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Michigan Football: Devin Bush Jr. looks poised to breakout at linebacker

By Chris Peterson

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Michigan Wolverines head football coach Jim Harbaugh throws the ball during the pregame warms ups prior to the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***Jim Harbaugh
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Michigan Wolverines head football coach Jim Harbaugh throws the ball during the pregame warms ups prior to the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***Jim Harbaugh /
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Michigan football is looking for Devin Bush Jr. to start this season at linebacker and if he wins the job, he could be poised for a breakout season.

The talk about the talent lost by Michigan football off last year’s defense seems endless. But with guys like Devin Bush Jr. getting ready to step into roles, the thoughts of the past won’t last for long.

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Instead, the thoughts will turn to the future of Michigan football and players like Bush, who are slated to take on prominent roles this season.

Bush, who was recruited to Michigan football as a four-star linebacker, played some last season as a freshman, but not much from scrimmage. He was Mike McCray’s backup on the weak side and he also played a prominent role on special teams.

But with Ben Gedeon and Jabrill Peppers both gone, there are two starting LB spots available and Bush looks like he should be penciled in for one of them.

A jump is always expected between a freshman and sophomore season. Players grow and mature and that’s the case with Bush. And according to comments from defensive coordinator Don Brown in the past, his body has matured.

Michigan Wolverines Football
Michigan Wolverines Football /

Michigan Wolverines Football

“I mean, just look at him,” Brown said in April to local media. “I teased him yesterday — he walked by me and he didn’t have a shirt on — I go, ‘I remember last year, you were a short, pudgy guy.’ And he’s chiseled. He’s got a Division I body now.”

And in the Michigan football spring game, Bush certainly looked the part. According to the Detroit Free Press, Bush had two sacks and tackled Wilton Speight three times. He was playing middle linebacker and certainly has done enough to start there.

However, he has also split time outside with McCray. It’s possible that McCray moves inside at some point, while Bush takes his role on the weak side.

But either way, Bush is a player that’s ascending. And he is one of the reasons Michigan fans should be excited about the upcoming season.

Yes, the defense lost a lot of talent. But there is even more talent like Bush ready to replace it, ready to play a starring role.

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Developing young talent is going to be a key going forward for Michigan football, no doubt. But with guys like Bush, it looks like that objective is coming along nicely.

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