Michigan Football: Daxton Hill, secondary will stand out in 2021
After a forgettable 2020 season for the Michigan football secondary, the backend of the defense, led by Daxton Hill, will excel in 2021.
One of the biggest disappointments last season for Michigan football was the secondary. The run defense also wasn’t great but the play of the defensive backs was disappointing.
Vincent Gray who was supposed to take a step forward in his first full season as a starter took a step back. Gemon Green flashed at times but missed too many game-changing opportunities.
Brad Hawkins missed too much time due to injury and Daxton Hill just was never used correctly by Don Brown and the former defensive staff.
Not only is Hill the best athlete on Michigan football’s defense, but he’s also the Wolverines’ best cover guy and one of their best tacklers in the open field.
Even though he hasn’t been super productive in Ann Arbor with just two interceptions Hill still notched 44 stops and four pass breakups a year ago.
Now, with a new staff, a better scheme, and more experienced players around Hill, the outlook is much brighter for the secondary, which I see turning into a strength, instead of a weakness.
Michigan Football projected secondary depth chart
CB Starters: Gemon Green, DJ Turner, Vincent Gray; Backups: George Johnson Andre Seldon, Darion-Green Warren.
S Starters: Daxton Hill, Brad Hawkins: Backups: RJ Moten, Makari Paige
We’ve talked at length about what Hill’s role should be this season. I would love to see him in the nickel whenever possible.
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Hill still has a lot to offer as a traditional safety, especially with his speed. Like Jabrill Peppers used to, I’d love to see Hill prevent some of the big plays that have killed Michigan over the years.
He’s got the speed to be a tremendous center fielder. But the Wolverines need him to make impact plays too, which is why I like him in the slot. Let him do a little of everything: Blitz, cover, play the run.
Seeing Hill reach his potential would go a long way to the defense reaching its full potential this season. Hawkins is also going to help both the run and pass defense.
Green is another guy to watch. If he can improve from last season, he’s got the ability to play on Sundays. He needs to get better at playing the ball but if he can do that, Michigan could have something there.
The depth with guys like Gray, Seldon, and Darion Green-Warren waiting in the wings is solid. Plus, both Moten and Makari Paige have continued to stand out at safety.
Game-by-game predictions for 2021. dark. Next
There’s no doubt that Michigan football has the talent to excel in the secondary, it just needs to realize that potential, and Hill, as well as others, will do just that in 2021.