Michigan Football: 5 freshmen likely to make an impact in 2022

Mason Graham

Back to the defensive line, where Mason Graham looks like a man amongst boys. The true freshman is 6-foot-3, 317 pounds, and will play this season, a lot.

Harbaugh spoke recently about how the interior of the defensive looked better on the “In The Trenches Podcast” with Jon Jansen and Graham is one reason why.

The four-star prospect out of California was one of Michigan football’s biggest recruiting victories in the 2022 class. Michigan flipped him from Boise State, but then held off pushes from USC and Oregon, which each offered after his commitment.

Graham is a really good interior pass rusher and that was an area where Michigan football wasn’t great last season. I expect Mazi Smith, Cam Goode, and Kris Jenkins to improve, plus Mike Morris and Welschof should get some rushes on the inside too, but Graham is another name to watch.

Defensive linemen generally take a minute to adjust, but Graham is one of two on this team that seems special enough to make an early impact.