Michigan Football: Predicting Wolverines 2020 starters on defense
Cornerback: Vincent Gray, DJ Turner, Jalen Perry; Backups: Andre Seldon, Darion Green-Warren
The loss of Ambry Thomas will certainly hurt in the secondary. Not only does he has good size at 6-foot, but Thomas has elite speed and will surely be an early-round pick in the NFL draft.
However, the cupboard isn’t bare. Vincent Gray notched five passes defensed a year ago and proved he’s capable of being a starter. He’s also a guy with NFL potential.
Beyond Gray, the other sports are up for grabs. DJ Turner has been having a strong offseason and Jalen Perry has also gotten some recognition from defensive coordinator Don Brown.
Both of those guys seem like they will get some chances to play this season, along with freshmen Andre Seldon and Darion Green-Warren.
Seldon is an ideal player in the slot and he’s extremely quick. It wouldn’t shock me if he was the nickel corner at some point this season. Daxton Hill has also been talked about at corner and like last season, he could see some time in the slot too, especially with his 4.3 speed.
Safety: Daxton Hill, Brad Hawkins: Backups: Makari Paige, R.J. Moten, Sammy Faustin
The moving piece here could be Hill. In the base defense, he will probably be the starting safety, but he will likely see time in the slot too. Brad Hawkins is the other clear starter at safety and he is tremendous in the box and had 53 tackles a year ago.
After Hill and Hawkins, things are pretty wide open but some freshmen have impressed early and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Makari Paige or R.J. Moten earned some time as the No. 3. Sammy Faustin is another name in the mix. He could play some at corner too.
Overall, there is a solid blend of youth and experience in the secondary and throughout the defense. With Paye, Hutchinson, McGrone, Kemp, Ross, Gray, Hill and Hawkins, the Wolverines return a bunch of experienced veterans, plus some highly-touted youngsters.
Next. Game-by-game predictions for 2020. dark
And by season’s end, this should be one of the best defensive units in the Big Ten and the entire country.