Josh Ross and Donovan Jeter expected to return next year
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:03 AM ^
Any returning experience is great at this point, happy to have them!
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:14 AM ^
Not that long ago this wouldn't have been noteworthy because it was the norm; now it's something to celebrate.
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:18 AM ^
Positive news! What's this blog coming to?
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:24 AM ^
User name checks out
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:27 AM ^
Very good news. We now have 5 upper classmen returning on defense with 4 starting - Hutchinson, Ross, Jeter and Hawkins.
So, that means a year of underclassmen developing. We'll get to see pretty quickly how well this new coaching staff can develop these guys into a cohesive defense.
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:32 AM ^
With the installation of a new system these 4 on defense will need to be coaches on the field. Fortunately they're spread across the units and can guide each position room.
February 2nd, 2021 at 11:20 AM ^
To be fair, Hinton should be included in that too - right? He'll be a junior and started some last year. Technically Mazi Smith is going to be in his third year on campus as well but he redshirted and hasn't played much.
February 2nd, 2021 at 11:28 AM ^
Dax Hill as well. He's almost a certainty to jump to the draft early so for all intents and purposes, he's a senior too.
February 2nd, 2021 at 11:35 AM ^
Just a novice, but unless he makes a great leap forward, this would be a mistake.
February 2nd, 2021 at 11:50 AM ^
Returning starters who are upper classman (3rd year or above):
QB: Milton/McNamara (Both are upper classman, both have starting experience)
RB: Hassan Haskins
WR: Ronnie Bell, Cornelius Johnson, Giles Jackson
TE: Erick All
OL: Ryan Hayes, Andrew Steuber, Chuck Filiaga, Karsen Barnhart, Trevor Keegan, Nolan Rumler
DL: Aidan Hutchinson, Chris Hinton, Donovan Jeter, Taylor Upshaw
LB: Michael Barrett, Josh Ross
DB: Vincent Gray, Gemon Green, Dax Hill, Brad Hawkins
The only spots we don't really have a veteran presence in is at ILB. All these guys have game experience and have been with the program for over 3 years. Injuries and opt outs this year will probably pay dividends next year as a bunch of guys got thrown into the fire.
February 2nd, 2021 at 12:56 PM ^
I think the depth chart by class is confusing some people because COVID froze everyone in place in terms of their eligibility.
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:30 AM ^
Hopefully MacDonald and Linguist can get more out of both of these guys. There has been hype around both of them, but we've yet to see standout production. It will be necessary in 2021 from them.
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:31 AM ^
Ross seemed out of sorts last year. Hoping the staff gets him back on track and drafted.
February 2nd, 2021 at 11:38 AM ^
I will be very interested to watch Ross next year when it comes to observing Mike MacDonald's impact.
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:37 AM ^
Ross was very promising before his injury. I’m hopefully the new staff can get the most out of him. Jeter could benefit too from the new staff.
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:45 AM ^
Have been waiting for Jeter to bust out and make an impact, and certainly new D staff could help. He chose us over Notre Dame, and injuries derailed him early on. Really rooting for him to have a career year in 2021!!!
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:50 AM ^
Way to stay, GoBlue!
February 2nd, 2021 at 11:18 AM ^
Ross did not have the wheels for what was being asked of him in Brown's offense. Hoping the new scheme plays ito his strengths.
February 2nd, 2021 at 11:35 AM ^
Now that Don Brown is gone..... the clouds will part, a ray of sun will shine down on the Big House and our defense will be tops in the nation.... like it was the first two seasons Don Brown was there....
February 2nd, 2021 at 1:10 PM ^
Bozo the Clown could have had a great year with the talent on those defenses that Brady Hoke recruited for him. When Don began recruiting, how did that turn out for Michigan?
February 2nd, 2021 at 1:08 PM ^
Maybe these men will finally receive proper coaching techniques and fundamentals. Ross will also be learning his LB zone drops to stop the underneath cross routes because instead of blitzing every snap he will probably actually become a true LB. Michigan does have talent but it was poorly developed and that’s all Harbaugh’s fault. John is a much better coach.
February 2nd, 2021 at 2:29 PM ^
Probably good for both. I don't see them getting drafted.
Ross has good leadership skills and work ethic and is a good mentor to younger players. He hits hard butt could be quicker.
You can't have too many bodies on the Dline. At 6'3" 318, I see Jeter as a potential nose in a 3-4. as well as a 3 tech in a 4-3.
We could still use another body from the portal if we can get one.
February 2nd, 2021 at 7:47 PM ^
So they'll be eligible for the 2021 and 2022 seasons right?
February 2nd, 2021 at 10:29 PM ^
Anyone know if Vastardis is coming back?
I knew about these two...he's the only one I don't know (well I guess Filiaga too, but I don't see him returning).