Michigan Football: 5 position battles to watch heading into fall camp

EDGE

Moving over to the defensive side of the ball, Michigan football lost its top two pass rushers from 2021 in Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo, and replacing them won’t be easy. It’s also going to lead to a fascinating position battle.

The one guy I feel confident about in the starting lineup is Mike Morris. Jim Harbaugh and other coaches have talked him up and the 6-foot-6 monster can play on the edge, as well as at the five-technique. He can also line up as a DT and wreak havoc as an interior pass rusher.

However, that only works if the Wolverines have others on the edge capable of pressuring the quarterback. Taylor Upshaw notched three sacks last season and he’ll need to be more consistent this season if he wants to be the full-time starter.

Jaylen Harrell is another name to watch. He seems like a logical starter outside and opposite Morris. He’s solid setting the edge and had a big play in the Big Ten title game and against Ohio State. He needs to prove himself as a pass rusher though.

TJ Guy is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound edge rusher that impressed during the spring. Former highly-touted recruit Braiden McGregor, who has a similar build to Hutchinson and was a borderline top-100 recruit, could also challenge for playing time now that he’s healthy.

Four-star freshman Derrick Moore, a top-50 recruit, also shouldn’t be counted out. He might not be ready to be a full-time player but he’s going to be a problem in pass-rushing situations and the Wolverines need to find a way to get him on the field too.

Overall, Michigan football might not have superstars like last season, but there is more than enough talent for the pass rush to be really effective once again in 2022.