Michigan Football: 3 potential concerns for Wolverines in 2022

No Dax could be a problem

When Daxton Hill came to Michigan football, a lot of people compared him to Jabrill Peppers and while he didn’t play the Viper position, as a nickel, he provided many of the same things.

His run defense was spectacular and he still doesn’t get the credit he deserves for it. Having Hutchinson helped but Hill was an eraser of sorts and his speed along the edges, plus his ability as a sure-fire tackler saved a lot of big plays.

Hill flashed more last season and was able to come up with a few interceptions, but he was always better than his numbers showed and the Wolverines are going to miss him.

They do have DJ Turner and he’s excellent in coverage. Five-star freshman Will Johnson will help too but there isn’t anyone, outside of some other freshman such as Keon Sabb or Zeke Berry, that has the same versatility as Hill.

He could match up with the opposing tight end if he was the No. 1 target or line up in the slot, or even out wide. He was great against the run and a stellar blitzer too.

Frankly, I see Hill having a Rashan-Gary-like climb in the NFL where he’s more productive at that level once he truly unlocks all his skills. He started last season and replacing him is going to be more difficult than people think — just as difficult as Hutch.