Michigan Football: Taking a stab at the Wolverines 2020 Depth chart
Breaking down the defensive positions
Defensive line
Starters: From the left to right Kwity Paye, Carlo Kemp, Chris Hinton, Aidan Hutchinson
Backups: Braiden McGregor, Mazi Smith, Jesse Speight, Luiji Vilain
Behind the starters, it’s incredibly difficult to predict who goes where and in what order. Obviously, Kwity Paye’s return solidifies him on the line along with Aidan Hutchinson and Carlo Kemp, but Chris Hinton, a five-star from the 2019 class, is the wildcard. He has tremendous potential and he appeared in four games as a true freshman.
Linebacker
Starters: Cam McGrone, Josh Ross, Michael Barrett, Anthony Solomon
Backup: Kalel Mullings, Charles Thomas, Joey Velazquez, William Mohan
Brian Jean-Mary has an interesting cast of characters that are – for the most part – auditioning for new roles. Cam McGrone is the only returning starter with Josh Uche, Khaleke Hudson, and Jordan Glasgow departing.
Cam and Josh Ross will hold the interior supported by Michael Barrett as the Viper and Anthony Solomon as the SAM.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Ambry Thomas, Vincent Gray
Backups: DJ Turner, Gemon Green, Andre Seldon
Ambry Thomas surprised many when he let Michigan nation know he would be returning. He provides so much and experience and leadership and playing opposite Vincent Gray, this group shouldn’t have any troubles shutting down the opponent’s passing game.
DJ Turner and Germon Green are ideally suited to take over should anything happen. The unknown here is Andre Seldon, who many believe would be a five-star if he were over 6-foot. He’ll have to go up against Nico Collins in practice and win consistently if he wishes to see the field year one.
Safety
Starters: Daxton Hill, Brad Hawkins
Backups: Sammy Faustin, Jordan Morant
Daxton Hill might be the fastest man on the field, no matter who’s out there. Speed needs to be matched with on the field IQ and technique, though, which seemed to hold Dax away from additional playing time until later on in the year. Hill wasn’t an early enrollee like so many others who get more acclimated to the college game faster than their peers.
The other starter here comes with high regard.
“Brad Hawkins on the defensive side of the ball.” Cesar Ruiz said when asked about who would surprise for Michigan this upcoming season. “He had an ankle thing that kept him out a little bit. But if you watch what he’s able to do on the field, if you watch what he’s able to do in practice, he’s special. I think Brad Hawkins is going to have a great season and no one’s really talking about it. Which I’m surprised. But I believe something special is coming for Brad.”