Michigan Football: Is Kenneth Grant the Wolverines Best Lineman?
Michigan football came into 2023 with sky-high defensive expectations. Most of the Wolverines’ talent was returning, and key young players were going to have a full year of development under their belt. Thus far, the defense has been suffocating.
The first and second-string defense is yet to allow a point. Yes, Michigan’s two opponents have not been powerhouses, but it’s a very impressive feat nonetheless. Especially when you consider how banged up Michigan’s secondary has been; Will Johnson played a few snaps against UNLV after sitting out the ECU game, and Rod Moore and Makari Paige continue to be sidelined out of caution.
The injuries in the secondary have made it crucial for the defensive line to dominate, and they have stepped up. The line looks much improved and is constantly generating pressure—especially the interior and sophomore Kenneth Grant.
Many people, myself included, were extremely excited to see the development of Kenneth Grant heading into the 2023 season. So far, we have not been disappointed.
Grant has been an absolute terror for the Wolverines, constantly pressuring the quarterback and making the middle impossibly tough to run through.
Against ECU, Grant didn’t record any stats. Beyond the surface, however, Grant was phenomenal. He was dominating the ECU offensive line and pressuring quarterback Mason Garcia constantly. In fact, Grant’s pressure forced Garcia into an ill-advised throw that turned into an interception by Mike Sainristil.
Against UNLV, Grant took it even further. He recorded 4 tackles and 1.5 sacks, essentially living in the backfield. Grant has been drawing comparisons to former Georgia superstar Jordan Davis for some time. Now, those comparisons are beginning to look very valid.
Grant has created a legitimate argument for being the best defensive lineman on the team. His physical attributes (being 6’3 339 lbs) make him a wall in the middle. His skills have turned him into a nightmare for opposing teams.
Saying that Grant is the best defensive lineman on the team may be a bit premature for now, but I expect that argument to hold some weight by the end of the season. When it gets to Penn State and Ohio State, Grant will be tremendously important.
Next. 5 things we learned in Michigan football win over UNLV. dark
When you have Kenneth Grant on the field with Mason Graham or Kris Jenkins, opposing teams just aren’t going to have enough linemen to keep the backfield clean. Look for Kenneth Grant to continue dominating over the coming weeks. Go Blue!