Michigan Football: 5 keys to a successful 2019 for the Wolverines

Reloading the D

Rashan Gary gone, Chase Winovich gone, Devin Bush gone, David Long gone, you get the idea.

A lot of the leaders and best from the defensive side of the ball are moving on and defensive coordinator Don Brown has a lot of decisions to make.

A couple of Josh’s are really going to need to take the lead and become the new Bush on defense. Those Josh’s being Josh Ross and Josh Uche.

On the defensive line, Seniors Michael Dwumfour and Carlo Kemp are really going to need to help out whoever steps into the defensive end roles. Sophomore Aidan Hutchinson and junior Kwity Paye are leading the pack the spot but graduate transfer Mike Danna could be involved heavily in the rotation.

Even with all those questions swirling around the defense, defensive coordinator Don Brown doesn’t seem fazed by anything.

Brown was asked about who could step in to take over the Devin Bush role and he ended up addressing a majority of the questions on the defensive side of the ball.

"“That guy who just walked by [Metellus] really I thought did a good job taking charge as we started practice today just getting the guys’ minds right and their energy level right. He’s been though it all. He’s had great moments, he’s been criticized in my opinion unfairly because the only guy that should get criticized is the old guy and I’ve been there, done that a lot, so life is good. I think he’s done a tremendous job. “You hit on– we just had a long conversation about Carlo up front. Josh with the linebacker corps. This Khaleke Hudson has really… you know how some guys, you just wish they’d do things a little better in practice and this and that? For some reason he has gone to the next hemisphere in terms of that level. You know, motivation’s a beautiful thing and I think he’s highly motivated to have a very good year."

Don is widely regarded as one of the best defensive minds in college football,  but I don’t think anyone outside of Columbus wants to see another pair of gold pants in hands of Ryan Day and company, so let’s shore up that defense.

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