Michigan Football: 5 defensive players flying under the radar

After breaking down some offensive players for Michigan football flying under the radar, here’s a look at five Wolverine defenders in the same boat. 

Every day we creep closer to the start of the Michigan football season and fall camp is now less than a month away.

It’s exciting and while Michigan football fans haven’t had the best time following recruiting in the 2023 cycle, although it’s getting better, getting back on the field is something we can look forward to and if U-M keeps rolling there, the recruiting will take care of itself.

The offense is loaded and returns the majority of its starters from last season. On defense, that isn’t the case as a number of key guys need to be replaced, including Heisman trophy runner-up Aidan Hutchinson, as well as Daxton Hill and David Ojabo.

Yet, the defense isn’t short on talent, just experience, and here are five Michigan football defenders that are flying under the radar heading into the 2022 season.

LB Michael Barrett

One guy Michigan football fans often forget about, but shouldn’t is linebacker Michael Barrett. The former high school quarterback turned running back and now a linebacker, was effective as a Nickel LB last season and he proved to be solid in coverage.

Jim Harbaugh said this spring that Barrett was viewed as a starter in the nickel package and after the way he produced last season, he deserves more snaps in that role. On top of that, he’s been one of the Wolverines’ best special teamers and is more than just a third ILB.

Barrett might not be a full-time starter, but he will play an important role on defense and special teams for U-M in 2022.