Transfer LB Jaishawn Barham will be special for Michigan football

Even though the 2023 Michigan football defense was a national championship defense and one of the best in the history of college football, some have suggested that the 2024 team could have a defense that's even better.

One reason for that has been the emergence of Jaishawn Barham. He was a solid player for Maryland the past two seasons earning honorable mention All-Big Ten.

Barham, sort of like Devin Bush Jr. back in the day, can do it all. The dude can cover, he can get after the quarterback, and he's a stellar run defender. Barham had 9.5 tackles for loss the past two seasons and seven sacks, as well as one interception last season (against J.J. McCarthy).

Michigan football knew it was getting a solid player, but the returns have been incredible. In this Michigan defense, surrounded by the defensive line talent that Maryland doesn't have, has allowed Barham to take his game to another level, at least according to reports, players, and coaches.

Michigan football players and coaches can't stop talking up Jaishawn Barham

According to Alejandro Zuniga of 247 Sports Michigan football defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said of Barham, "When he hits people, they go backward."

Max Bredeson, the Michigan football fullback also said that Barham is "built like a wall."

Barham has the chance to be a force this season. It's incredible that Michigan football was able to land him in the transfer portal and of all the things I'm excited to watch on Saturday, Barham is near the top of the list.

Michigan football doesn't allow much in terms of open practices, so it's not like we have seen what Michigan players and coaches have been talking about.

Barham was already an All-Big Ten caliber player and if he takes a big leap at Michigan, it's going to be scary for opposing teams.