Michigan Football: 5 breakout candidates for Wolverines on defense

DT Chris Hinton

Chris Hinton is a former five-star recruit at defensive tackle and the 6-foot-3, 315-pounder is the Wolverines best hope of finding a dominant run defender on the inside.

He didn’t play a ton last season, but he saw action in most games and saw significant playing time against Ohio State and Alabama. Hinton actually started in the Citrus Bowl against Alabama and held up alright. He also had five tackles and a half tackle for loss against Ohio State.

Obviously, he has a long way to go, but next season, he should be an every game starter for the Wolverines. He’s big, strong, athletic and he can hold up against the run, while also offering some pass rush.

Carlo Kemp is going to return and he could the other interior starter for Michigan football, although Mazi Smith, another big defensive tackle that was part of the 2019 class, could also push for that job too.

When the Wolverines landed Hinton, it seemed like a big-time get and with the defensive tackle position in need of an elite player, it’s time for Hinton to step up and become that.