Michigan Football: 10 Wolverines who improved their stock this spring

Mason moves to defense

Last season, Ben Mason was one of the most physical players on the Michigan football team. He was tremendous in his role as a fullback and short-yardage back for the Wolverines as he ran for seven touchdowns last season including one that helped clinch a win at Michigan State.

But in the new offense, the fullback isn’t going to have as a big a role. There will be more spread sets and not nearly as much I-formation if any at all. So, instead of wasting Mason, the coaching staff moved him back to defense and it’s been a great fit.

Mason came to UM as a linebacker but at 6-foot-3 and more than 250 pounds, he was moved to defensive end/defensive tackle. With his strength and physical toughness, Mason is hard to move off the ball and should be an outstanding run defender.

Personally, his best fit is as a strong-side defensive end. Mason will be perfect setting the edge and while he could also bull rush from the inside, stopping the run will be his strength. Either way, he proved this spring he deserves to be on the defensive line two-deep.