Michigan Football: 5 defensive players flying under the radar

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Don Bosco quarterback Jake Robbins throws with pressure from St. Peter’s defender George Rooks. No. 1 St. Peter’s Prep defeats Don Bosco Prep, 21-7, in Jersey City on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. /

DL George Rooks

George Rooks was one of Michigan football’s late additions to the 2022 recruiting class, along with Rayshaun Benny and just like Benny, Rooks should see significant snaps this season.

I don’t expect either to be starting but they are going to be part of the rotation and while lots of fans know Benny and do expect him to start sooner rather than later, Rooks is still flying under the radar despite having a really strong spring.

When D-Line coach Mike Elston was talking about the Wolverines’ pass rush without Hutchinson and Ojabo, he put an emphasis on improving the interior pass rush. Mike Morris can help with that but he’ll be playing on the EDGE a lot more this season.

That’s where Rooks comes in. He’s a strong interior pass rusher and that’s what Michigan football needs more of. Kris Jenkins and Mazi Smith should be improved in that area too, but if Rooks can make an impact this season, the pass rush will be in good shape, especially with UCF transfer Cam Goode also joining the D-line.

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