Michigan Football: Nikhai Hill-Green’s emergence is huge for Wolverines

Nikhai Hill-Green has been one of the surprises so far during Michigan football’s fall camp and here’s what his emergence means for the Wolverines. 

Coming into fall camp, Michael Barrett and Josh Ross were expected to be the starting inside linebackers for Michigan football against Western Michigan.

And with just under two weeks left before the season opener kicks off on Sept. 4, that could still be the case. However, all indications are that Nikahi Hill-Green has passed Barrett on the depth chart after a strong offseason, and a strong camp, taking over the No. 1 spot next to Ross.

Here’s what Chris Balas of The Wolverine wrote recently about Hill-Green and his move up the depth chart:

"“Many expected redshirt sophomore Michael Barrett to get the nod after he made the move from viper, but Hill-Green has moved past him on the depth chart … at least for now. Harbaugh called his freshman “everything you’re looking for in a linebacker” last week, and Hill-Green continues to up his game.”"

Hill-Green was a three-star recruit in the 2020 class and is just a freshman in terms of his eligibility. He didn’t see much action last season but impressed the coaching staff and at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, has played well both at inside positions.

"“Hill-Green is playing both (MIKE and WILL) and coming on strong at each. There’s more freedom in this year’s defense under new coordinator Mike Macdonald, he acknowledged whether it’s being the run-stopping MIKE or the pass-covering WILL.”"

Breaking down Michigan’s LB depth

While Hill-Green appears to have moved past Barrett for the starting job, it doesn’t mean Barrett won’t have a role this season. The former quarterback, running back, and defensive back, is an impressive athlete — the staff just has to find a way to utilize his skills.

Barrett had 43 tackles a year ago, as well as one sack and we can all remember the forced fumble he had against Minnesota which resulted in a touchdown in the opening game.

Even if he doesn’t start, he can still play meaningful snaps and he can move between different positions. There are times he could even be used on the edge as a blitzer.

Regardless of who starts, Michigan football was always going to need more quality players to develop at linebacker and with the emergence of Hill-Green and Junior Colson, at least prior to Colson’s injury, the Wolverines have gotten that.

As a result, linebacker has gone from a potential weakness to a strength.