Tag: Kalel Mullings

Jaylen Harrell, Kalel Mullings talk about the ‘chip on the shoulder’ and the speed on the defense

This defense is saying the right things!

Michigan football bolstered into the top five in the AP Top 25 Poll after defeating Colorado State last Saturday, 51-7. The Wolverines are sitting comfortably with a No. 4 ranking, but there are still 11 games left on the schedule and the maize and blue will be tasked to take on Hawaii this upcoming Saturday.

The Wolverines did score 51 points, so the offense did what it needed to do, even after stalling in the red zone three different times which led to three field goals. But the most impressive thing about Michigan when it faced the Rams was the defense.

As everyone knows, Michigan lost key starters to a top defense from 2021, but the maize and blue have so many players that have experience. Michigan started a brand new defensive line in its first game last Saturday with the exception of Mazi Smith, but mostly everyone that played does have experience thanks to the rotation that the Wolverines do with the defense.

The Wolverines compiled seven sacks and 11 tackles-for-loss against Colorado State. After the game, edge defender Mike Morris said that the Wolverines had a chip on their shoulder and he said that Michigan has plenty of edge players that can play winning football.

On Tuesday, Jaylen Harrell — who got the start against the Rams — shared similar sentiments. He said that there really is a chip on their shoulder, but the main goal for the defense is to keep improving every day which will lead to the defense in a position to be great.

“Yeah, like you said the chip there is actually a chip and a lot of buzz about this then the third about who to replace,” said Harrell. “We all have been saying like we’re not trying to replace no one, who’s trying to get better each and every day. But our chemistry rushing the passer, stop the run, whatever it may be. The main goal is keep getting better each and every week, putting our defense in the best position to be great.”

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter did a great job against the Rams in disguising plays. The Wolverines did a great job getting to Millen when it blitzed, but the amazing thing was, how many times Michigan was able to get to the Rams’ quarterback when just rushing four guys. Harrell said that he thought the four-man rushes were good, but he also thinks that Michigan could have finished better than what it did getting to Millen. That’s a big statement since the Wolverines did rack up seven sacks.

“Four man rush wise I thought we were getting back there as well,” said Harrell. “But like I said we could have I feel like we all could have finished a little better. Yeah, we left some rushes out there for the quarterback could feel us. But overall pretty good. Pretty good debut for us as a defensive pass rush.”

When rotating so many young players in and out of the game, the worry comes in externally, will it bother anyone? Of course, everyone wants to play, but a ton of teams will feature three-to-four guys and Michigan featured seven or eight players. But linebacker Kalel Mullings says its fun to the team when they see so many players making plays on defense. He gives credit to the coaches for allowing different players to earn an opportunity.

“Yeah, I mean, you know, last year, we had so many amazing players that left,” said Mullings. “And I feel like there’s a defense and as a team, there was, you know, external pressure and internal pressure as well to kind of replace that. And it also gave a lot of us the opportunity to step up and replace it as well. And I feel like coach Minter and the whole defensive staff has given us the opportunity to make plays and to step up to get home get sacks, get ball disruption. And, you know, we all saw on Saturday, so many guys getting home and getting sacks. You know, it’s just fun to do. It’s fun to see it’s fun to be a part of, and it’s just fun in general.”

Even though Michigan lost some key cogs to the defensive unit from 2021, the Wolverines have young and hungry talent returning in 2022. Mullings was asked about the difference between the 2022 team compared to last year. Speed was noticeable, and Mullings says that Michigan has some burners on the defensive side of the ball. He sees it on the perimeter and he has been seeing it since camp.

“And I feel like it definitely shows up on the perimeter,” said Mullings. “You know, perimeter plays in practice, and all throughout fall camp, you just see it all over film guys burning to the ball. Backside players making plays that you’re like, oh my goodness, how is he even in the shot? And I feel like it’s gonna help us a lot. Just having extremely, extremely athletic guys and extremely fast guys all over the field. Who doesn’t? Who doesn’t want that? I mean, it’s gonna be great for us.”

The Wolverines will take the field this Saturday against Hawaii at 8 p.m. EDT on Big Ten Network.

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A spring position switch for Michigan football that could be a real fall possibility

There’s more than one potential impact player who could play both sides of the ball this fall. #GoBlue

After spring ball had concluded, Jim Harbaugh went on the ‘In The Trenches’ podcast with Jon Jansen, and shared that third-year linebacker Kalel Mullings has really looked good playing on the defensive side of the ball.

