3 bold predictions for Michigan Football on defense in 2022
By Josh LaFond
How will the Wolverines replace defensive stalwarts on the defensive line and in the secondary? Who steps up, who fills in, and what bold predictions do we have for the defense?
There’s no way around it. Aidan Hutchinson, David Ojabo, and Daxton Hill don’t grow on trees. In fact, they don’t come around often at all.
So how will Michigan football fill that void? In the aggregate by using more players and/or different schemes to do the things the aforementioned players could’ve done on their own? Perhaps a couple of young players with something to prove will step up and handle it on their own.
Time will tell. But there’s good news for Michigan football fans.
Much like the talent on offense, there are plenty of viable options on defense to lead the way in the 2022 campaign. This is a bold predictions article after all. So how about we dive into what our three defensive bold predictions are for Michigan football this season.
Bold Prediction #1: Junior Colson ends the season as an All-American.
Junior Colson has the makings of becoming a future first-round draft selection when his time comes.
Colson is set to springboard from a stellar 2021 in which he played in all 14 games, started in 7 of them, and found himself on the Football Writers Association of America’s (FWAA) Freshman All-American list.
That was just his true freshman season.
Now, with another off-season of conditioning, weight training, and film study, there’s no doubt that Junior Colson has the look and the makings of the next great Michigan linebacker.
This defense needs playmakers, and Colson is the best bet to be that guy.
My bold prediction: 40 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumbles, 1 interception, First Team All-American selection.