Michigan Football: Predicting Wolverines starters in 2020

Defense

One key thing to note about the projection for the defensive starters is that it will be based on a four-man front, which Don Brown indicated will be played more in 2020.

DE1: Aidan Hutchinson, Kwity Paye; DT1: Carlo Kemp, Chris Hinton

A four-man defensive line makes the most sense for Michigan football this season. Aidan Hutchinson and Kwity Paye each have All-Big Ten potential on the ends. If they can be dominant, this defense could be really good. Carlo Kemp should be another solid player inside, but Hinton is the guy that could be an impact player. His ability to play the run and rush the passer from the interior could make a huge difference.

LBs: Cameron McGrone, Josh Ross, Michael Barrett

Cam McGrone might have been the best player on Michigan’s defense last season and that’s what I expect from him in 2020. He had 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble and he didn’t start for the first few games of the year. Ross should return from injury all set to be a consistent performer and Michael Barrett is all set to take over the Viper spot.

CB: Ambry Thomas, Vincent Gray; S: Daxton Hill, Brad Hawkins

Of all the position groups on either side of the ball, this might be the clearest. Thomas will start again after pondering the NFL draft but returning. He has electric speed and has turned into a solid man-to-man corner. Vincent Gray also drew praise this week from Brown, who hinted he could even go pro after this season, so expect him to be a starter.