Michigan Football: The race for the viper is Michael Barrett’s to lose

Michael Barrett is poised to become Don Brown’s next menace off the edge to fill a void left by Khaleke Hudson at viper for Michigan football.

By working his way up Michigan football‘s depth chart, it’s Michael Barrett’s turn on the totem pole to occupy the viper role.

The two-time letter winner flashed signs on special teams, including successful fake punt attempts that converted into first downs last season. Throw in his interception at last year’s spring outing and it’s clear to see the youngster has playmaking potential written all over him.

Defensive coordinator Don Brown spoke highly of his newly minted viper stud. He made it clear as day by stating “he’s seen enough out of him to be excited.”

That may put a lot of pressure on the kid, but coming from a well respected defensive mind like Brown’s, has to account for something quite meaningful.

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Barrett is well equipped to fit the viper mold because of his natural instincts. He switched to defense with Michigan football after brief a stint on offense. In high school, he lined up mainly at quarterback, but was an all-around technician at several areas. Now, he has found his home and must strive even harder to make an impact like his predecessors that came before him did.

Behind Barrett lies a wealth of inexperienced youth. William Mohan was named by Brown as a replacement for Barrett, while some have already placed that moniker on R.J. Moten.

Moten stirred up the internet not long ago with a picture that made him look like he was in playing shape as we stand here today. So keeping Barrett healthy should be a priority for the campaign unless the staff sprinkles in one of his other reserves as dictated by their plans.

Anthony Solomon is another intriguing piece to the puzzle that could turn heads come camp time. He may get a peek at the other linebacker gigs, but may be more well versed at the viper hole. How he preps in practice will determine whether he can gain some attention on the gridiron or not. Safety recruit Quinten Johnson has a similar build to Khaleke Hudson which could also earn him a shot at getting some reps at viper.

Not to sound like a broken record, but spring preparation would have been huge for Barrett to help solidify his place as number one on the depth chart. At least he knows what he has to do once camp opens to play his part in forging a better defense for 2020 and beyond.

From the sounds of how things are moving forward though, Barrett is cementing his place in the starting lineup and leaving little to no doubt. That means one less decision to be debated upon.