The 2023 Michigan football defense was one of the best in college football history. Only the 1997 Michigan defense has an argument to make about being the best in school history.
Frankly, both of those units stand alone. If there was a Mt. Rushmore of Michigan football defenses, the 1997 and 2023 squads would be honored. No doubt about it.
But according to one stalwart, Mason Graham, the best defensive tackle in college football (according to Pro Football Focus), the Wolverines could be even better on defense in 2024.
“I just feel like the defense could be better if not the same as it was last year,” Graham said to Chris Balas of The Wolverine. “I think we’re on a good track, I haven’t seen any complacency, and I think we can repeat everything we did last year and more. Obviously, it’s team 145, no more 144, so we’re going to have to do things differently. But I think it’s going to be a good season, for sure.”
Could Michigan football defense be even better?
Balas’ article on Graham talks about him as one of the best defensive tackles in Michigan history. The tandem of Kenneth Grant and Graham could be the best in Wolverines’ history. Will Johnson is also like the second coming of Charles Woodson, at least on defense, and there isn’t a glaring weakness on the entire two-deep.
Yes, Michigan football could use another defensive back, but DJ Waller and Jyaire Hill are turning heads this spring according to Sherrone Moore, plus you have Ja’Den McBurrows, Myles Pollard, and even Zeke Berry who could see some time as a nickel season. Rod Moore could too.
The front four, as long as no one leaves during the spring portal window, will be as good as any in college football. The linebacker room is loaded and outside of some depth, Michigan is set at EDGE too.
Graham talked about blocking out the noise and not focusing on other schools that have reportedly offered him seven figures to leave Michigan football. He hasn’t yet and he doesn’t sound like a guy that’s not going anywhere.
As long as that’s the case, then yes, the Michigan defense could be just as good in 2024, if not better.
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