Michigan Football: 5 Wolverines who need to live up to the hype

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 28: Caziah Holmes #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions tries to get around the tackle of Daxton Hill #30 of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Michigan Stadium on November 28, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

Syndication: DetroitFreePress /

Mazi Smith

As Michigan football has shifted to more of a 3-4 front this season under Macdonald, the nose tackle position has become vitally important.

The good news is that Mazi Smith, a former high-ranking four-star recruit, is poised to take over that position and has been having a tremendous offseason according to all reports. Here’s what Jim Harbaugh said about him recently:

"“Mazi, first of all, he’s completely changed his body to a power-pack. Big, wide, thick, strong, and retained his speed and athleticism,” Harbaugh said. “His strike, his knock back. Real desire that he has always shown since day one. He keeps getting better every day, getting stronger every day.”"

The junior is listed at 6-foot-3, 326 pounds and he’s been one of the players with the most positive chatter about his game this offseason.

Last year, the run defense struggled. The loss to Wisconsin stands out and the run defense will be tested early this season by both the Badgers and the Washington Huskies.

Smith, another former in-state recruit, needs to finally breakout. He’s got the potential to dominate and if he can do that consistently this season, it will be a massive development for the Wolverines defense in 2021.

Home/Michigan Football