Michigan Football: 4 Wolverines who need to be alphas in 2020

Aidan Hutchinson

Back in the 2018 recruiting class, the Wolverines top player was four-star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and after two years at Michigan football, he’s lived up to that billing.

Hutchinson earned some playing time as a freshman and then last season, he wasn’t just a full-time starter, he was among Michigan’s best defenders. The 6-foot-6, 278-pounder finished with 68 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, six pass breakups and 45 quarterback pressures.

Aidan has also received preseason First-Team All-Big Ten honors and the last two numbers tell the story of why. Not only is he outstanding against the run with 68 tackles for loss, but his 45 pressures (which include sacks) and six pass breakups show how impactful he is vs the pass.

He’s as good as anyone in the Big Ten batting down passes, which is a disruptive play. But with Uche gone, Michigan needs more sacks and with all his pressures, Hutchinson is a good candidate to get 10 or more.

That’s what the Wolverines need in 2020 and if Hutchinson delivers, it might be the junior’s final season in Ann Arbor.