Michigan Football: 3 camp battles that need more attention

Nickel Cornerback

Brad Hawkins is the man to watch when it comes to the nickel corner position this fall. He got the nod during the spring game in April. Unfortunately, Hawkins is remembered for giving up a long score in the Notre Dame contest in 2018.

Last season was the most seen of him and the converted wide receiver had his fair share of ups and downs. The entire defense will have to put their trust in him to secure the job and help tighten up the pass defense.

If Hawkins stumbles out of the gate then another name to watch is Jalen Kelly-Powell. He’s already seen the field in two years at Michigan so he understands how difficult it is to play the position. JKP can lineup at safety or corner, but needs to become a steady defender to prove to the coaches that he can be counted on for pivotal playing time.

Vincent Gray is a redshirt freshman who is a prototypical looking defensive back. Gray saw time in the spring with LaVert Hill not suiting up. The redshirt yielded an easy trip to the endzone from now ex-Wolverine, Oliver Martin. Luckily for Gray, the play didn’t end up counting because of a penalty getting called.