Michigan Football: 3 Wolverines could be surprise starters in 2020

Braiden McGregor

The prized recruit didn’t come to Ann Arbor to sit on the bench and Braiden McGregor was the top defensive player in the Wolverines 2020 class.

He’ll be expected to contribute out of the gates and should be considered a starter heading into the 2021 season. He was 2020’s best defensive commit in the class for a reason and will aim to showcase as fast as humanly possible.

His 6-foot-6, 250-pound frame is Big Ten ready and by enrolling in January, he’s already ahead of the summer freshmen learning curve.

The high school record setter is arguably more talented then most currently on the roster at defensive end. Barring any injury or something unforeseen, McGregor is a virtual lock to go from backup to starter in the blink of an eye.

Last October he suffered a vicious knee injury that cost him precious time during his senior year. That, along with the virus, could have conceivably halted his progress, but he said that he had been told that he would be close to a full go by spring ball.

Nearly a year later, McGregor continues to grind and will likely be brought along slowly until he is 100% to be unleashed.