Michigan Football: Five 2020 signees that could make an early impact

Braiden McGregor

Michigan football found a bully in Braiden McGregor, the 6-foot-6 260-pound beast from Port Huron Northern.

Braiden isn’t a bully in the traditional sense – he’s not dunking the school nerd in the toilet or dishing out wedgies…that we know of – in fact, his coach, Larry Roelens, described his him as a “gentle giant.” 

McGregor is, rather, a bully on the field and after watching his highlight reel, you’ll agree.

Disclaimer: There is a level of violence in this video that might not be safe for children…or adults

Recruiting websites:

247 sports Allen Trieu provided the evaluation:

"Has a prototypcial frame for the position. Tall, longer arms, well-muscled, but still with room to grow in college. Is a very good athlete who can run, redirect, and chase plays down in pursuit. Has good closing speed. Pass-catching skills on offense speak to his athleticism and ability in space. Plays with great motor. Still working on technique. Once he adds more violent hands and some go-to pass rush moves to his arsenal he will be tough to stop. Growth may determine if he ends up as a five-technique or if he plays on the weak-side because he is athletic enough to be the latter. At either spot, he projects as a major impact guy in college."

Per 247 sports, Braiden is ranked 2nd in Michigan, the 5th SDE, and 122nd nationally with four-stars and a 9472 composite score. Rivals ranks Braiden well below that of 247 sports at 11th in-state and 17th positionally.

Matt’s musings

Braiden currently has the height and weight advantage in high school that he relies on to decimate blockers – which is fun to see but, eventually, you must incorporate techniques. It’s much easier to get to the quarterback when you’re rushing against someone half your size, although it’s a different story when it’s Wisconsin and the guy that’s lined up in your face is 6-foot-10 and 350-pounds.

2020 impact prediction

Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson will return as starters and will remain that way until they leave for the NFL. That could restrict playing time for McGregor if we were living in the 1980s and positions like Viper didn’t exist. While Braiden doesn’t necessarily possess the speed to be a linebacker at the next level, he could be brought in for certain pass rush situations that don’t require coverage.

If Don Brown is able to find McGregor’s niche, Braiden could account for around five to seven sacks with over 15 tackles for loss by the time the bowls are announced.