Linebackers
Starters: Junior Colson, Michael Barrett, and Ernest Hausmann;
Backups: Jimmy Rolder, Jaydon Hood, Micah Pollard
Another position group where the Wolverines are really deep. Colson is going to be an All-American and a day-two draft pick after this season.
The former high school wide receiver can do everything you want in a three-down linebacker. He can pressure, cover, and is a great tackler.
Michael Barrett and Ernest Hausmann will share some snaps but all three of them are going to play a lot. Jimmy Rolder and Jaydon Hood are other guys that are certainly good enough to start for other Big Ten teams.
But when you have three NFL-caliber players in front of you, including Hausmann who was rated as a top-five overall transfer by 247 Sports this offseason, there’s no shame in being relegated to the bench, although Rolder will play just as he did last season.