“A linebacker that really elevated his game,” Harbaugh said. “He was playing with a cast a lot of the time last year — the whole time, the whole season last season. Had surgery on his hand and — but now that’s off. His ability to strike people and not have that pain or cringe has really elevated his game.”

But, that’s not the only place we saw him in the spring game.

In something of a surprise, Mullings was in the offensive backfield, getting carries as a running back — the position he played primarily in high school — and he looked good doing it. Though much of the discussion of who the third back will be in this year’s offense, now that Hassan Haskins has departed, has been centered on Tavierre Dunlap, Leon Franklin, and incoming freshman C.J. Stokes, Harbaugh can see a future for Mullings as running back.

“I moved Kalel Mullings to running back and linebacker — he’s now a two-way player. He looked real good and looked real good in practice. The amount of knowing the plays and the offense will develop as he goes. Could be Tavi, could be Kalel Mullings that replaces a lot of the carries that Hassan Haskins had.”

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Mullings isn’t the only player who’s seen the field on both sides of the ball, as Mike Sainristil is in the discussion for starting cornerback — likely at nickel. And Harbaugh has a solid history of having his players switch positions with great success — the most notable being Richard Sherman, who was a wide receiver at Stanford before Harbaugh tried him out on the defensive side of the ball.

Harbaugh shared what makes players good at moving to other positions, what he looks out for, and why Mullings could potentially be another great two-way player.

“There’s definitely an intelligence of learning two playbooks. Also that they’re driven to do it, that they’re willing to do it, that they’re embracing that wholeheartedly. When those two factors, along with the skill set show up, then I do it. Those are really the three factors that have to line up for me to do that. Also, I feel good about having the eye to do that. Something I’m always looking at. I’m always trying to find that type of player who can do that.

“Kalel somewhat makes it a little easier. I’m not going to take any deep, long bows for that. He was really more of an offensive player when he was in high school. Kick returner, running back. His arrow is way up at linebacker, too, now. He had a really good spring at linebacker, too now. He’s got the willingness, he’s got the intelligence. He’s got the skill set to be a two-way player.”

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Jim Harbaugh: Michigan’s defensive identity in 2020 starts up front

Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh shares why the DL is the team’s defensive identity and who’s standing out in the linebacking corps

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What’s kept Michigan from being as dominant the past two years defensively as it was the three previous?

The Wolverines are still in the upper echelon of college football in terms of total defense — meaning, yards surrendered per game — but 2018 and 2019 have seen some serious lapses, particularly against Ohio State. Still, the maize and blue have finished no worse than No. 11 in that metric since Jim Harbaugh arrived, but there has to be a reason why it hasn’t been able to keep pace with the Buckeyes, right?

One part of it certainly could be the lack of push up front. In 2016, Michigan had eight sacks against OSU. In 2017, it had three. But in 2018 it had zero and managed just one in 2019.

So to say that the defensive line needs to improve, particularly in that game, it wouldn’t be terribly novel of an idea.

Thankfully, it appears that’s the defense’s strength heading into 2020, as Harbaugh told Jon Jansen on the Inside Michigan Football radio show that he feels the defensive front is that side of the ball’s identity — starting with the two ends up front.

“I think if you can picture – I know you can picture it, but Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson – two — wow,” Harbaugh said. “Tremendous players and they’re having great camps. I kinda look over at them and I see the identity for our defense in those two. Really talented, great, high-effort kind of players. Carlo Kemp and Chris Hinton – and now Donovan Jeter also is really surging and doing great. Such a natural and good football player. And Jess Speight, total Michigan man. Talk about position switches and a guy who will do anything for the team — In there playing nose.

“Also, Luiji Vilain, looking for him to have a very good year. Taylor Upshaw is surging as a player. Also say Julius Welschof, keep an eye on him. He’s coming into his own. Mike Morris, Mazi Smith, Gabe Newburg – really turning into great football players.

“That group of defensive linemen – a lot of identity coming out of that group.”

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Michigan will need more than the front four in order to get the defense back in the top four, nationally, in 2020.

Behind them are two household names in Josh Ross and Cam McGrone, but there’s a newcomer, in terms of starting, in VIPER Michael Barrett — a former quarterback in high school.

