The past few days have brought about some really good news for Michigan football. Rod Moore announced his return, along with some key pieces on the defensive line, as well as other players in the secondary.
The defense feels like more of a question mark than the offense. Michigan's defensive line has more question marks than fans are used to, although the secondary is starting to look elite.
Jay Hill's defense is built more on the secondary than the defensive line. You need to be strong up front, but BYU came away with 39 interceptions the past two seasons.
As far as the back end of the defense, there will be plenty to work with at safety and at cornerback, especially after some clear breakout candidates announced their return.
Mason Curtis
One of the freakiest players on the Michigan football roster at 6-foot-5, 211 pounds, Mason Curtis played EDGE and linebacker in high school. He confirmed his return on Friday. You wonder if the new coaching staff will view him as a potential solution to the linebacker issue, assuming he could add another 10-15 pounds.
Considering his frame, that shouldn't be a problem. He had an interception last season, to go along with 34 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a pass defended.
With Curtis on the roster, the safety position is actually deep. Rod Moore, if he's 100 percent, will be a starter. Chris Bracy, the Memphis transfer, has been starter for the Tigers, and Jordan Young sure looked the part down the stretch.
Regardless of all that, Curtis should thrive on special teams and maybe as a nickel linebacker. He will find his way onto the field, one way or another, and a breakout season is certainly possible.
Shamari Earls
Earls was one of the Michigan football players to confirm he will be coming back on Thursday, which was huge news, even if it went under the radar.
Earls is a 6-foot-2 cornerback who ranked in the top 100 overall. He was flipped from Georgia. Injuries limited him as a freshman, but the sky is the limit. He will essentially be the fourth cornerback, but it won't feel like that by the end of the season.
Jordan Young
Young announced he was coming back last week after he entered the transfer portal. Getting him back was a huge win for Michigan, even though he had only 15 tackles and three pass breakups. The upside is easy to see with Young. The 6-foot freshman broke up a pass in three of the last four games.
Young and Curtis should be competing for a starting job alongside Moore and Bracy. That gives the Wolverines four solid options at safety, along with four at corner. That's a good place to be.