Michigan Football: 3 things we learned from Wolverines open practice

Where go guys stand on defense?

When it comes to starting jobs and chances to play, there are probably more chances on defense for Michigan football right now than the offense.

The defensive line, secondary and linebackers all will have new starters so that was something to watch Saturday and starting at linebacker, I was impressed with Devin Gil, who looked quicker and was more fluid in coverage than last year. Don Brown said as much in a recent interview and he was right.

Another player I was anxious to see was Vincent Gray and he didn’t disappoint. He did a nice job playing on the outside and his 6-foot-2 frame is something the Wolverines could use on the outside, especially down the field and in the red zone. As good as Lavert Hill and David Long were the last two years, winning jump balls wasn’t necessarily their forte. Gray could help with that.

Gray and Thomas appear entrenched at those two corner spots but of course, Hill will be back at some point. Brad Hawkins also made a nice play in the slot. I like the big nickel approach. It seems like a perfect spot for Daxton Hill when he comes but there is a lot of talent in the secondary, which is a good problem to have but there will be some tough decisions to be made. Ultimately, at both corner and safety, I have a feeling a lot of guys around going to play this season.

Up front, the guy that stood out was Aidan Hutchinson. He has taken a jump heading into his sophomore season and he looked powerful and explosive. He was stout against the run last year but he needs to add the pass rush element if he wants to be a quality starter and he looks to have improved. We will see how much this fall.