Starting with Barrett, Harbaugh broke down the linebackers, including who could spell the starters as the game wears on. All-in-all, he appears happy with the depth.

“He’s a rock-solid guy,” Harbaugh said. “Tough competitor and experienced player. Feeling very good about the linebacking position with Michael Barrett, Josh Ross and Cam McGrone. And some other players are behind them. Ben VanSumeren is looking for, competing for a starting spot at the SAM backer, along with David Ojabo. Adam Shibley has really surged here the last couple months and is doing a great job at the MIKE position. He’s got versatility to play both MIKE and WILL. Outstanding young player.

“Anthony Solomon is a sophomore, but he’s doing a heckuva good job. The two freshmen to really look at are inside backer Nikhai Hill-Green and Kalel Mullings — both doing really well, especially for only being freshmen. So starters and depth are being developed there at the linebacker position. Jaylen Harrell – make another note, right there with Nikhai Hill-Green and Kalel Mullings standing out as freshmen – Jaylen Harrell is doing that as well.”

We’ll see all of the above in action in mere weeks, with the season opener at Minnesota kicking off on Oct. 24 at 7:30 P.M. EDT. The game will be nationally televised on ABC.

Early playing time likely, Don Brown shares potential instant impact Michigan freshmen

With the likelihood that Michigan will have several play early, the Wolverines defensive coordinator breaks down the likely contributors.

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — One of the big questions every year before the season begins is who of the first-year players will of the instant impact variety? Given the oddness of 2020 — the postponed start, a nine-game Big Ten schedule, and COVID-19 still being out there — we might be seeing some younger players on the field sooner-than-not.

On the defensive side of the ball, Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown says that he anticipates playing some younger players earlier, because you never know who will be needed should a player or handful of players test positive, thus meaning a 21-day period where those affected must sit out.

“Yes, I think we will (play younger players earlier),” Brown said. “Obviously, keeping your fingers crossed with this COVID issue as well, you just don’t know what’s gonna happen on a week-to-week basis in terms of your roster. So you’ve gotta be prepared. The one thing that Coach Harbaugh has stressed to all of us coaches is, ‘Coach everybody! Make sure everybody gets coached!’ And that has all got taken to heart. And we are coaching the first-day freshman and the senior that’s never got on the field, because you just don’t know who’s gonna end up playing for you on Saturday afternoon. So that’s been an important battle cry.

“If you ask me what’s been the biggest difference having this extended period: we’ve been able to teach the defense to every human being that’s in the unit. If you don’t know the defense, it’s your fault, because they’ve all had opportunity to practice, they’ve all had opportunity to run with upper-level units, and we’re making sure everybody gets coached.”

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During his 40-plus minute media availability, Brown named several true freshmen who have stood out to him thus far. He mentioned William Mohan at VIPER, Jaylen Harrell at SAM linebacker, Nikhai Hill-Green at WILL linebacker and Eamonn Dennis at cornerback as potential contributors at one point or another.

But he also singled out an in-state early-enrollee who is all-but-ensured to see the field this season in some capacity.

“I’ll give you a name that I’m kind of excited about,” Brown said. “This Makari Paige is playing at a high level. And he’s a young man that we feel he can jump in there and help us at early stages, for sure. And you can never predict that until you’re out there on the practice field and guys are kinda going through the paces. He’s a safety all the way, tremendous length. I’m gonna be conservative and say he’s 6-foot-2 – I think he’s taller than that. He really plays well over the slot. But we have a number of guys playing pretty well over the slots, and the good thing is we have good, young receivers, so we’re getting challenged every day. It’s nice to be able to get a good look at our guys in terms of competitive situations.”

Beyond that, who else has been impressing Brown since arriving on campus?

He went deeper into some of the names that were already discussed as well as a few others who very well could see early playing time in 2020.

“It’s so hard when you start saying ‘this freshman’ and ‘that freshman’ and then you forget a guy,” Brown said. “I think the guys that have really stood out, starting with the linebacker position: Kalel Mullings – he’s 6-foot-2.5, he’s 241-pounds and he’s 17-years old playing the MIKE linebacker position. He can run now. Nikhai Hill-Green plays the WILL next door to him. They were both just in my office. They love football, they love being around it. I just see the sky’s the limit for those guys. Cornell Wheeler from West Bloom is another guy. Has lost some time but is back now. And obviously, we need to see more out of Cornell, but I think he’s got real ability as well. R.J. Moten at safety is gonna be a real good player. I’m not sure he’s in the right position exactly yet – we’re trying to figure that out. There’s really a lot of good players. Seldon is a good player – we’re playing him at nickel, but he missed a little bit of time as well.

