3 thoughts on Tre Williams commitment for Michigan football

Michigan football added a key piece on the defensive line on Saturday thanks to the commitment of former Clemson defensive lineman Tre Williams.

Williams entered the transfer portal earlier taking part in the College Football Playoff for the Clemson Tigers. He actually had two sacks against Texas and at 6-foot-2, 315 pounds, Williams is a solid pickup for the D-line.

Here are three thoughts on his commitment and what it means for Michigan football.

The D-line rebuild continues

Don't confuse Tre Williams with Mason Graham or Kenneth Grant. Yet, he's a player who has NFL potential -- look no further than his game against Texas (two sacks).

Williams has played over 770 snaps for Clemson in three seasons. He was a former top-100 recruit and will add another proven player to the front. Last season, he had 16 tackles in 330 snaps. He also managed 16 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries.

A starting defensive line of Rayshaun Benny, Williams, and Damon Payne will be stout and disruptive. But Trey Pierce and Enow Etta will have something to say about that too.

Still though, you have to like how the defensive line is coming together.

A bet on upside

Williams has put some good stuff on film. At times, he looks like an NFL player but he hasn't been able to put it together consistently.

The Wolverines have been a factory for defensive line prospects. Graham was a lowly-ranked four-star recruit. Grant was a three-star when he came to Michigan.

They will each get drafted in the first round this spring. Williams isn't that kind of player but he hasn't reached his ceiling. Neither has Payne and both players are coming to Michigan in an effort to reach it.

Michigan did what it needed to in the portal

Michigan football fans might be lamenting that the Wolverines didn't land more of an impact player from the transfer portal at defensive tackle, but if you look at what's available, the Wolverines did well.

Payne and Williams are similar in my mind. They were highly-ranked recruits who have flashed some as college players but probably haven't reached their potential.

If Michigan football helps them reach that potential, it will be a home run. But even if they are the players that they were last season, the Wolverines will have done enough.

Rayshaun Benny will take a huge leap next season. If anyone on the interior of the defensive line has a chance to become a first-round pick, it's him.

But if Williams and Payne take leaps, they could easily be draft picks too. And even if they don't, their floor is high enough that the Wolverines have a healthy mix of veterans/young guys who can rotate around Benny next season and hold up just fine.