Michigan Football: 5 bold predictions for Wolverines in 2021

Chris Hinton will be an All-Big Ten performer

Speaking of former five-star recruits, defensive lineman Chris Hinton was a five-star recruit in Michigan’s 2019 recruiting class.

Hinton has held his own thus far, even though the stat sheet may not show it yet. In 18 career games (5 starts), he has 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack. However, most defensive linemen need a little time to get stronger and develop. Year three is often when things begin to click.

In his junior season, Ryan Glasgow emerged as a starter in 2014 and earned 11 starts. He became a key cog in a Michigan run defense that ranked 15th nationally in rushing yards allowed per game.

In his junior season, Taco Charlton had 8.5 tackles and 5.5 sacks. It set up a dominant senior season for him and he finished with 10 sacks. Charlton was a reserve in his third year just like Maurice Hurst was in his. Hurst had 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks and it was the first signs of the disruptive force he would become at Michigan.

Hinton could be the next Michigan defensive lineman to have a breakout season in his third year. Michigan’s defensive scheme change should benefit him as well.

In Michigan football’s 3-4, Hinton will likely be Michigan’s starting 5-tech. He has the speed and quickness to work around offensive tackles while also possessing the strength to take on blocks and hold up in the run game. He can still slide back inside to the 3-tech in pass-rushing situations and have matchup advantages when working against offensive guards.

I think Hinton is one of the most important players to Michigan’s success this season. Michigan needs a few of its few defensive linemen to step up and anchor the defense. I think Hinton will be up to the challenge. Around 10 tackles for loss and six sacks should put him in contention for All-Big Ten honors.