“Those guys are good players, you know? Kris Jenkins is a defensive lineman from Good Counsel. His dad played in the NFL for a very long time. He’s got tremendous upside as well. We’re happy with him. I’m whipping around in my head here – I know I’m gonna miss some significant guys on you.

“But we’re very happy with that freshman class overall. High character. Really good football players and guys that can really help us.”

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Michigan commits, signees make push for Donovan Edwards

With one major target off the board at RB in 2021, several prospective Wolverines took to Twitter to thy and lure a 4-star in-state tailback

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When Hopewell (VA) five-star RB TreVeyon Henderson committed to Ohio State without having ever visited Columbus, nearly all of Michigan’s hopes at tailback suddenly rest on an in-state talent in West Bloomfield (MI) four-star Donovan Edwards.

It seemed as if the Wolverines were trailing for the star player in Oakland County, with the Buckeyes, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma all in full-pursuit. However, reports indicate that Michigan has made a big push, including one from The Wolverine’s EJ Holland, who published a story on Friday about the maize and blue pursuit of Edwards.

Many of those already committed or even signed to Michigan took that as an opportunity to let Edwards know just how much he’s wanted in Ann Arbor, including commits J.J. McCarthy and Giovanni El-Hadi as well as signees Zak Zinter, AJ Henning, Kalel Mullings and Braiden McGregor.

Check out their pitches to Edwards below:

 

 

 

Signed: Kalel Mullings

Everything you need to know about new Wolverines signee Kalel Mullings.

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Stars Overall Position State
247Sports 4 251 #21 OLB #2
Rivals 4 91 #8 OLB #2
ESPN 4 208 #17 OLB #1
247Sports Composite 4 158 #13 OLB #1

Vitals

Hometown Milton (MA) Academy
Projected Position Linebacker
Height 6-foot-1
Weight 220-pounds

Recruitment

Michigan was his first reported offer all the way back on Jan. 20, 2017, and he became a frequent visitor to Ann Arbor, even after he rose quickly through the rankings.

As he became a national recruit, he saw offers from the likes of Stanford, Notre Dame, Clemson, Penn State, Ohio State and Wisconsin, but committed to Michigan in the week that multiple signees pledged, making it official on June 27.

Readiness Level

Likely a candidate to either be a starter or backup in year two. Almost certainly a redshirt in his first year.

Early Enrollee?

Yes

Notes (via MGoBlue.com)

Prep
• Attended Milton Academy (2020), coached by Kevin MacDonald
• Selected captain of the Milton Academy team as a senior
• Helped team win the Independent School League (ISL) Championship in 2019
• Member of the varsity football team for five seasons (2015-19)

Key Statistics
• Gained 371 rushing yards and scored 22 touchdowns as a senior; added 18 receptions for 289 yards and four TDs
• Recorded two interceptions and two sacks during his senior campaign

Honors and Rankings
• 2019 Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Massachusetts
• Four-star performer in the 247Sports Composite rankings; top-rated player in Massachusetts, the 13th-best outside linebacker prospect and the 158th overall prospect in the nation
• 247Sports ranks as a four-star recruit, the No. 2 player in Massachusetts, the 20th-overall outside linebacker in the country and the nation’s 246th prospect
• Rivals.com four-star prospect; second-best performer in Massachusetts, No. 8 outside linebacker prospect and the 91st overall recruit in the country
• ESPN300 member; top-rated player in Massachusetts, the 17th-best outside linebacker and 208th overall prospect nationally
• PrepStar Magazine Top 150 Dream Team member; No. 2 prospect in Massachusetts, the 12th-best outside linebacker recruit nationally and the 148th overall player in the country
• Nominee for the 2019 High School Butkus Award
• Voted 2019 Darren Gallup ISL Most Valuable Player
• Selected to participate in the All-American Game and Polynesian Bowl all-star games

Personal
• Kalel Mullings was born October 4, 2002
• Son of Calicia and Dale Mullings

Film

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