Michigan Football: 3 positions that need more attention before fall
By Nick Popio
Linebacker
The linebacker position is also a little sparse after Cam McGrone’s departure and transfers. Two guys who are firmly entrenched in their role are Josh Ross and Michael Barrett. They both return as starters from last season and both will have a lot riding on their shoulders as leaders of a revamped defense under Mike Macdonald.
The other starting spot is up for grabs with a slew of names in the mix to earn that opportunity. David Ojabo was mentioned for a brief moment, but the 6’5” 250 pounder might fit best as a pass rusher off the edge in Macdonald’s scheme.
Anthony Solomon appeared to be next in line as the viper in Don Brown’s defense, but those days are gone and possibly leaving him on an island alone. Nikhai Hill-Green and Kalel Mullings are also a pair to watch when camps open up in August.
The hot name of the group is Junior Colson. He has the pedigree to be a glorified star as a Wolverine, but he’s the only one who can determine how his tenure in Ann Arbor ultimately plays out.
Colson should be one of the first-year guys that contributes on the special teams unit, but he could be a year away from being one of the 11 starters on Macdonald’s defense.