Michigan football was expected to get guys like Jaishawn Barham and Rayshaun Benny back next season but their returns were confirmed on Friday.
Spoke with Michigan DL coach Lou Esposito, who says DT Rayshaun Benny will be back next year. Also loves Jaishawn Barham’s versatility — could play linebacker and edge in 2025.
— Ryan Zuke (@ryanzuke) January 17, 2025
Barham's return was confirmed when he didn't appear on the early entrants list for the NFL draft. The same can be said for Derrick Moore. Moore pledged a return earlier in the offseason but after his performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl, I was a little worried.
However, Moore is slated to be back and so is Benny. Barham will be a senior next season and according to Lou Esposito, he'll play more EDGE next season, although he's still going to play linebacker.
As much as some Michigan football fans are focused on the transfer portal, getting NFL-caliber defenders back for next season is huge. The Wolverines have T.J. Guy, Derrick Moore, and Cameron Brandt, plus Benny, Damon Payne and Tre Williams from Clemson. Enow Etta is also part of the rotation and could play a mix of five-techinque and defensive tackle.
Michigan football is also getting Ernest Hausmann back at linebacker along with Zeke Berry, Aamir Hall, Brandyn Hillman and Jyaire Hill in the secondary. According to Sherrone Moore, Rod Moore could be back too.
Rod Moore return "looks good"
When asked, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said it "looks good" on the return of Rod Moore who missed last season due to injury. Moore has 141 tackles, seven pass breakups, and six interceptions in his career including the game-clincher in the 2023 edition of "The Game."
Moore is an eraser on the backend of the defense and is another dude with a bright NFL future. Had Moore been healthy this season, he would likely be a projected first-round pick too.
So with Moore, Benny, Guy, Barham, and Hausmann, the Wolverines have a solid core of sure-fire draft picks. Moore also said that Michigan wants Wink Martindale to return and that he thinks Martindale wants to be back.
That would be the cherry on top of all those players returning because if Wink is back, Michigan will surely have an elite defense once again.