Michigan Football: Spring Game Analysis of the Defensive Line

The defensive line may not be as good as last year, or as deep as last year. But this group seems to be constantly spurred by such left handed slaps. Losing Wormley and Charlton is a big hurt, but every position group is faced with a similar fate, excepting the still developing quarterback group. This fine group has Mo Hurst and Bryan Mone literally anchoring the middle. Both are potential high round draft picks. Mo Hurst, with a good year, is on his way to a big payday.

Rashan Gary / Photo by Chris Hill

Rashan Gary is one of the best sophomores in the nation. Gary’s work drive is high and his versatility adds value to an already solid unit. Gary looks like an oversized, perfect linebacker. He is not, but his shape is supreme.

Aubrey Solomon is a typical big time SEC defensive tackle, big and mobile. How he will be used is subject to some discussion. It would make sense for Aubrey to follow the path Gary took last year. This seems to be the Greg Mattison method. His strength should give him a year of advancement over the normal incoming freshman defensive lineman.

Michael Dwumfour will now be a sophomore and he has the size. Comments by Coach Mattison and others about his improvement and upside have been positive. So, here is a good time to get him some experience without lowering the overall defensive effectiveness.

Winovich, Hurst, and Mone / Photo by Chris Hill

There are a couple of freshmen who may not make much impact this season, but could become extremely important as Hurst and Mone wrap up careers. James Hudson and Donovan Jeter may be a couple of real finds. Jeter already looks good and Hudson, with high motivation and technique improvement, has a chance to be really good.

Deron Irving-Bey needs at least one season of good prep work, but it seems obvious that Coach Mattison believes he can be shaped into a real player down the road. Many other teams held the same conviction and offered Deron.

Coach Brown liked the speed and attacking style of Kwity Paye. He is somewhat undersized at this time, but should fit into Brown’s style. His intangibles seem very strong.

This group is rounded out by Phillip Paea, another guy who showed promise but needs plenty of time and work to get up to the level of the guys listed ahead.

So, the cup may not run over, but it is pretty full. Few teams would not trade theirs for Michigan’s.