Michigan Wolverines should lean heavily on three key players to step up around Bryce Underwood if they want to succeed in 2025

The Michigan spring game was largely quiet on the offensive side of the ball, but Haynes injected some life into the crowd and the Wolverines offense as he provided fans with the most explosive play of the day (as you can see above). There should be plenty more where that came from if Michigan just simply leans on him consistently.

Rayshaun Benny, Defensive Tackle

The Michigan Wolverines just lost two star defensive linemen to the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Replacing Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant one for one (or two for two) is likely going to be an impossible task. However, if any defensive tackle for Michigan is ready to step up and be a game-changer in 2025 it's going to be Rayshaun Benny.

Most Michigan fans recognize him as a consistent backup and role player, but might not realize how explosive he became last season. He racked up over 20 pass rush pressures with a 10% pressure rate (nearly double positional average) and missed exactly zero tackles on the year according to multiple charting services. He's ready for a true breakout season now that he'll be filling the Mason Graham role.

Bryce Underwood's first live "game action" snap in front of fans at the spring game was a five-yard Rayshaun Benny sack, and that was no coincidence. Benny has slowly but surely developed into a complete game wrecker on defense. Michigan needs to lean on him heavily along the defensive front this year.

Rod Moore, Safety

The Michigan Wolverines defense wasn't too terrible overall last season, but when it came to the defensive secondary there were major problems. The defense finished the year ranked outside top 50 in pass success rate allowed, giving up far too many explosive and undisciplined plays.

When safety Rod Moore announced he was coming back for a fifth and final season with the Wolverines after missing all last fall due to injury it was a huge win. His leadership and consistency in coverage on the back end of the defense should get the unit back to where it belongs among the elites.

Prior to his injury last offseason Rod Moore was projected by many to be a potential day two NFL Draft pick given his proven blend of athleticism, instincts and production. Moore snagged six interceptions across two seasons in 2022 and 2023, allowing a completion rate below 60% and a passer rating below 60 when targeted. Moore could prove to be the most important presence on the defensive side of the ball this season.

We'll be back with more Michigan Wolverines coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

And if you want to see why Justice Haynes, the transfer running back from Alabama, should be one of the most important players for Michigan in the 2025 college football season just check out his highlights in the video below!