Michigan Football: 5 Wolverines who will break out on defense

McGrone can help replace Bush at LB

A lot of focus is going to be on the linebackers going into next season because Bush was such an essential piece. No way Florida runs the ball the way it did had Bush been in the lineup in the Peach Bowl. But looking ahead, one guy that could help fill his shoes long-term is Cameron McGrone.

McGrone was another key part of the 2018 class and he ranked as the No. 118 player overall as well as the seventh-best outside linebacker. Basically, at Michigan, there are two linebacker jobs that are more like interior positions and then you have the viper role which will be played by Khaleke Hudson again.

While Ross will likely start at one inside spot and Devin Gil should see snaps at the other, another name that will be in the mix is McGrone, a player who stood out during bowl prep and drew rave reviews from the coaching staff.

At 6-foot-1, 228 pounds, McGrone is big enough to take on blocks in the Big Ten and he runs 4.6 in the 40, which should allow him to hold up decently in coverage. Ross, Gil and McGrone should see the most snaps at linebacker and while none can make the individual impact Bush did, the guy that might get the closest is McGrone, who could push Gil to start alongside Ross next season.