recruit, Barham entered the transfer portal on Dec. 4. And Lorenz put in a prediction he’ll end up in Ann Arbor.


Barham was sixth in tackles for Maryland with 37. He also had three sacks and three QB hurries.

Michigan will need a replacement for departing linebacker Mike Barrett and possibly Junior Colson if he chooses to head to the NFL. Barham is listed as the fourth-best linebacker in the portal.

Notre Dame Football Offers ‘22 OLB Jaishawn Barham

Jaishawn Barham of DeMatha Catholic in Maryland announced a scholarship offer.

Early on Monday we learned that Notre Dame had offered a scholarship to 2022 outside linebacker Gabe Powers of Ohio, which we discussed on FIW.

As it turns out, Powers wasn’t the only outside linebacker to receive an offer from Brian Kelly and company on Monday as Jaishawn Barham of DeMatha Catholic in Maryland announced a scholarship offer.

Barham is listed a little thicker than Powers but not quite as tall, coming in at 6-3, 230 pounds per 247Sports.

Notre Dame is the 15th scholarship offer Barham has received as the Irish join Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Penn State, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Virginia, Virginia Tech and a few others to offer.

Barham is the eleventh player Notre Dame has offered a scholarship to in the 2022 recruiting class.