Michigan Football pass rush will be lights out again in 2023

Michigan football is known as EDGE U for a reason and I wouldn’t expect the pass rush to drop off at all in 2023 for the Wolverines. 

Year after year, Michigan football has a dominant pass rush. Sure, there was a little dropoff last season after Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo went to the NFL, but not much.

The Wolverines actually had more total sacks in 2022 with 37 compared to 34 for Michigan football in 2021.

That goes to show that the pass rush is about more than sacks. Those are important, but pressures are important too as we learned the past two seasons in the Ohio State game.

While Michigan football is once again having to replace some talented pass rushers such as Mike Morris, Taylor Upshaw, and Eyabi Okie, there is plenty of talent on the roster.

The pass rush is loaded again

Mike Elston, the defensive line coach, talked about it on a recent episode of the In The Trenches podcast. One thing that was interesting was the high praise he heaped upon Derrick Moore and Braiden McGregor. Here’s what he said via On3.com: 

"“We played two edge positions, one to the field, one to the boundary. Braiden McGregor and Derrick Moore are future guys that their names are going to be said a lot. We love the way they play. They’re very smart, aggressive, great pass-rushers. They can do all the jobs we ask that field end to do.”"

Elston said the group was “special.” He also talked about the potential contributions of newcomer Josiah Stewart, and also Jaylen Harrell who shouldn’t be forgotten. Some others will have a role too. Freshmen such as Enow Etta, have also earned praise from Elston:

"“Enow Etta is doing a fantastic job. Cam Brandt from California is smart, aggressive,” Elston added. “He’s going to be able to play a lot of positions for us. Aymeric Koumba from Bordeaux, France — he’s big, long, athletic, doing a great job. And then Breeon Ishmael from Cincinnati who’s just been a great addition. It’s a really fun group.”"

TJ Guy and Kechaun Bennett should also have a chance to contribute this season. However, McGregor, Moore, Harrell, and Stewart are all players that should excel this season.

The EDGE room is in a healthy place and as we saw down the stretch in 2022, McGregor is a different player when he’s healthy. Moore is due for the second-year leap. Toss in Stewart and Harrell and this pass rush is going to be fierce.

Especially considering all the guys on the inside such as Kris Jenkins, Kenneth Grant, and Mason Graham.