Michigan Football: 3 position battles to watch on defense this spring

Inside linebacker

Last season, Michigan football had a ton of depth at inside linebacker. Not only did Josh Ross have a stellar season for U-M but Junior Colson and Nikhai Hill-Green both emerged.

Michael Barrett was the odd-man-out last season but as the year wore on, he started to craft a role for himself on defense and notched 23 tackles and a sack. He’s quick and he’s going to be in the mix to start once again in 2022, just as he was last spring/fall.

Ross the top inside linebacker but in my opinion, Junior Colson was the most talented — then and now. The dude played receiver at one time in high school. He can cover, play the run and I’m excited to see him develop as a blitzer.

I don’t see any scenario where Colson doesn’t start. So the battle is going to come down to Hill-Green who had 50 tackles last season and Barrett. However, don’t forget about Kalel Mullings and also Jaydon Hood.

What Michigan needs is someone who isn’t afraid to play the role that Ross did as a thumper and that remains to be seen, although like I said, Colson is going to ball out in 2022.